First Offense DUI Attorney in Birmingham
Charged With A First DUI In Birmingham? Call Revill Law Firm
If you are facing a first-time DUI charge in or around Birmingham, you are probably worried about your license, your record, and your future. You may be searching for a first offense DUI attorney in Birmingham because you have never dealt with the criminal system before, and you want clear guidance.
At Revill Law Firm, we focus our practice on criminal defense throughout Alabama, including drunk driving cases for people with no prior record. Since 2010, our team of Birmingham lawyers has managed a wide range of criminal matters, and we understand how first offense DUI cases move through local courts. We know this is stressful, and our goal is to protect your rights and work to limit the impact on your life.
You do not have to navigate court dates, license issues, and conversations with prosecutors on your own. We offer free case evaluations so you can talk with our team, ask questions, and understand your options before making decisions about your case.
Don't wait until it's too late to save your license. Reach out to a Birmingham first offense DUI lawyer today at (205) 928-6544 or through our contact form. Take advantage of our 24/7 availability, free consultations, and flexible payment options.
Understanding First Offense DUI Laws in Alabama
In Alabama, a DUI is generally classified as a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. The legal definition of DUI covers more than just being "drunk." You can be charged if you are:
- Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher (the "per se" limit).
- Under the influence of alcohol to a degree that renders you incapable of safely driving, even if your BAC is below 0.08%.
- Under the influence of a controlled substance (prescription or illegal) that impairs your driving ability.
- Under the combined influence of alcohol and a controlled substance.
It is important to distinguish a standard DUI from a "DUI with Aggravating Factors." If your BAC was 0.15% or higher, or if there was a child under the age of 14 in the vehicle, the penalties for a first offense are automatically doubled. Furthermore, if your arrest involved an accident causing "serious physical injury" to another person, the charge could be elevated to a felony Assault, making the intervention of a Birmingham first offense DUI lawyer even more critical.
Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a First DUI Conviction in Birmingham
While it is your first offense, the penalties are far from minor. A conviction in Alabama carries both direct and long-term consequences that our firm works tirelessly to mitigate.
Direct Legal Penalties
- Jail Time: You can be sentenced to up to 1 year in the county or municipal jail. While there is no mandatory minimum jail time for a standard first offense, a judge has the discretion to order it.
- Fines: Fines range from $600 to $2,100, plus mandatory court costs, which often exceed $500.
- Driver’s License Suspension: A standard conviction results in a 90-day license suspension.
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): If you refused the breath test or had a BAC of 0.15% or higher, an IID is mandatory for one year. Even for a standard first offense, you may choose to install an IID for 90 days to avoid a "hard" suspension of your license.
- DUI School: Completion of a court-ordered substance abuse program (Court Referral Program) is mandatory.
Collateral Consequences
A DUI conviction creates a permanent criminal record that cannot be expunged in Alabama. This can lead to:
- Employment Issues: Many employers in Birmingham will not hire someone with a recent DUI, especially for roles involving driving, child care, or government clearance.
- Insurance Spikes: Your auto insurance rates will likely double or triple, and you may be required to file an SR-22 form for several years.
- Professional Licenses: Doctors, nurses, and lawyers must report convictions to their respective boards, which can lead to disciplinary action.
Why Choose Our Birmingham DUI Defense Attorneys
Revill Law Firm is based in Birmingham, and our attorneys handle criminal defense cases across Alabama. Because we focus our practice on criminal law, including driving under the influence charges, we are familiar with how prosecutors and judges in this region typically approach first offense cases. This local experience helps us anticipate procedural issues and communicate clearly with you about what is likely in your court.
Since 2010, clients have come to us when accused of crimes ranging from DUI to more serious felony charges. Throughout that time, our team has emphasized protecting constitutional rights, developing tailored defense strategies, and preparing cases thoroughly so that we are ready for negotiation or trial. In many matters, we have been able to resolve cases without trial through careful preparation and advocacy, although results always depend on the specific facts.
We also understand that support during a first DUI goes beyond legal arguments. Our attorneys and staff work to be accessible, answer questions, and explain each step in terms you can understand. We offer free case evaluations so that you can speak directly with a lawyer about your situation, without cost or obligation, before deciding how to move forward.
A first-time arrest doesn't have to mean a conviction. Call a first offense DUI attorney in Birmingham at (205) 928-6544 or contact us online for your free consultation. We are available 24/7 and offer flexible payments to help you get through this.
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What To Do After A First DUI Arrest
After a first DUI arrest, it is common to feel overwhelmed while trying to balance personal responsibilities with fast-moving legal obligations. Understanding what to expect and taking a few early, practical steps can help protect your rights, your driver’s license, and your ability to respond effectively as the case moves forward.
- Carefully review and keep all paperwork you received after your release, including your citation and notice of your Birmingham court date.
- Mark your court appearance on your calendar and plan ahead to avoid missing it.
- Avoid discussing the arrest with law enforcement, acquaintances, or on social media until you have legal guidance.
- Keep all documents related to the arrest in a safe, organized place.
- Be aware that driver’s license issues may arise quickly, especially if chemical testing was involved.
- Contact a DUI attorney early to review your case, explain what to expect in court, and discuss potential options during a free evaluation.
How We Approach First DUI Cases
Most people who contact us about a first DUI have never been arrested before. They are often professionals, students, or parents who are worried about being labeled as a criminal. We approach every first offense as a serious legal matter and also as a turning point in someone’s life, not just another file.
Our attorneys take time to understand the details of your stop, your background, and your priorities. We review what led to the traffic stop, how field sobriety tests were given, how breath or blood tests were handled, and whether your rights were respected at each stage. We then build a defense strategy that fits the specific facts rather than relying on a one size fits all plan from another case.
When you hire a first offense DUI attorney in Birmingham from our firm, we treat your case with the same intensity as a high-level felony. Our defense methodology includes:
- Video Evidence Audit: We watch every second of the police footage. Often, an officer’s written report says a client "stumbled," but the video shows them standing perfectly still. We use this to destroy the officer’s credibility.
- Challenging the "Standardized" Tests: Field Sobriety Tests are designed for you to fail. We highlight how environmental factors like uneven pavement, wind, or even the flashing lights of the police car can cause a "sober" person to fail these tests.
- Negotiating for Reductions: In many cases, we can leverage weaknesses in the state's evidence to get a DUI reduced to a lesser charge like "Reckless Driving," which carries far fewer long-term consequences.
- Managing the Administrative Side: We handle the ALEA paperwork to protect your driving privileges so you can continue going to work and taking care of your family while the case is pending.
Talk With Our Team About Your First DUI in Birmingham
Facing a first offense DUI in Birmingham, AL, can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to handle it alone. When you contact Revill Law Firm, you can speak with a criminal defense team that has spent years guiding people through Alabama’s courts and working to protect their rights.
During your free case evaluation, we will listen to your story, review your paperwork, and outline the next steps so you know what to expect. There is no obligation, and the conversation can help you decide whether we are the right fit for your needs as a first offense DUI attorney in Birmingham.
To talk with a first DUI lawyer in Birmingham about your situation, call us today at (205) 928-6544 or fill out our online form.