Nashville drivers, who operate a motor vehicle and are impaired by alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicant, can be charged with DUI or driving under the influence. Nashville drivers can also be arrested for DUI if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is at or above 0.08%. Drivers who are arrested and convicted of DUI in Nashville may receive time in jail, fines and penalties and loss of driving privileges.

Each year Nashville drivers and passengers are seriously injured and killed by drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol. States have instituted severe penalties to curb alcohol abuse and attempt to save lives. Nashville drivers who have been arrested one time or multiple times for DUI in Nashville need the help of a Nashville DUI lawyer. Drivers from Nashville and all of the surrounding cities including: Brentwood, Hermitage, Ashland City, Hendersonville and Madison can get the legal help they need from a DUI attorney. Seeking the legal counsel of a knowledgeable and competent Nashville DUI lawyer can ensure a driver understands their rights and options for their DUI case.

Penalties for DUI in Nashville

Penalties for DUI may vary for certain individuals depending on their criminal background and if they have previous DUI convictions. Before pleading guilty to DUI, find out the types of DUI penalties you can face from a qualified DUI lawyer in Nashville.

First DUI Conviction in Nashville

• Nashville drivers are required to spend 48 hours and up to 11 months in jail for their first DUI conviction. Nashville driver with a BAC of 0.20% or greater must spend a minimum of 7 consecutive days in jail.
• The court will revoke the driver’s license for one year.
• Nashville drivers are required to participate in an alcohol education class.
• Nashville drivers are required to pay restitution to any person suffering physical injury or personal loss due to the DUI.
• Nashville drivers are required to pay fines of $350-$1,500.
• The court may require the Nashville driver to install an Ignition Interlock Device for 1 year.

Second DUI Conviction in Nashville

• Nashville drivers may be required to spend 45 days to 11 months in jail. Nashville drivers with a BAC of 0.20% or higher may be required to spend additional days in jail.
• The courts may revoke a Nashville driver’s license for 2 years but may allow a restricted license after one year.
• The court may require the driver to install an Ignition Interlock Device.
• The court will require the driver to attend an alcohol education class.
• Drivers are required to pay fines of $600-$3,500.
• The court may seize the driver’s vehicle.
• Nashville drivers may be required to pay restitution to other individuals who have been injured due to the driver’s DUI.

Third DUI Conviction in Nashville

• Nashville drivers are required to spend 120 days to 11 months in jail. Drivers who have a BAC of 0.20% or higher may have to spend additional consecutive days in jail.
• The courts will revoke the driver’s license for 3 to 10 years. For the third DUI conviction there is not an option for a restricted license.
• Nashville drivers must install an Ignition Interlock Device.
• Nashville drivers must participate in an alcohol education class
• Nashville drivers must pay fines of $1,100-$10,000.
• The courts may seize a Nashville driver’s car.
• Nashville drivers may be required to pay restitution to other individuals who have been injured from the driver’s DUI.

Fourth DUI Conviction in Nashville

Class E Felony

• Nashville drivers are required spend 1 year in jail with 150 days required to be served consecutively.
• The court will revoke a driver’s license for 5 years with no option to apply for a restricted license.
• Nashville drivers must install an Ignition Interlock Device on their vehicle.
• Nashville drivers must participate in an alcohol education class.
• Nashville drivers must pay fines of $3,000 to -$15,000.
• The court may seize the driver’s vehicle.
• Nashville drivers may be required to pay restitution to other individuals who have been injured.

Hiring a Nashville DUI Lawyer

Drivers charged with DUI in Nashville do not have to hire a Nashville DUI lawyer, but it may be the best chance the driver has for a solid DUI defense. Nashville DUI lawyers offer free initial consultations to evaluate a driver’s DUI case. If the driver chooses to hire a DUI lawyer the attorney can interview witnesses, evaluate the DUI arrest process, negotiate with the prosecuting attorney and take the DUI case to court, if necessary. Even if a driver is planning to plead guilty to a DUI conviction, why not consult with a DUI lawyer in Nashville before making that decision?

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Technically, DUI means driving under the influence of some type drug. That can mean alcohol, prescriptions, or illegal drugs. DWI means simply driving while intoxicated, and in many states, refers to the use of alcohol. The use of the terms can be interchangeable but DWI usually refers more to the severity the drug has metabolized within the offending person’s body.

The Tennessee Vehicle Code 55-10-401 says it is unlawful for any person to drive or to be in physical control of any automobile or other motor driven vehicle on any of the public roads and highways of the state, or on any streets or alleys, or while on the premises of any shopping center, trailer park or any apartment house complex, or any other premises that is generally frequented by the public at large, while:

Under the influence of any intoxicant, marijuana, narcotic drug, or drug producing stimulating effects on the central nervous system; or

The alcohol concentration in the person’s blood or breath is eight-hundredths of one percent (.08%) or more.

Convicted first time offenders can receive stiff fines, up to one year in jail, license revocation, an ignition interlock device, court ordered DUI school, and towing costs. The conviction, even a first time conviction, stays on your record permanently.

As reported by myEyeWitnessnews.com on June 22, 2009, an article titled, “DUI Law Changes in Tennesse”, states, “Under this new law, if suspected drunk drivers refuse to take the test (blood alcohol level), they could lose their license for a year, in addition to other charges they would face.”

Whatever term you refer to drinking and driving or drunk driving, states are clamping down on these type traffic violations. When you face these kinds of charges, it is no time to handle your case all by yourself. You may need an attorney to help you deal with the ramifications of the charges against you. Contact us and we will help you get in contact with a DUI lawyer who can help you understand the subtle differences in Tennessee law.

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Complete our Free Case Evaluation form and a DUI Lawyer will review your case for Free!