DUI Law in Tennessee
What is a DUI?
Are you facing a costly DUI in Tennessee?
DUI, which refers to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, is a criminal offense that can lead to weighty consequences. Also known as DWI, the process of going to court to face either conviction or exoneration can change the course of your life forever.
Learn more about your DUI law defense options below, and then talk to a local attorney who will help you in this delicate situation. You don’t have to stare down consequences alone. You can take wise steps today to protect your interests.
Possible Consequences of a Tennessee DUI Conviction
Where you live, the severity of the incident, and your criminal record determine the sentencing for a DUI. The punishments can drastically increase if you have had previous DUIs, so be mindful of that. If this is your first DUI, do not go at it alone and risk costly mistakes. Get a Tennessee law firm on your side to fight for you and your rights.
Here are some of the possible high costs and common punishments you may experience if convicted following a DUI arrest.
Paying Fines
If convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Tennessee, you can count on fines being a part of your sentencing. A DUI in Tennessee can result in a fine as low as $350 and as high as $10,000. However, other factors can drastically increase the amount you must pay, including:
- Any damage to property while driving under the influence
- If someone suffered injuries as a result of your intoxicated driving
- Cases that include child endangerment
- Any court costs associated with your case
The fines you owe following a conviction can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on your case. Will you face costly jail time?
Jail Time
In several states, jail time is mandatory, even for first-time offenders. If this is your first DUI offense, you may only have to face a day or two in jail. But if you have previous convictions for DUIs, you can receive a sentence of several months to over a year in prison. Know that some circumstances can add even more time in a cell, including injury to other people while driving under the influence.
You can spend anywhere from 48 hours to 11 months in prison after your first DUI conviction in Tennessee. Community service, court costs, fines, and the loss of your license can also happen. For a second or third offense, the fees can increase along with the potential jail time and the duration of suspensions of driving privileges. The fourth or later DUIs are felonies in the state that carry a $3,000 to $15,000 fine, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security.
Probation
If you do not face jail time, you will likely be on probation, with the sentencing judge determining the duration. You will pay monthly fees, and you cannot commit any more criminal offenses, including traffic violations. If you violate the terms of your probation, count on facing time behind bars.
The terms of your release in Tennessee may include paying restitutions, and regular visits with a probation officer. If you violate the terms of your probation set by the judge, you may get arrested without a warrant and face more charges. It’s also possible that a judge will order you to serve the maximum sentence for your original offense. In fact, any technical violations reported to the court could result in a loss of your privileges and a return to jail.
Drug and Alcohol Education Program
Following a Tennessee DUI sentencing, the law states you must complete a drug and alcohol education program. This will teach you about the dangers of driving under the influence. These programs cost more fees besides the legal costs you already have to pay.
The education programs also include a DUI evaluation. An evaluator asks you questions about how alcohol and drugs affect your life. If they believe that you are dependent, you may have to enter a substance abuse treatment program before reinstating your license.
Suspension or Loss of License
No matter where you may face a DUI conviction, you have to undergo a license suspension period, at the very least. If it is your first DUI, you may have a license suspension for a few months while you go through probation and the drug and alcohol education program.
If this is not your first DUI, you may have your license suspended for much longer, or you could have it taken from you permanently.
What Should You Do When Charged With a DUI in Tennessee?
If you’re facing a felony DUI charge, you must take the following steps to protect yourself:
Step 1: Contact an Attorney Familiar With Tennessee DUI Law
Immediately following your DUI arrest, you need to contact an experienced Tennessee DUI attorney. Your attorney can help prepare for your arraignment and prepare a defense to vindicate yourself or reduce the sentencing.
Step 2: Learn About Your State’s DUI Laws
Each state, including Tennessee, has unique laws for DUI or DWI charges. Your lawyer will work with you to help you better understand your state’s laws on driving while intoxicated. It is critical to understand what charges you face and the potential outcomes of your case.
Step 3: Request a DMV Hearing
In Tennessee, you have a short amount of time to ask for a DMV hearing to keep your license leading up to your court appearance. If you do not request a hearing, prepare for a license suspension. You or your attorney should request a hearing as soon as possible following your arrest.
If the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security suspends your license, the law gives you 20 days to surrender it to authorities. Failure to follow this order may result in additional charges.
Step 4: Prepare for Court Appearance
You and your attorney will prepare for your court appearance and arraignment. If you plead “not guilty,” your DUI defense attorney represents you in court, and a judge and jury oversee the DUI law case.
Step 5: Receive Sentencing or Exoneration
You will either be “not guilty” of the charges brought against you and walk free, or you will receive sentencing for a guilty verdict.
Work with an Experienced Local DUI Lawyer in Tennessee
Should you ever find yourself charged with a DUI, you need to work with an experienced Tennessee lawyer who can stand up for you in court. You cannot clear your name of the charges or reduce the consequences without help. Your life and future depend on having great legal representation during your DUI case. Contact an attorney near you in Tennessee today. We can even help you connect with legal help across Tennessee state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
