Best DUI & DWI Lawyers in Barletta

About DUI & DWI Law in Barletta, Italy

In Italy, driving under the influence is regulated at national level by the Codice della Strada and enforced locally in Barletta by the Polizia Locale, Carabinieri, and Polizia Stradale on provincial and state roads. What many people call DUI relates to alcohol, technically guida in stato di ebbrezza under Article 186. DWI is not a common Italian term, but the closest concept is driving under the influence of drugs, guida sotto l'effetto di stupefacenti under Article 187. Barletta is in the Barletta-Andria-Trani province, so administrative driving measures typically pass through the local Prefecture, while criminal proceedings are handled by the Prosecutor and the Tribunal with jurisdiction in the area, commonly Trani.

Alcohol limits are strict. The standard legal limit is 0.5 g per liter of blood. For novice drivers within the first three years of licensing, drivers under 21, and professional drivers, the limit is effectively zero. Penalties increase with higher blood alcohol concentration and are very severe if an accident, injuries, or deaths occur. Drug impairment is a criminal offense regardless of any measured alcohol level and can lead to arrest, fines, license suspension, and vehicle measures.

This guide offers practical, easy to follow information about what the rules are, what to expect if stopped, and how a lawyer can help. It is general information and not a substitute for personalized legal advice.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

People in Barletta often seek legal help after roadside checks, accidents, or when they receive a notice of license suspension from the Prefecture. A lawyer can be essential because DUI or drug driving cases blend criminal law, administrative sanctions, and technical evidence. Common situations where legal support helps include challenging the validity of breath or blood tests, negotiating alternative sanctions such as community service in place of detention and fines when allowed, limiting the duration of license suspension or avoiding vehicle confiscation, protecting your rights after a crash or if someone is injured, handling proceedings if you hold a foreign license or are a resident abroad, filing timely appeals against administrative measures and fines, and advising on insurance, employment, and criminal record consequences.

Early advice is especially important because many deadlines are short. For example, the Prefecture can order an immediate suspension of your license, and contesting a fine or measure has tight time limits. Evidence such as calibration records for breathalyzers or medical documentation needs to be identified and requested quickly.

Local Laws Overview

Key rules that apply in Barletta are set by national law and enforced locally. Under Article 186 of the Codice della Strada, alcohol related driving is handled in tiers. Between 0.5 and 0.8 g per liter brings an administrative offense with significant fines and license suspension that typically ranges from several months. Between 0.8 and 1.5 g per liter becomes a criminal offense with higher fines, the possibility of arrest, and longer suspension. Above 1.5 g per liter triggers the most serious sanctions including heavy fines, arrest up to one year, suspension that can reach two years, and confiscation of the vehicle if it belongs to the driver. Points are deducted from your license and are usually doubled for novice drivers. For drivers under 21, new drivers within three years, and professional drivers, the limit is zero and penalties apply even at low readings, with additional consequences on points.

Refusing to undergo testing is itself a criminal offense. Refusal is generally punished on par with the highest alcohol tier and can lead to long suspension and seizure of the vehicle. Officers may use roadside breath testing and, where appropriate, request blood or other medical tests at a hospital. Under Article 187, driving under the influence of drugs is always a criminal offense. Sanctions are similar to the mid to high alcohol tiers and increase if an accident occurs.

If you cause an accident while impaired, penalties increase. Where injuries or fatalities occur, separate crimes apply under the Penal Code for road injury and road homicide. These carry severe prison terms and the revocation of the driving license. Insurance companies can seek recourse after paying out damages if the driver was impaired.

Procedurally, police can withdraw your license immediately and forward the report to the Prefecture of Barletta-Andria-Trani, which can order a precautionary suspension. You will typically be reported to the Prosecutor's Office for criminal proceedings in Trani. You have rights during checks and questioning, but refusing the test has serious consequences. You do not need a lawyer present for a roadside breath test, yet you have the right to consult a lawyer before formal questioning at the station.

There are options that may reduce the impact for eligible cases. For many first time offenders, the court can replace detention and fines with lavori di pubblica utilità, a form of community service. Successful completion often halves the suspension period and can lead to the extinction of the offense. Settlement procedures and plea bargaining are sometimes available. Your lawyer can assess eligibility and timing, since choosing a strategy early can be decisive.

Appeals and deadlines matter. For administrative fines, you may be able to contest before the Prefect or the local Justice of the Peace within short time limits. For the precautionary suspension, specific opposition procedures exist. Criminal hearings follow their own timelines and may start quickly or after an investigation period depending on the case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal alcohol limit in Barletta?

The standard limit in Italy is 0.5 g per liter of blood. For drivers under 21, newly licensed drivers within three years, and professional drivers, the limit is zero. Even a small amount of alcohol can result in penalties for these categories.

