Alabama DUI offenders are set to face tougher penalties beginning this later this year. Prior to this legislative session a court could only consider a defendant’s DUI convictions in a five year “look back” period of sentences. Now, according to Rep. Mike Jones, R-Andalusia, that window has been pushed back to 10 years.
As part of SB 90, Rep. Jones and Sen. Jimmy Holley, R-Elba, have ensured that repeat offenders are held accountable for their past crimes, even those that transpired 10 years ago. Rep. Jones, a previous municipal judge in Andalusia, touched on the new law stating “it’s a scary thing. You will still have those charged with DUI who have just made a stupid decision. But they still have to be responsible and thats the bulk of what we see.”
As part of a statewide crack down on DUI deaths, the new rules will give judges more leverage when sentencing habitual offenders.
If you were recently arrested for DUI or drug possession in Birmingham, Alabama and would like to discuss the particular facts of your case, please contact the Reid Law Firm today at 205-913-7406! You can also text us at (205) 913-7406 for a quick answer to any legal question. Chris Reid can be reached by email at chris.reid@reidlawalabama.com. All communication to the Reid Law Firm is protected by attorney client privilege, so any information submitted will be held in confidence. Initial consultations are always free. For a complete list of our practice areas please visit www.reidlawalabama.com.
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Special thanks to Chris Simmons for his help in writing, researching, and editing this article.