DUI Lawyer in Birmingham, AL
Free Case Consultations in Shelby & Jefferson Counties
Were you arrested for a DUI? At Revill Law Firm, our top-rated DUI attorneys in Birmingham have handled countless criminal cases and understand what is necessary to craft an effective strategy to secure the best outcome for your situation.
DUI charges are treated seriously, and if convicted, you could face severe penalties, even for a first-time offense. Having a criminal record can continue to disrupt your life long after you have paid your dues to society. You need strong legal representation as early as possible.
No matter the complexity of your case, you can trust Revill Law Firm to deliver dedicated representation throughout this challenging time. If you are looking for a reliable DUI attorney in Birmingham, AL, let us help you move forward.
Request a free consultation with a Birmingham DUI attorney now to begin building your defense. Call us at (205) 928-6544. Our team is prepared to answer your calls 24/7.
Understanding Alabama’s DUI Law and Classifications
Alabama law defines DUI broadly, covering five distinct subsections. A DUI charge is not limited to alcohol; it includes drugs and any impairing substance.
The Five Ways to be Charged with DUI in Alabama:
- DUI Per Se (§ 32-5A-191(a)(1)): Driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more. This charge does not require the State to prove you were actually driving poorly—only that your BAC was over the legal limit.
- DUI Under the Influence of Alcohol (§ 32-5A-191(a)(2)): Driving while under the influence of alcohol to a degree that renders you incapable of driving safely. This relies heavily on circumstantial evidence like Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) and officer observations.
- DUI Drugs/Controlled Substance (§ 32-5A-191(a)(3)): Driving while under the influence of a controlled substance (illegal or prescription) to a degree that renders you incapable of safely driving.
- DUI Combined Influence (§ 32-5A-191(a)(4)): Driving while impaired by a combination of alcohol and a controlled substance.
- DUI Any Impairing Substance (§ 32-5A-191(a)(5)): A "catch-all" provision for driving while impaired by any substance that affects your mental or physical faculties to an unsafe degree.
As your DUI defense lawyer in Birmingham, we dissect the specific subsection under which you are charged, knowing that each one requires different evidence for the prosecutor to meet their burden of proof.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits in Alabama
Alabama’s DUI laws set specific BAC thresholds to determine legal impairment, which differ based on age, license type, and other factors:
Drivers Aged 21 and Older
- The legal BAC limit for these drivers is 0.08%.
- If a test shows a BAC of 0.08% or above, the driver is legally presumed impaired and may face DUI charges.
- Even if a driver appears unaffected, a BAC at or above this threshold is sufficient for a DUI charge in Alabama.
Drivers Under 21 (Zero Tolerance Law)
- Alabama enforces a zero-tolerance policy for underage drivers.
- For drivers under 21, a BAC of 0.02% or higher results in DUI penalties.
- This lower threshold aims to prevent underage drinking and driving; even a small amount of alcohol can lead to legal action.
Commercial Drivers (CDL Holders)
- Commercial vehicle operators are held to stricter BAC limits.
- The BAC limit for CDL holders is 0.04%, half the standard for most adults.
- This standard reflects the increased responsibility and risks connected to operating commercial vehicles.
Penalties for DUI Convictions in Birmingham
Penalties for DUI convictions in Alabama depend on the number of offenses:
- First offense: Up to 1 year in jail, $600–$2,100 fine, and 90-day license suspension.
- Second offense: Up to 1 year in jail, $1,100–$5,100 fine, and 1-year license suspension.
- Third offense: Up to 1 year in jail, $2,100–$10,000 fine, and 3-year license suspension.
- Fourth and subsequent offenses: Class C felony, up to 10 years in prison, $4,100–$10,100 fine, and 5-year license suspension.
A DUI on your record can also result in steep car insurance rate increases that last for years following a conviction.
Jefferson and Shelby Counties follow these state penalty guidelines, but the timeline and requirements can depend on the local court’s schedule. Often, Jefferson County courts schedule hearings quickly, leaving little time for preparation. Judges and prosecutors sometimes assign extra measures, like mandatory alcohol assessments or community service, based on your case details and local practice.
Why Hire Our Birmingham DUI Defense
Our lead attorney, Victor Revill, has earned a reputation for being a fierce advocate for his clients both in and out of court. He is deeply passionate about defending the rights of those who have been accused of crimes. Attorney Revill's commitment to client success has drawn significant recognition and honors:
- The Client Satisfaction Award of the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys 2015
- The Rising Star from Birmingham Magazine 2015
- Top Civil Rights Attorney from Birmingham Magazine 2015
- Top Criminal Defense Attorney from Birmingham Magazine 2012, 2014 and 2015
Our team focuses on client needs and uses a proactive approach to address every unique detail of each case. We explain complex legal terms clearly so you can make informed choices about your defense. You stay involved and well-informed throughout the process. By keeping communications open, we offer transparency and peace of mind as your DUI case moves forward.
If you are facing a DUI charge, call a proven Birmingham DUI attorney now. We offer 24/7 availability and free consultations to immediately handle your 10-day ALS deadline. Call (205) 928-6544 or reach out online.
-
Learn About Our Top-Rated FirmWe're here to protect your legal rights and defend your future.
-
Our Highly Successful TeamHighly experienced advocates with a Proven history of success.
-
Get Started With A Free ConsultationThe sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start your defense.
The Dual Battle After a DUI
An Alabama DUI arrest triggers two separate legal actions. Revill Law Firm fights both to ensure your best possible outcome.
1. Administrative License Suspension (ALS) Hearing
If you refused a chemical test or if your BAC was ≥0.08%, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) will automatically suspend your license. You have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to file a request for an administrative hearing.