What happens if I refuse the breath or blood test?

Refusal is a criminal offense and is usually punished like the most serious alcohol tier. Expect heavy fines, a long license suspension, and possible vehicle seizure or confiscation if you own the vehicle. You may also be taken to a medical facility for evaluation.

What penalties apply for different alcohol levels?

Between 0.5 and 0.8 g per liter brings fines and a suspension that can last several months. From 0.8 to 1.5 leads to criminal charges, higher fines, possible arrest, and a longer suspension. Above 1.5 adds the risk of vehicle confiscation, arrest up to one year, and suspension up to two years. If an accident occurs, penalties increase.

What is the rule for drug driving?

Driving under the influence of drugs is always a criminal offense. It leads to fines, possible arrest, and license suspension even without any measured alcohol. If an accident happens, sanctions are harsher and separate crimes for injuries or deaths may apply.

Will my car be confiscated?

Confiscation is possible for high alcohol levels or for refusal to test, but typically only if the vehicle belongs to the driver. If you do not own the vehicle, authorities may apply different measures such as administrative seizure for a period.

How fast can my license be suspended?

Police can withdraw your license on the spot and the Prefecture can order a precautionary suspension shortly after receiving the report. You will be notified of the duration and any conditions. Driving during suspension is a serious offense with further penalties.

Can a first time offender access community service instead of fines or jail?

Often yes. For many first time alcohol related offenses and in some drug cases, the court can replace the main penalty with lavori di pubblica utilità. Successful completion typically halves the suspension and can extinguish the offense, but eligibility and strategy must be assessed on a case by case basis.

What if I am a foreign driver or a tourist?

The rules apply regardless of nationality. Police can withdraw foreign licenses and the Prefecture can prohibit you from driving in Italy. Your home country may be notified. A local lawyer can coordinate with your consulate and advise on travel plans and insurance issues.

Will a DUI or drug driving case go on my criminal record?

Criminal convictions appear on the criminal record. If the court replaces the penalty with community service and you complete it, the offense is typically declared extinguished. Ask your lawyer how outcomes will appear on the criminal and police records and for how long.

Can I challenge the test results?

Yes. Common challenges concern the legality of the stop, whether the breathalyzer was properly calibrated and used, timing between repeated tests, the chain of custody for blood samples, and medical conditions that may affect readings. Technical verification and timely requests for records are important.

Additional Resources

Prefecture of Barletta-Andria-Trani. This is the authority that issues license suspensions and handles administrative measures related to road safety. It processes reports from police and communicates precautionary suspensions.

Tribunale di Trani and Procura della Repubblica. These bodies handle criminal proceedings for DUI and drug driving arising in the Barletta area, including plea agreements and community service orders.

Giudice di Pace di Barletta. This office may have jurisdiction for certain administrative appeals related to fines and some minor matters. Filing deadlines are short, so check quickly.

Polizia Locale di Barletta and Polizia Stradale operating in the BAT province. These forces conduct roadside checks, enforce traffic laws, and arrange testing procedures.

Motorizzazione Civile. The Bari office commonly covers the BAT province and handles license points, re-examinations, and driver education courses after suspensions.

ASL BT - Servizi per le Dipendenze SerD. Local public health services that can provide assessments and programs. Participation can support legal strategies and future driving fitness evaluations.

Automobile Club d'Italia ACI. Useful for general road safety education, points information, and administrative guidance.

Your consulate if you are a foreign national. Consular staff can assist with communications and documentation if your license is foreign or if you need translation and support.

Next Steps

Do not drive if your license has been withdrawn or if you have been informed of a suspension. Driving during suspension creates a new offense with severe consequences. Arrange alternative transportation immediately.

Collect documents. Keep the police report, any testing printouts, the notice of withdrawal, medical records if you were taken to hospital, and insurance details. Note dates and times, as deadlines for appeals and filings can be very short.

Consult a local lawyer promptly. Ask about the strength of the evidence, eligibility for community service, strategies to reduce the suspension, and whether to challenge the administrative measures. Early action can preserve defenses and options.

Consider voluntary steps that may help. Enrolling in an alcohol or drug awareness program, undergoing a medical evaluation, and demonstrating stable transport arrangements can be persuasive in court and at the Prefecture.

Inform your insurer if an accident occurred. Your policy may require notice and cooperation. Be aware that insurers can recover amounts paid if you were driving impaired.

Monitor deadlines. Appeals against fines or administrative measures can have deadlines measured in days. Your lawyer will confirm whether to file with the Prefecture or the Justice of the Peace and how criminal proceedings will proceed at the Tribunal.

This guide is informational and not legal advice. For personalized assistance in Barletta, speak with a qualified Italian attorney who practices DUI and drug driving defense in the Barletta-Andria-Trani area.