Whether you live in Alabama, were visiting or vacationing in Alabama, or just passing through on an interstate, if you were stopped and arrested by police on a DUI (driving under the influence) violation, you will need to find a lawyer licensed to practice law in the State of Alabama to help you resolve your case.

When you are facing a DUI charge, you must act quickly. Many states only allow 7 days to challenge your case or you will automatically lose your driver’s license. The State of Alabama has a specific rule pertaining to DUI arrests: you must file a challenge within 10 days of your arrest or you will automatically lose your license without a hearing. You need to contact a DWI (driving while intoxicated)/DUI lawyer in Alabama that can defend you in that state.

In the State of Alabama, if you are convicted of a DUI crime it is ordered that you meet with a court referral officer. The judge has the option of adding community service to the punishment you initially receive.

A DUI conviction is a serious matter and can carry harsh consequences as a penalty. States are cracking down harder than ever on DUI offenders. Possible actions taken against an offender include:

• Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license
• Jail time
• A sizeable monetary fine

If you are facing a DWI or DUI charge, you need to take immediate action and seek an attorney experienced in handling DUI cases.

Circumstances proving intoxication include:

• Blood alcohol level in excess of state-accepted limit
• In other ways proving the driver was not capable of safely operating the vehicle

A blood alcohol level is the result of a test which will hold up in court proceedings. Proving impairment of the driver or operator of the vehicle relates to eye witness accounts, statements made by the driver or operator at the time of the offense, and any facts and circumstances surrounding the event that are pertinent to the crime.

Sometimes the offense is also labeled as an OWI (operating while intoxicated). The labels “operating” or “driving” are meant to refer to the amount of physical control you have over the motor vehicle. Depending on the particular state’s definition, because each state is different, the terms “operating” or “driving” does not have to mean the vehicle is in motion or even that the engine is running. If you are found sitting behind the wheel of a vehicle, you can be charged and convicted of driving or operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs if they are found to be present in your body at the time of the charge.

The term “motor vehicle” even has different connotations, which is why you need to hire an experienced DUI lawyer licensed in the State of Alabama. A “vehicle” can be anything that carries passengers or goods. A “motor vehicle” is powered by an engine or a motor. Both terms can include trucks, motorboats, and cars. This difference in terminology is yet another reason to hire an experienced DUI attorney in the State of Alabama.

Also to be taken into consideration is the location of the crime. Laws have changed regarding drunk-driving. With older laws, some terminology applied only to offenses located on public state highways. This, in essence, might help avoid a conviction if it could be proven the crime took place on private property. Newer laws have changed that description and only require proof that the wrongdoing took place within the confines of the state.

If you have been charged with a DWI or DUI in the State of Alabama, you would be well-advised to contact a lawyer that is licensed and practices in the State of Alabama.