Reducing an Alabama DUI

Regardless of where you live, driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) is a serious crime in the United States, and individuals who are convicted of the offense often find themselves facing harsh sentencing guidelines. With some of the toughest laws in the nation, the state of Alabama is certainly no exception. In fact, the penalties for even a first DUI offense can include a license suspension, expensive fines, and a jail sentence. Fortunately, with help from an experienced DUI defense attorney, reducing an Alabama DUI is often possible for many individuals who have been charged with DUI. 

In most cases, driving under the influence is classified as a misdemeanor offense—with felony charges  typically reserved for individuals with four or more prior DUI convictions. Regardless of whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony DUI charges, it is important to know that, if you are found guilty, your conviction will become a permanent addition to your criminal record.

The good news, however, is that many DUI charges can be reduced to reckless driving. As a lesser offense, a reckless driving conviction has fewer penalties than drunk driving. For example, a first-time DUI offender could spend up to a year in jail, fined anywhere from $600 to $2,100, and lose his or her driving privileges for at least 90 days to a year.

On the other hand, the maximum sentence a person convicted of reckless driving can receive is 90 days in jail, $300 in fines, and a 6-month license suspension—and in most cases, you will not receive the maximum penalties.

Furthermore, because Alabama law classifies reckless driving as a serious traffic offense rather than a criminal violation, your conviction will not show up on your criminal record. As a result, you are far less likely to encounter difficulties when seek new employment opportunities, apply to a college or university, or search for housing.

In the event that you are convicted of DUI in the future, a reckless driving conviction will also not affect your status as a first-time offender. This means that you will still be eligible for the penalties associated with a first DUI offense.

Of course, getting your charges reduced is not easy, as it requires a great deal of negotiation. As an exclusive DUI defense firm, the Whitney B. Polson DUI Defense Office has the experience to help increase your chances of reducing your DUI charges. Since 2004, we’ve negotiated countless deals with prosecutors across the state to help our clients avoid the many penalties associated with a DUI conviction.

Put one of Alabama’s most successful law firms to work for you. Get started now by submitting your case online for a free, no-obligation evaluation from one of our dedicated DUI defense attorneys.