Tennessee  DUI Lawyer

Top Rated Nashville DUI Lawyer Tennessee DUI Lawyer

Each year, there are nearly 6,000 alcohol-related crashes on Tennessee roadways. In recent years the number of alcohol-induced crashes has slightly decreased. However, it is clear that there are far too many crashes and fatalities attributed to those driving under the influence. If you have been charged with a DUI, not only do you have to worry about the potential harm to yourself, others, and property damages, but you should also be aware of the legal and financial ramifications of a DUI charge in Tennessee.

Though a DUI is a misdemeanor offense (in most cases), these charges are prosecuted with vigor. A conviction on your record will carry with it a bevy of consequences to include mandatory jail time, fines, license revocation, etc. Furthermore, DUI convictions stay on your record for life. They can hinder your chances of getting a job, living in certain communities, and working in some professions. If you have been charged with a DUI offense, working with a proven DUI attorney in Tennessee is in your best interest. Though it is not guaranteed that a DUI attorney in Tennessee will have your charges dropped or reduced, they offer you the best chance of getting the most favorable outcome.

Tennessee DUI Statistics

Tennessee is ranked near the bottom of the pack — No. 39 in of the 50 states — for drunk driving-related crashes. However, there are still thousands of alcohol-related crashes in the Volunteer State each year. Learn more about pertinent Tennessee DUI statistics below.

From 2009 to 2019, there were more than 67,000 alcohol-related crashes in the state of Tennessee.
There are well over 5,000 injuries caused by alcohol-related crashes each year.
Nearly 400 people die in Tennessee each year as a result of a driver that is alcohol-impaired as well as using another illicit substance.
Two out of three drivers will be impacted by a drunk driver in their lifetime
The average drunk driver has driven drunk more than 80 times before they are ever arrested.

What is a DUI in Tennessee

Though the overwhelming majority of DUI cases involve the consumption of alcohol, it is important to note that Tennessee DUI laws (Title 55-10-401) define driving under the influence as “Driving under the influence of an intoxicant, drug, or drug producing stimulant prohibited alcohol concentration in blood or breath.” This means that you can be charged with a DUI if found to be driving with any type of illicit (or non-illicit in the case of certain prescribed medications) drugs in your system. This includes substances like marijuana, cocaine, fentanyl, psychedelics, etc.

Tennessee DUI Laws

Current Tenessee DUI laws are clear. They define under what conditions you cannot drive while being under the influence, what the legal alcohol concentration levels can be, as well as what types of drugs are illegal when operating a motor vehicle. Learn more about Tennessee DUI laws below. If you have questions about your specific case, it is recommended that you reach out to a knowledgeable DUI lawyer in Tennessee.

Where you cannot operate a vehicle while under the influence: It is against the law to operate a motor vehicle on public roads, state-owned highways, streets, alleys, shopping centers, apartment complexes, trailer parks, or any area that is frequented by the public.

Limits on intoxication: In alignment with national standards, Tennessee DUI laws stipulate that a person cannot operate a motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) above .08. Furthermore, you cannot be under the influence of any type of intoxicant, narcotic drug, or drug producing stimulating effects on your central nervous system. This can include salts of barbituric acid, compounds that create hypnotic effects (i.e. amphetamines), etc.

Penalties For a DUI Conviction in Tennessee

If you are found guilty of breaking Tennessee DUI laws, there are harsh penalties that can accompany your conviction. Working with a reputable Tennessee DUI lawyer may help to limit some of the potential consequences. It should be noted that being charged with a DUI when there is a passenger under 18 involved and/or when accidents or injuries occur as a result of a DUI the penalties can be substantially increased. Listed below are the penalties that accompany each DUI offense in the State of Tennessee.

1st Time DUI Offense:

Minimum of 48 hours in jail (if a BAC of .20 or more, a minimum of 7 days in jail is required), license suspension of 1 year, participate in a court-ordered drug and alcohol program, ignition interlock installation (at your own expense), pay $350 – $1,500 in fines. Learn more

2nd Time DUI Offense:

Minimum of 45 days in jail. Fines levied between $600 – $3,500, two years of license suspension, potential forfeiture of your vehicle, ignition interlock installation (potentially for 6 months after license reinstatement).

3rd Time DUI Offense:

Minimum of 120 days in jail, $1,100 – $10,000 in fines, 6-year license suspension, potential vehicle forfeiture, installation of ignition interlock device, as well as drug and alcohol program.

4th Time and Subsequent DUI Offenses:

Classified as a Class E Felony, minimum of 365 days in jail, $3,000 to $15,000 in fines, 8-year license suspension, vehicle forfeiture, participation in a drug and alcohol program, installation of an ignition interlock device.

Working With a Tennessee DUI Attorney

The potential consequences of being convicted of a DUI in Tennessee can be devastating. If you are convicted of a DUI you will spend time in jail, have your license suspended, pay enormous fines, etc. The ramifications are far-reaching and long-lasting. Working with a DUI attorney in Tennessee can significantly improve your chances of having your charges reduced or potentially dropped. Fighting a DUI charge without the help of a Tennessee DUI attorney will make it much more difficult to defend yourself against a seasoned prosecution team. If you have been charged with a DUI, it is imperative that you are represented by someone that has an in-depth understanding of Tennessee DUI laws as well as how to negotiate with the prosecution. Contact a Tennessee DUI attorney to schedule your free initial consultation today.

DUI Lawyer
Tennessee

Attorneys At Law

Legal Alcohol Limit

1st Offense DUI

Tennessee  DUI Lawyer

Tennessee DUI Statistics

What is a DUI in Tennessee

Tennessee DUI Laws