Aggravated DUI Attorneys in Auburn, AL
In Auburn, AL, driving under the influence (DUI) is a common violation. A majority of offenders are charged with a misdemeanor DUI, which is still a serious legal issue. However, being charged with an aggravated or felony DUI is even worse as it is associated with longer incarceration periods and more penalties. Your DUI charges can be elevated to a felony in Alabama under the following conditions:
- You have received one or more DUI convictions within a span of five years
- The blood alcohol concentration in your blood stream was 0.016 or higher
- You had an underage person in your vehicle
- You were driving 20 miles above the posted speed limit
- You were operating a vehicle with a suspended license
- Or, you caused a devastating traffic crash involving serious injuries or fatality
If a DUI involves any of the above, local prosecutors might levy aggravated DUI charges against you. Therefore, you need to work with a skilled aggravated DUI attorney in Auburn, AL, as soon as you can after your arrest. Your defense will be much more robust if you get legal representation in the initial stages of the judicial process.
Consequences of an Aggravated DUI Conviction in Auburn, AL
Jail time is a likely outcome of an aggravated DUI conviction as prosecutors and judges treat DUI offenders harshly. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your arrest, if convicted for an aggravated DUI in Auburn, AL, you will face a minimum penalty of two years behind bars (possibly more). Based on this, an aggravated DUI conviction also carries a maximum fine of $4,000 as well as license suspension for at least one year. Apart from the above, there are many more penalties associated with an aggravated DUI conviction.
Notably, an aggravated DUI conviction can have a lasting effect on your personal life by leaving a mark on your criminal record that is almost impossible to erase. The presence of a criminal record can impact your employment prospects and cause a substantial increase in your insurance premiums.
The likelihood of receiving harsh penalties is high unless you work with a seasoned and adept DUI defense attorney. If a plea bargain is your best bet, a skilled lawyer can help you negotiate it. They can also help create a robust defense for your case providing you a greater chance of avoiding conviction by bringing your case to court.
At the Alsobrook Law Group, our expert team of aggravated DUI defense lawyers will work in your best interests and try hard to ensure that you avoid the worst penalties.
Challenging a Guilty Plea in Auburn, AL
According to the law in Alabama, if the defendant enters a guilty plea, they provide voluntary admission, which comprises proof of guilt. However, the guilty plea by the defendant is not a conclusive presumption of guilt. Similar to any other evidence, it is possible to challenge a guilty plea.
Various considerations may contribute to a defendant’s decision to enter a guilty plea in the district court. For instance, a defendant could contend that they entered a guilty plea, despite being innocent, to avoid the possibility of a more stringent sentence at trial.
Alsobrook Law Group Defends You against All DUI Charges in Auburn, AL
First Offense DUI
The seasoned lawyers at Alsobrook Law Group will help you navigate the complex judicial system if this is your first DUI ever or first DUI within ten years. Our lawyers will help you avoid a conviction and DUI penalties as far as possible.
Second Offense DUI
If you were arrested for a second DUI charge within ten years, we could offer you strong legal defense.
Third Offense DUI
Our seasoned DUI attorneys will provide you robust defense against your third DUI charges with a period of ten years.
Felony DUI
You may face felony charges if you are arrested for a fourth DUI within ten years or when any drunk driving accident causes serious injuries to another person.
Aggravated/Super DUI
In Alabama, you face an aggravated or “Super” DUI if your breath or blood test indicated that you have a BAC of 0.15 percent or higher.
Boating Under the Influence
If you are operating a boat with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher, you could be charged with a DUI.
Consequences of a DUI Conviction in Auburn, AL
There are various consequences of a DUI if you receive a conviction or plead guilty. The statutory penalties associated with a DUI offense include suspension of driver’s license, incarceration, monetary fines, and an ignition interlock device (IID), among others.
A DUI sentence in Auburn, AL, may include the following:
- First DUI violation (Misdemeanor): The penalties for first time DUI offenders include up to one year behind bars, a 90-day suspension of driver’s license, fines of up to $2,100, court fees, or installation of an IID. The offender may qualify for probation rather than serving jail time.
- Second DUI violation (Misdemeanor): Second DUI offense penalties include between five days and one year behind bars, fines of up to $5,100, court fees, suspension of driver’s license for one year, or two years of IID installation.
- Third DUI violation (Misdemeanor): A third time DUI offense penalties include incarceration, hard labor, court fees, fines up to $10,100, revocation of driver’s license for three years, or IID installation.
- Fourth or subsequent DUI (Class C Felony): A fourth DUI offense is considered a Class C felony and penalties include between one year and one day and ten years behind bars, fines up to$10,100, hard labor, court fees, revocation of driver’s license for up to five years or an IID.
- Super DUI: The court must order double minimum punishment if a DUI offender apprehended with a BAC level of 0.15 percent or higher.
Legal Help from a Qualified Aggravated DUI Defense Lawyer in Auburn, AL
Aggravated DUI offenses are associated with higher penalties, and the serious nature of the violation makes it particularly crucial for you to work with an experienced DUI attorney when facing DUI charges with high BAC levels.
The skilled DUI defense attorneys at Alsobrook Law Group can help you challenge the correctness of the BAC results or otherwise build a robust defense to ensure the most favorable outcome for you possible. Not only that, we can assist you in evaluating options for plea bargaining to avoid harsher sentences. To speak to a seasoned DUI defense attorney, call at (334) 737-3718 for a free initial consultation.