Alabama DUI Statistics

Arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) in Alabama rose by just under 10 percent per year in 2007 and again in 2008, after falling by nearly three percent in 2006. The numbers are part of the annual Crime in Alabama report released by the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center.

According to the report, 16,337 DUI arrests were made in 2008, up 9.98 percent from the 2007 figure of 14,854. That number was up 9.49 percent from 13.566 arrests in 2006. The 2006 number was down 2.92 percent from 13,974 in 2005.

Conviction Brings Fines, License Suspension, Possible Jail

A first conviction for DUI in Alabama results in a fine of between $600 and $2,100, with $100 going to the state's Impaired Drivers Trust Fund (IDTF). There is also a mandatory 90-day suspension of driving privileges and attendance of a DUI. Jail time is optional; the maximum is one year.

For a second conviction, the fine ranges from $1,100 to $5,100, again with $100 toward the IDTF. License revocation increases to one year. The second-time offender must spend at least 48 hours in jail or serve 20 hours of community service, and may be jailed for up to one year.

Penalties for subsequent convictions are increasingly severe.

An Experienced Attorney Can Make a Difference

If you've been arrested for DUI, it could cost you a lot. If convicted, besides fines you'll have to pay, you will lose income while making court appearances. Jail time will mean more lost income, or you might even lose your job entirely.

You need an experienced DUI attorney on your side. The first job is to make sure the state meets its burden of proof. If you're convicted, the right attorney will fight to ensure that the punishment is appropriate to the circumstances of your case. Contact a DUI attorney today.