Most Alabama residents do not automatically associate drunk driving charges with boating, but officials throughout the state warn that the legal ramifications of boating while drunk can be just as severe as a more traditional DUI. Authorities are urging local residents to remember that operating any kind of vessel -- including boats, water skis and other sports vehicles -- while intoxicated can lead to serious legal consequences.
Driver's BAC allegedly measured at 5 times legal limit
A driver from the southeastern United States is lucky to be alive after he was found passed out in his running vehicle with an extraordinarily high blood alcohol content. Officers say the man's BAC was measured at five times the legal limit when he was identified in his vehicle on May 22. The man is facing drunk driving charges in connection with the accident, which occurred in Alabama's neighboring state of Florida.
Debate rages about lowering drunk driving limit
Drunk driving has been a hot-button issue during recent years, with many states enacting additional regulations to prevent highway deaths. Now, new federal recommendations could change the face of drunk driving charges as we know them, as officials tout the benefits of lowering the legal driving limit from 0.08 percent to 0.05 percent. The recommendations include sweeping changes for drivers in all states, including Alabama.
Elderly driver gets 14 years for manslaughter
Even though state sentencing guidelines recommended that a driver involved in a fatal pedestrian collision should not go to jail, a judge decided that incarceration was necessary. A Mobile, Alabama, man, age 75, struck and killed a pedestrian two years ago. The man was convicted of manslaughter after facing drunk driving charges and other accusations in the case.
Cyclist dead after alleged DUI crash
A Mobile bicyclist was killed near the downtown area of the Alabama city on April 27, according to recent news reports. The 28-year-old driver is facing drunk driving charges in connection with the fatal accident, in addition to a vehicular homicide charge. This is the defendant's second DUI charge in the past seven years.
Wrestler slated for trial in first--time DUI offense
Famed wrestler Jack Swagger is facing misdemeanor drunk driving charges after being arrested in a Gulf Shore state near Alabama. The man, age 30, may have been driving under the influence of marijuana at the time of his arrest. He was charged with drug possession and speeding in addition to the alcohol accusations.
Southeast woman faces drug, DUI charges
A woman from one of Alabama's neighboring states, Florida, is attempting to avoid conviction on drunk driving charges by claiming that she was not driving the vehicle at the time of her arrest. The woman, age 26, said her mother-in--law drove the car into the parking lot of a Kangaroo gas station in late March. The woman is facing DUI charges, along with possession of a controlled prescription and tampering with evidence.
EMA Director Enters Plea for Pre-Trial Diversion
The director of an emergency management agency in Lee County, Alabama, has avoided prison in connection with pending drunk driving charges. The woman will instead enter a pre-trial diversion program designed to assist those that are willing to plead guilty. The six-month rehabilitation program will allow the woman to get back to work as soon as possible after resolving the DUI charges from November 2012.
Lions Player DUI Plea Falls Through
In a follow-up to a recently reported DUI case, an Alabama court has revoked a plea bargain arrangement for a Detroit Lions player facing drunk driving charges. The man, defensive tackle Nick Fairley, pled guilty six months ago to a deal that was supposed to allow him to leave the charges in his past. As a result, Fairley has redacted his guilty plea that was entered six months ago.
Man says he was not drunk during Mobile accident
Not every driver that has consumed one or two adult beverages hours before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle is considered a drunk driver. That is why Alabama and other states have standards by which they measure an intoxicated driver.