Failure to file within this narrow window results in an automatic, uninterrupted 90-day license suspension. We take immediate action to file the appeal, which stays the suspension until the hearing. We use this hearing to challenge the officer's probable cause for the arrest, often gaining valuable sworn testimony for the criminal trial.
2. Criminal Court Penalties
A first-time DUI conviction in Alabama, even without aggravating factors, carries severe penalties. A first DUI offense in Alabama brings serious penalties: fines from $600 to $2,100, a 90-day driver’s license suspension, required enrollment in DUI or substance abuse programs, and potentially up to one year in jail.
These penalties can create long-term problems for your driving record, insurance costs, and personal reputation. Without legal guidance, you risk facing the full impact of these penalties. Hiring a DUI attorney provides several benefits. Your lawyer explains the legal process, ensures you fully understand your rights, and guides you through hearings, administrative license suspensions, and plea negotiations.
If your BAC was ≥0.15% or if a child under 14 was a passenger, the penalties are enhanced and the IID becomes mandatory for one year.
Understanding Alabama's Implied Consent Law
Alabama’s implied consent law requires anyone lawfully arrested for DUI to take chemical tests for BAC or drug presence.
Main points of implied consent law include:
- Automatic consent: Having a driver’s license and operating on Alabama roads means you automatically agree to breath, blood, or urine tests when suspected of DUI.
- Lawful arrest: Law enforcement must have reasonable grounds to believe impairment and must inform you that refusal brings penalties.
- Refusing a BAC test: Refusing leads to automatic penalties, regardless of whether a court later convicts you.
Refusing a BAC test leads to these license suspensions:
- First refusal: 90-day license suspension.
- Second or later refusal: 1-year license suspension.
DUI enforcement campaigns around downtown Birmingham, the Lakeview District, and during holidays often emphasize implied consent laws at checkpoints, so drivers should know their rights and obligations before such a stop. Refusing BAC testing brings mandatory penalties apart from any fines, jail time, or other DUI consequences.
Police cannot force a blood test without a warrant unless special conditions exist, such as an accident with serious injury or death. If a driver is unconscious or unresponsive, police may still conduct testing under implied consent laws. Prosecutors may argue that refusal suggests awareness of impairment, and courts can use other evidence—the officer’s observations or field sobriety tests—to prove a DUI even without a BAC reading.
How a DUI Lawyer in Birmingham Can Support Your Case
Facing a DUI charge for the first time in Alabama can feel overwhelming, and you might question whether hiring a lawyer is necessary. While you do not have to hire an attorney, consulting with a DUI attorney helps you understand your rights, the potential consequences, and all available defense options. Without a reputable lawyer to support you, your future and reputation may be at risk.
Your DUI lawyer will be in charge of helping you with:
- Supporting you throughout this challenging time and the legal process involved with your case.
- Making sure that you are equipped with valuable legal information and that your questions are answered.
- Helping to protect your rights and your future.
- Thoroughly investigating your case in addition to checking for faults in evidence that are being used against you.
- Gathering evidence that will help defend your specific case.
- Representing you in court and fighting tirelessly for a favorable settlement for you.
- Negotiating plea deals or suggesting alternative sentencing such as diversion programs.
In Jefferson County and Birmingham Municipal Court, detailed local rules and timelines shape arraignment and pretrial hearings. A DUI defense attorney familiar with the area’s legal landscape can ensure the right paperwork is filed and evidence is requested at the appropriate times, reducing your chances of missing critical deadlines or facing administrative license suspension. Working with a local legal team connects you to guidance grounded in how Birmingham judges and prosecutors typically operate.
A DUI lawyer also helps relieve the personal burden of the criminal process. While your legal team manages court requirements, you can focus on daily responsibilities. We aim to empower our clients, guiding you through every phase and tailoring strategies that limit the effects on your work, family, and future.
If you or someone you love faces DUI charges, reach out to our DUI lawyers in Birmingham, AL for clear answers and reliable support. Schedule a free consultation today to learn how a DUI attorney can help you and plan your next steps: Contact us now by calling (205) 928-6544.
FAQ on DUI Defense in Birmingham
What Steps Should I Take After a DUI Arrest in Birmingham?
After a DUI arrest, immediate actions matter. Stay calm and follow police instructions to reduce your risk of extra charges. Write down what you remember about the stop, including the reason for the pullover and anything the officer said. Contact a DUI attorney in Birmingham as soon as possible because license hearings and court dates move quickly in the area.
How Does Birmingham's Local DUI Policy Differ from Other Areas?
Birmingham follows Alabama’s strict DUI laws but targets enforcement along busy routes like Interstate 65 and US Highway 280, where officers run frequent checkpoints. Local court procedures and judges’ practices can also affect your case, making familiarity with the regional court system valuable for successful defense planning.
What Are the Long-Term Ramifications of a DUI Conviction in Alabama?
A DUI conviction creates lasting issues: long-term insurance increases, possible limits on employment, and travel difficulties. A conviction remains on your driving record for five years, and some employers use this information in job decisions, especially in safety-sensitive roles.
Can DUI Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed in Birmingham?
Courts sometimes reduce or dismiss DUI charges if evidence is weak, procedures were not followed, or there are provable mistakes during arrest. Each case turns on details, so a strong DUI defense attorney in Birmingham scrutinizes every step and looks for the best avenues for negotiation—although no option is guaranteed.
How Do Penalties Escalate with Subsequent DUI Offenses in Alabama?
With each DUI conviction in Alabama, penalties increase. First-time offenders may see fines or license loss, while repeat offenders face more jail time, higher fines, and felony charges for fourth or later convictions. Defense attorneys work with your history to mitigate these penalties when possible.