Criminal Traffic Offenses

Dothan Law Group provides knowledgeable and experienced representation to people who have been charged with a wide range of traffic offenses. Traffic violations in Alabama are considered criminal offenses. When you receive a ticket, it is important to review what violation the ticket specifically addresses, the level of the offense, and the potential penalty. Serious criminal offenses involve serious bodily harm or fatality, or reckless or negligent disregard for Alabama traffic that could have a major negative impact on both your driving privileges and your future.

Types Of Criminal Traffic Offenses

Speeding Tickets in Alabama

Alabama Code § 32-5A-170 states that you can be ticketed for driving a vehicle at a speed that is greater than what is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and in regard to actual and potential hazards. Alabama also has established maximum limits, including 30 mph in an urban area, 35 mph on any unpaved road, 55 mph on state highways unless a different specific speed is listed, and 70 mph on interstates.

If you get a speeding ticket, contacting Dothan Law Group right away to fight a speeding ticket can be a good idea, and it is the only way to avoid Alabama speeding ticket points on your license and fines.

Reckless Driving

Alabama Code § 32-5A-190 states that an individual who drives a vehicle carelessly in willful disregard for the safety of other people or property, or at a speed or manner that endangers others, is guilty of reckless driving. Some examples of reckless driving include:

• Ignoring safety laws
• Passing a stopped school bus
• Weaving through traffic
• Ignoring the posted speed limit
• Swerving from lane to lane
• Running red lights
• Continuously switching lanes without using turning signals
• Failing to stop at stop signs
• Improper Lane Use

Several Alabama statutes dictate proper lane use, including AL Code §32-5A-80—86. If you fail to drive on the proper side of the road, properly pass on the left or right, or adhere to no-passing zones, you can be ticketed for improper lane usage.

Following Too Closely

Under AL Code §32-5A-89, no driver shall follow another vehicle closer than is reasonable and prudent. You need to leave at least 20 feet for each 10 mph of speed. If you follow another vehicle too closely, you can be ticketed.

Texting While Driving

Under AL Code §32-5A-350, it is illegal to use a wireless device to write, send, or read a text-based communication while driving. If you are caught texting or emailing while driving, you can be ticketed, which can result in fines and points on your license

Driving While License Suspended

According to Alabama Code § 32-6-19, if an individual is convicted of driving with a suspended or revoked license, he or she can be ordered to pay a fine between $100 and $500, and be sentenced to up to 180 days behind bars. There are many reasons why an individual’s driver’s license could be suspended or revoked. These include but are not limited to:

• Habitually committing traffic offenses
• A conviction for vehicular manslaughter
• Being convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI)
• Failing to pay traffic tickets
• Being convicted of leaving the scene of an accident
• A conviction for reckless or careless driving
• Driving Under The Influence (DUI)

If you drive or are in control of a vehicle while impaired due to alcohol and/or drugs or with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, you can be charged with a DUI. You face hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines, months or years in jail, driver’s license suspension, installation of an ignition interlock device, and more if convicted under AL Code §32-5A-191.

Leaving The Scene Of An Accident Or Hit And Run

According to Alabama Code Title 32 Chapter 10, when an individual is involved in a motor vehicle accident, the person must remain at the scene until he or she has given their name, contact information, and insurance information to the driver of the other vehicle or to a law enforcement officer.

Attempting To Elude Law Enforcement

Attempting to elude law enforcement is for a person to intentionally flee by any means from anyone the person knows to be a law enforcement officer if the person knows the officer is attempting to arrest the person.

Homicide By Vehicle

A person who causes the death of another person while knowingly engaged in the violation of Title 32, Chapter 5A, excluding Section 32-5A-191, applying to the operation or use of a vehicle, as defined in Section 32-1-1.1 (81), may be guilty of homicide by vehicle or vessel when the violation is the proximate cause of the death. A person convicted of homicide by vehicle under subsection (a) is guilty of a Class C felony.

Traffic Offense Attorney in Dothan, Alabama

If you have been charged with a traffic violation, Dothan Law Group can help you build a strong defense. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients and offering the aggressive advocacy they need. We will take the time to listen and adjust our strategy accordingly. Our attorneys are passionate about defending the rights of those who are accused of various offenses, including traffic violations.