DUI Attorney Serving Baldwin County, Alabama

Beyond the legal ramifications, a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) can affect your personal and professional life, tarnish your reputation, and limit future opportunities.  

At Kesling Law Firm, we understand the gravity of these charges and our DUI lawyer is committed to providing compassionate, personalized legal services to each of our clients. Led by criminal defense attorney Joshua G. Kesling, our firm stands ready to offer guidance, support, and robust defense strategies to protect your rights and your future. 

Our firm works diligently to educate our clients about their rights and the legal processes they will face. If you're in or near Baldwin County, Alabama, contact us today for the support you deserve. 

DUI Charges in Alabama

DUI charges are taken very seriously in Alabama and can lead to severe penalties, including hefty fines, imprisonment, and the suspension of your driving privileges. At Kesling Law Firm, we offer comprehensive legal services and robust defense strategies for DUI charges, ensuring that our clients understand their rights and the legal consequences they may face. 

First-Time DUI Offense

A first-time DUI offense in Alabama typically entails lighter penalties compared to repeat offenses, but can still have significant impacts on your life. 

• Possible Penalties: Penalties may include up to 1 year in jail, fines ranging from $600 to $2,100, a 90-day driver’s license suspension, and mandatory attendance in a DUI education or treatment program. 

• Ignition Interlock Device: Depending on the specifics of the case, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle. 

Second DUI Offense

A second DUI offense comes with harsher penalties, especially if it occurs within five years of the first offense. 

• Possible Penalties: Penalties can include up to 1 year in jail (with a minimum of 5 days), fines from $1,100 to $5,100, and a 1-year driver’s license revocation. 

• Enhanced Penalties: You may also face mandatory community service and the installation of an IID for at least 1 year. 

Third DUI Offense 

For repeat offenders, a third DUI charge carries severe penalties that can have long-lasting impacts. 

• Possible Penalties: Penalties include up to 1 year in jail (with a minimum of 60 days), fines ranging from $2,100 to $10,100, and a 3-year driver’s license revocation. 

• Increased Monitoring: You may be required to install an IID for at least 3 years, and additional community service may be mandated. 

Please note that these are general guidelines, and the actual penalties can vary depending on the case’s specifics, the accused’s criminal history, and other factors. 

Felony DUI 

Under Alabama law, a fourth DUI offense, or causing serious bodily injury or death while driving under the influence, can be charged as a felony. 

• Possible Penalties: Felony DUI penalties can include prison time ranging from 1 year and 1 day to 10 years, fines up to $10,100, and a 5-year driver’s license revocation. 

• Additional Consequences: Felony DUI convictions can lead to substantial long-term consequences, including loss of civil rights and long-term monitoring. 

Possible Defense Strategies

Facing DUI charges can be incredibly daunting, but there are several defense strategies that an experienced attorney can employ to potentially mitigate or dismiss the charges. At Kesling Law Firm, we tailor our defense strategies to each individual case, taking into account the specific circumstances and evidence presented. Below are some common defense strategies that we may consider when defending against DUI charges: 

Challenging the Traffic Stop 

One of the initial steps in a DUI defense is to evaluate the legality of the traffic stop. If law enforcement did not have reasonable suspicion or probable cause to make the stop, any evidence gathered during the stop could be deemed inadmissible in court. 

Questioning Field Sobriety Tests 

Field sobriety tests are often subjective and can be influenced by various factors such as medical conditions, fatigue, or even the type of footwear the accused was wearing. We scrutinize these tests to highlight inaccuracies or improper administration. 

Contesting Breathalyzer and Blood Test Results

Breathalyzer and blood test results can be challenged on multiple grounds, such as improperly calibrated equipment, incorrect administration of the test, or the mishandling of samples. These factors can lead to false positives or inflated BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) levels. 

Examining the Arrest Procedures

Law enforcement officers must follow specific procedures when making an arrest. Any deviation from these protocols, such as failing to recite Miranda rights, can result in the suppression of critical evidence. 

Identifying Issues With the Chemical Tests

Chemical testing for drugs or alcohol must adhere to strict protocols. We investigate whether the testing methods were properly followed and whether there were any lapses in the chain of custody for the samples. 

Presenting Medical and Health Conditions

Certain medical conditions, such as acid reflux, diabetes, or neurological disorders, can affect both field sobriety and chemical test results. Presenting documented medical conditions can be a viable defense to explain erratic behavior or skewed test results. 

By leveraging these defense strategies, we strive to protect our clients' rights, reduce potential penalties, and achieve the best possible outcome in each case. 

The Appeals Process

If you've already been convicted of DUI, you have the right to appeal the decision by filing a notice of appeal within 42 days of sentencing. The appeals process is not a new trial but a review by a higher court of the lower court’s decision. This procedure is complicated and high-stakes, making the need for skilled legal representation even more crucial. 

Our experienced DUI lawyer can assess the strength of your case and determine if an appeal is a viable option. We will thoroughly review all evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and any other relevant documentation.

If there were any errors or violations of your rights during the initial trial, we will work tirelessly to bring them to light and fight for a reversal of your conviction.