GENERAL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Book a consultation. You’ll speak with our team, get clear next steps, and start moving forward with experienced legal support behind you.
Every case is different. We offer transparent pricing and will explain your options up front. For criminal defense, we often use flat fees. For family law, fees may be hourly or flat depending on complexity.
In most cases, we can schedule same-day or next-day consultations. Call or text us directly, or request a consult through our website.
We’ll listen to your situation, explain the legal options available, and answer your questions. It’s a judgment-free zone — and everything you share is confidential. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you call.
Not always. We offer virtual consultations and can handle most parts of your case remotely when needed — especially helpful for out-of-town or working clients.
Yes, we offer flexible payment options in certain cases. For many cases, we offer structured payment options to help make representation affordable and manageable.
Yes. Our clients get access to a secure Clio client portal, where you can message our team, upload documents, view court dates, and get case updates.
Communication is a priority. We use phone, text, email, and our secure Clio client portal to provide updates, answer questions, and share important documents. You’ll never be left wondering where things stand.
Yes. Attorney-client privilege protects anything you share with us, even during a consultation, unless you choose to waive that privilege.
No attorney can guarantee an outcome — and you should be wary of anyone who does. What we can promise is to fight for you, communicate clearly, and give your case the attention it deserves.
While our office hours are standard, we understand that emergencies happen. In urgent situations (such as arrests or protection orders), we do our best to respond promptly outside normal business hours.
It’s a secure online platform where you can message our team, upload documents, track court dates, and view important updates. It’s available 24/7 from your phone or computer — and it keeps your case organized and accessible.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A DUI in Alabama (Driving Under the Influence) is a serious offense defined under Code §32-5A-191.
It means operating or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, controlled substances, or any other impairing substance
Call our office or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation.
Yes, a DUI can potentially be dismissed, though it rarely happens automatically.
Dismissal is generally achieved through a few main avenues:
In Alabama, a DUI means operating or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, controlled substances, or any combination of both. You can face charges if you are deemed incapable of driving safely, regardless of your exact BAC.
The specific legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limits are:
You can review the full regulations in the Alabama Code Title 32.
In Alabama, a DUI (Alabama Code § 32-5A-191) is legally defined as operating or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, controlled substances, or any substance that affects your mental or physical faculties to the point where you cannot safely drive. For adults, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%
Under Alabama law, it is not a defense that you were legally prescribed the medication. If a prescription drug impairs your ability to drive safely by affecting your judgment, coordination, or reaction time, you may be arrested and convicted of a DUI, just as if you were impaired by alcohol or an illegal drug.
According to Alabama Code Section 32-5A-191, a DUI charge can stem from:
Alabama law does not require you to reach a specific per-se limit of THC to be charged with a DUI. If law enforcement suspects that marijuana is affecting your judgment, coordination, or reaction time, you can be arrested
Yes. You can be arrested for DUI in Alabama even if your vehicle is parked.
Alabama law does not require a vehicle to be moving—or even running—for a person to be charged with DUI. Instead, prosecutors must show that you were in actual physical control of the vehicle.
This generally means you had the present ability to operate it, even if you never drove.
Whether someone is in actual physical control depends on the specific facts of the case. Factors such as where you were seated, whether you had possession of the keys, whether the engine was running, and other surrounding circumstances may all be considered.
For example, a person found asleep in the driver's seat with the keys readily accessible may still be arrested for DUI.
Because these cases are highly fact-specific, an experienced DUI attorney can evaluate whether the evidence is sufficient to prove actual physical control and identify potential defenses.
Yes. You can be charged with a DUI on private property in Alabama.
Many people assume DUI laws only apply on public roads, but that is not always the case. Under Alabama law, a DUI charge may arise on private property, including parking lots, private driveways, apartment complexes, and other privately owned areas.
The key issue is not where the vehicle is located, but whether you were in actual physical control of it. This means prosecutors must show that you had the present ability to operate the vehicle. Courts may consider factors such as whether you were in the driver's seat, whether you had possession of the keys, whether the engine was running, and the surrounding circumstances.
Every case is different. If you were arrested for DUI on private property, an experienced Alabama DUI attorney can evaluate the facts of your case, determine whether the prosecution can establish actual physical control, and identify any available defenses.
Yes. You can be charged with a DUI while operating an ATV or golf cart in Alabama.
Alabama's DUI laws are not limited to passenger cars and trucks. Depending on the circumstances, a person may be charged with DUI while operating other types of vehicles, including ATVs (four-wheelers) and golf carts.
Whether Alabama's DUI law applies depends on the type of vehicle, where it was being operated, and the specific facts of the case. In some situations, DUI charges have also involved other forms of transportation, such as motorcycles and certain off-road vehicles.
Because these cases can present unique legal issues, it is important to have an experienced DUI attorney review the facts, evaluate whether the law applies, and determine what defenses may be available.
Whether you go to jail for a DUI in Alabama depends on several factors, including whether it is your first offense and the circumstances of your case.
First DUI Offense: A first DUI is generally charged as a misdemeanor. Although Alabama law authorizes up to one year in jail, many first-time offenders do not receive the maximum sentence. Depending on the facts of the case, the court may impose probation, fines, court costs, mandatory substance abuse treatment, community service, and other conditions in lieu of significant jail time.
