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Shelby County DUI Lawyer

Giving You the Representation You Need for DUIs in Shelby County

A DUI arrest is something that can happen to anyone. While exact statistics are not available, some data shows that DUI rates are increasing every year in Alabama. In fact, in 2024, over 6,000 people were arrested for DUIs. That means if you or a loved one have been arrested for a DUI, you’re far from alone. It also doesn’t make you a bad person. However, a DUI arrest still means you face going to court.

DUI convictions stay on your criminal record for the rest of your life. They can impede your ability to get and maintain a job or a driver’s license and could even impact your freedom. Even the stigma of DUI charges can stay with you for years. This is why it’s important to understand Shelby Count DUI laws and how an experienced attorney can help you if you find yourself facing a potential DUI conviction.

What is a DUI in Shelby County?

A person commits a DUI if they are operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher. If the person operating the motor vehicle is younger than 21, this value drops to .02. BAC is the measurement of how much alcohol is in someone’s bloodstream. As a person consumes more alcohol, their BAC rises, and the effects of the alcohol in their system are greater. While alcohol impacts everyone differently, most people experience similar effects at the same levels of BAC:

BAC of .02

Relaxation; slight loss of judgment; feeling “buzzed.”

BAC of .05

Loss of inhibition, altered judgment, lowered alertness, and reaction time.

BAC of .08

Impaired muscle coordination; impaired reasoning skills; difficulty detecting and responding to danger.

BAC of .10

Slurred speech, impaired thought processes, lowered reaction time.

BAC of .15 and Above

Altered mood; severe confusion; nausea and vomiting; loss of balance; loss of muscle control.

There is no set measurement for how many alcoholic drinks it will take to raise someone’s BAC to this level. Some resources claim it takes an average woman three drinks in less than one hour and four drinks in less than an hour for an average man. However, these numbers can vary from individual to individual. How quickly someone’s BAC rises depends on a variety of factors, including:

  • The Amount of Alcohol Consumed
  • How Much Alcohol is in a Drink
  • How Long a Person Has Been Drinking
  • Tolerance
  • Weight
  • Gender
  • Age
  • Food Intake

Generally speaking, people who weigh less, women, elderly people, younger people, and/or those with a lower tolerance will reach a .08 BAC most quickly. Tolerance is how quickly someone can process alcohol through their system. Some people have a naturally high tolerance. This is especially true for those with a long family history of alcoholism. Others develop tolerance through years of heavy drinking. The amount of food someone has been eating also has an impact on BAC. Those who have eaten prior to their first drink or who continue eating while they drink will reach .08 more slowly.

It is important to note that someone can be arrested on a DUI charge even if he or she has not been drinking. Under Alabama law, someone is still considered under the influence if they have consumed drugs or prescription medications that also result in impaired driving. If a motorist is impaired due to having taken drugs or medication, this cannot be measured according to BAC. However, a police officer will still pull them over and potentially arrest them on suspicion of DUI.

What Happens if I Am Pulled Over for a DUI in Shelby County, AL?

If someone is pulled over on suspicion of a DUI, a police officer may issue a field sobriety test. Field sobriety tests are simple tests of coordination and mental abilities to determine whether there is probable cause to think a driver is impaired. Some examples may include reciting the alphabet or walking in a straight line.

If you fail a field sobriety test or if the officer already has reason to believe you are intoxicated, such as slurred speech or disorientation, they will issue a breathalyzer test. A breathalyzer is a pocket-sized machine that measures someone’s BAC by analyzing their breath. While breathalyzers have been found to have a margin of error of about 15%, they are generally considered accurate for Alabama DUI laws. If you blow .08 or higher, you will be arrested for a DUI.

Under Shelby County law, you can legally refuse to take a breathalyzer test if you are pulled over on suspicion of DUI. However, doing so will result in an automatic 90-day driver’s license suspension. Should your case go to court, your refusal can also be used as evidence against you. This is because the court can presume your refusal was an indication you were driving under the influence.

