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DUI in Tennessee
DWI in Tennessee
Each year serious personal injuries and deaths are caused by drivers who are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Tennessee has established driving under the influence" or DUI laws to curb alcohol abuse. Drivers who are arrested for DUI may have to pay fines, serve time in jail or attend an alcohol education class.
Whether it is your first DUI offense or your fourth, you need the help of a Tennessee DUI lawyer. DUI lawyers can answer your DUI questions and make sure you get great DUI legal assistance. Do not wait to call a Tennessee DUI attorney. Call today and we can help you fight your DUI charge.
Tennessee drivers may be arrested and charged with a DUI or driving under the influence" if they have a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher. There does not have to be evidence of impairment for a driver to be arrested if their BAC is over the legal limit.
Drivers may also be arrested for DUI if they are under the influence of drugs, alcohol or a combination of drugs or alcohol (including prescription medications) and this influence makes them unable to safely operate a motorized vehicle.
Tennessee police officers are trained to evaluate drivers, and if they see certain behaviors such as swerving, driving to slowly, driving the wrong direction or erratic driving they may have probable cause to stop a driver. Additional physical evidence may be gathered at the scene after the traffic stop by observing the driver. Common indication of intoxication can include watery eyes, the inability to walk, falling down and slurred speech. Drivers who refuse to take a breathalyzer test will have their driver's license suspended immediately suspended (in addition to any subsequent criminal DUI penalties assessed).
Penalties for DUI in Tennessee
First DUI offense
- Required jail time of 48 hours up to 12 months. If the driver's BAC is .20 or greater, a minimum of 7 consecutive days must be spent in jail
- License revocation for 1 year
- Mandatory participation in an alcohol educational class
- Required payment of restitution to any person suffering physical injury or personal loss due to the DUI
- Required to pay fines of $350-$1,500
- DUI costs can include high risk insurance, attorneys fees, towing and other fees
- Potential mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device for 1 year
Second DUI offense (Within 10 years)
- Required jail time of 45 days to 12 months. If the driver's BAC is .20 additional consecutive days in jail may be assessed
- License revocation for 2 years with potential restricted license after 1 year
- Potential mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device
- Mandatory participation in an alcohol educational class
- Required to pay fines of $600-$3,500
- Potential vehicle seizure
- Required to pay restitution to other individuals who have been injured
Third DUI offense (Within 10 years)
- Required jail time of 120 days to 12 months. If the driver's BAC is .20 additional consecutive days in jail may be assessed
- License revocation for 3 to 10 years with no option for a restricted license
- Potential mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device
- Mandatory participation in an alcohol educational class
- Required to pay fines of $1,100-$10,000
- Potential vehicle seizure
- Required to pay restitution to other individuals who have been injured
Fourth DUI offense (Within 10 years)
Class E Felony
- Required jail time of 150 days up to 6 years
- License revocation for 5 years with no option for a restricted license
- Potential mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device
- Mandatory participation in an alcohol education class
- Required to pay fines of $3,000 to -$15,000
- Potential vehicle seizure
- Required to pay restitution to other individuals who have been injured
Hiring a Tennessee DUI Lawyer
Tennessee DUI lawyers handle cases throughout the state of Tennessee in every city including Nashville, Knoxville, Clarksville and Memphis. Tennessee lawyers understand DUI laws and can make sure drivers get a solid DUI defense. Most DUI lawyers offer a free initial consultation to review a driver's DUI charges so even if the driver is planning to plead guilty, a consultation can ensure the driver understands every facet of their DUI case.
If this is your first, second or third DUI charge, you could be facing a variety of very serious DUI penalties. Pleading guilty to a DUI charge can impact your driving record forever.
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