Aggravating Factors: Certain circumstances can result in more severe penalties. These may include a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15% or higher, having a child passenger in the vehicle, causing an accident involving injuries, or other aggravating facts. Depending on the case, the court may also require the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) and impose additional penalties.
Repeat DUI Offenses: Penalties increase substantially for second and subsequent DUI convictions. Repeat offenders face longer mandatory license suspensions, higher fines, increased jail exposure, longer ignition interlock requirements, and, in some cases, felony charges.
Every DUI case is unique. An experienced Alabama DUI attorney can evaluate the facts of your case, explain the potential penalties you face, and work to achieve the best possible outcome.
Some Alabama courts and prosecutors offer diversion or pretrial intervention programs for eligible DUI defendants.
These programs provide an alternative to traditional prosecution and may allow qualifying individuals to resolve their case without a conviction, depending on the program's specific terms.
Eligibility requirements vary by jurisdiction, but diversion programs are generally limited to first-time offenders and may not be available if the case involves aggravating circumstances, such as serious injuries or other disqualifying factors.
Participants are typically required to complete a number of conditions, which may include:
Successfully completing a diversion program may result in reduced charges, dismissal of the case, or another favorable resolution, depending on the jurisdiction and the terms of the agreement. However, not every county or municipality in Alabama offers a DUI diversion program, and eligibility requirements differ from one prosecutor's office to another.
An experienced DUI attorney can determine whether a diversion or pretrial intervention program is available in your jurisdiction and whether you may qualify.
You can get an Alabama DUI arrest record expunged only if your case resulted in a non-conviction (e.g., dismissed charges, a "not guilty" verdict, or successful completion of a pre-trial diversion program).
If you were convicted or pleaded guilty, the DUI cannot be expunged and will permanently remain on your criminal record.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Call our office or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation.
Stay calm. Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present. Your first step should be to contact a criminal defense attorney who can begin protecting your rights immediately.
No. Even if you're innocent, anything you say can be used against you. Politely request an attorney and remain silent until your attorney is present.
Vrieze Law represents clients facing all criminal charges, such as DUI, drug possession, domestic violence, assault, theft, and other misdemeanor and felony offenses.
You’ll be given a court date, which is critical. Missing it can result in a warrant. Contact us immediately so we can begin preparing your defense and appear with you at your next hearing.
Contact us immediately. Missing court can result in a warrant for your arrest. We can often file a motion to recall the warrant and help get your case back on track.
You can, but we strongly advise against it. Even misdemeanors can result in jail time, fines, and permanent records. Having an attorney can mean the difference between conviction and dismissal or diversion.
It can. Criminal charges, even pending , may impact employment or licensing. We can help minimize those risks and protect your future.
Not necessarily. Many first-time or lower-level charges can be resolved without jail time. We’ll evaluate your case and work to minimize the consequences, including fighting for dismissal, diversion programs, or reduced charges.
Diversion allows first-time offenders to avoid conviction by completing specific requirements (classes, community service, etc.). Upon completion, charges may be dismissed or expunged. We’ll let you know if you qualify.
In some cases, yes. Alabama allows certain charges to be expunged if the case was dismissed or you completed a diversion program. We can help determine if you're eligible and guide you through the process.
A preliminary hearing is a critical step where the judge decides if there’s enough evidence to move forward. Yes, you must attend — and having an attorney with you is essential.
Not all cases go to trial. Many are resolved through negotiation or dismissal. We prepare every case as if it were going to trial to ensure the strongest defense possible.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We handle divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, modifications, and protection from abuse (PFA) matters.
It depends on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce can be resolved in a few months. A contested divorce can take significantly longer.
An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on all major issues (property, custody, support). A contested divorce means there’s disagreement, which may require court intervention or mediation to resolve.
Yes. Family law is emotional and complex. An attorney helps protect your rights, navigate legal procedures, and fight for the outcome you deserve.
Legal custody involves decision-making (education, healthcare, religion, etc.). Physical custody is about where the child lives. Both can be shared or granted to one parent.
You can file for contempt in family court. We can assist in gathering evidence and requesting relief from the court.
A PFA is a court order to protect someone from domestic violence, threats, or harassment. If you need protection — or if someone has filed one against you — we can help you take urgent and appropriate legal action.
There are legal methods to proceed, including service by publication. We’ll guide you through the process if your spouse is avoiding service or cannot be found.
Yes — and that’s often ideal. If both parties agree on terms, we can draft a legal agreement and submit it for court approval.
If your custody order has been violated, we can file for contempt. In Alabama, certain relocations also require court approval — and failing to notify can have consequences.
Possibly - but you must notify the other parent and follow relocation laws. Courts look at how the move affects the child. We can help you prepare your case.
Yes. If there has been a material change in circumstances (e.g., relocation, job change, danger to the child), a modification can be requested.
Yes. Mediation is often encouraged — especially in custody and divorce cases — and can save time, money, and emotional stress. We represent you in mediation to help protect your rights and reach a workable solution.
Alabama is a one-party consent state, meaning you may record conversations you are part of. However, there are limits — especially involving children — so consult with us before using recordings as evidence.
Alabama follows the principle of equitable distribution, which means property is divided fairly, though not always equally. The court considers factors like the length of the marriage, income, contributions to the home, and more.
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