If you are arrested on suspicion of DUI, you will most likely go to court. If you are found guilty, your sentence will depend on if you have any prior DUI convictions and how many. Shelby County takes DUI charges seriously. Even a first-offense DUI can result in severe penalties, including fines and/or jail time. Penalties for a DUI include:

  • First Offense: Up to a Year in Jail; a Fine up to $2,100; 90 Days License Suspension
  • Second Offense: Five Days to a Year in Jail; a Fine Up to $5,100; One Year License Suspension
  • Third Offense: Minimum 60 Days and Up To a Year in Jail; a Fine Up to $10,100; Three Year License Suspension
  • Fourth or Higher Offense: Up to Ten Years in Jail with a Ten Day Mandatory Sentence, a Fine Up to $10,100, and Mandatory License Revocation

Note that convictions for prior offenses could impact the court’s sentencing. This is especially true if your prior convictions involved alcohol abuse. For example, a charge of domestic violence in which alcohol was a contributing factor could cause the court to hand down a harsher sentence.

In addition to your conviction, once you begin driving again, you will be required to use an ignition interlock device. An ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer connected to your car’s ignition system. You will have to blow into it in order for your car to start. If your BAC is above the limit set by the device, you will not be able to start the car. The length of time you are required to use the device will vary according to your conviction.

Note that a skilled attorney can help you avoid a conviction or reduce the severity of your penalty before conviction. They may even be able to prevent you from going to court. This is why obtaining legal representation is important if you have been arrested for DUI. For example, a criminal defense attorney can negotiate for you to attend DUI school rather than face charges. This is a program meant to curb future incidents of DUI. You will attend classes about alcohol abuse and responsible driving. An attorney may also be able to get your sentence reduced from jail time to community service.

These are only the penalties for a simple DUI. Up to a fourth conviction, most DUIs are considered misdemeanors. A fourth or higher DUI is usually considered a felony DUI. Other criminal offenses someone committed that were related to driving under the influence can increase the severity of the charges. For example, if your DUI resulted in someone’s death, you may also be charged with vehicular homicide or vehicular manslaughter. You may also be charged with the destruction of private or public property or endangering public safety. This is why it’s important to hire the services of an Alabama DUI lawyer if you are arrested.

What Should I Do if I’m Arrested for a DUI in Shelby County, Alabama?

If you are facing DUI charges in Shelby County, a criminal defense attorney is imperative to help prevent you from facing jail time. If you or a loved one have been arrested for DUI, it’s vital you immediately contact Jim Golden Law firm, located at 1916 1st Avenue North Pell City, Alabama 35125. Jim Golden Law is a highly respected Alabama law firm. As a lawyer, Jim Golden has extensive experience in criminal law and criminal defense cases in Shelby County and the surrounding Jefferson County Area. In addition to his years as a DUI lawyer, Jim Golden’s practice includes family law, child custody cases, contract review, and more, making him a well-rounded lawyer with extensive experience across many avenues of Shelby County and Alabama law.

Jim Golden’s experience as an Alabama DUI defense attorney means he knows what legal strategies to employ to get you the best possible outcome for his clients. He can review your individual DUI case and recommend the best course of action for you. He prides himself on his readiness and willingness to fight for every one of his clients and his ability to help people obtain justice. He believes every person deserves a good defense in court. While some clients may feel judged by their attorneys, Jim Golden realizes every person makes mistakes, and everyone deserves a second chance.

Facing potential jail time on DUI charges can be a frightening experience. This is why you must have the legal services of a lawyer who can fight for you. Jim Golden’s years of work in the legal profession give him the necessary experience to build a solid defense for all his clients. If you or a loved one have been arrested on DUI charges in Shelby County, don’t hesitate to call Jim Golden Law today at 866-950-6652 for a free consultation or contact his office via email. He can give you or your loved ones the legal representation you need to keep your record clean and maintain your freedom.