Driving Under the Influence in Tennessee
Although Driving Under the Influence, or DUI, is a misdemeanor offense in Tennessee, prosecutors for a misdemeanor of this kind are much more serious than that of other misdemeanors. DUI laws in Tennessee are severe and complex, so it’s essential to find a TN DUI attorney with the experience necessary to successfully defend your rights in a court of law.
Unfortunately, a DUI is actually the only type of criminal offense where the officer’s perception of intoxication can lead to a citizen being jailed. In the event that you have been arrested on DUI charges in Middle Tennessee, it’s critical that you hire an experienced Tennessee DUI attorney who understands the certain aspects that may influence an individual’s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level, the utility of breathalyzer equipment, and the human body’s capability to metabolize drugs or alcohol.
In the event that you are facing criminal DUI charges in Middle Tennessee, the best thing to do is contact an attorney well-versed in DUI law. DUI cases in any county in Tennessee are taken extremely seriously, and those who have been arrested and/or charged are prosecuted to the highest degree applicable under Tennessee law. When you hire a seasoned TN DUI attorney like those at Nashville Law Offices, PLLC, you are protecting yourself not only from stress and frustration, but also from the full extent of Tennessee DUI repercussions.
TN DUI Laws
In Tennessee, the law states that it is unlawful to operate a vehicle after your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) reaches a level of .08% or higher, or if you are under the influence of any kind of drug. If the driver is under the age of 21, the law specifies that the legal BAC limit is under .02%. In the event that an individual is pulled over and the officer present holds the opinion they are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they will be placed under arrest. If this is the case, the officer will require the individual to perform the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, which include the following:
Following the completion of these tests, the arresting officer is required to recite to you Tennessee’s Implied Consent Law, as well as inform you that in the event that you refuse to comply with a BAC test, your driving privileges may be retracted for a year. The police officer will choose between a breath test or a blood test to acquire a BAC reading; and, although you do possess the right to a test different than that which the officer chooses at your own expense.
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Penalties for Driving Under the Influence in Tennessee
For first-time DUI offenders who are either found guilty or plead guilty, Tennessee law enforces the following punishments:
- Eleven (11) months and twenty-nine (29) days suspended sentence;
- Eleven (11) months and twenty-nine (29) days supervised probation;
- $350 fine in addition to court fees;
- Twenty-four (24) hours of community service;
- Revocation of driver’s license for one (1) year;
- Attendance at alcohol safety school;
- Installation of ignition interlock device (if driver’s BAC was above .20%);
- Mandatory minimum of forty-eight (48) consecutive hours in jail.
Contact an Experienced Nashville DUI Defense Attorney
In the event that you have been charged with Driving Under the Influence inn Middle Tennessee, you need to hire a DUI defense attorney with the years of experience necessary to resolve your case. The DUI defense lawyers at Nashville Law Offices, PLLC have practiced DUI defense for more than 25 years and have devoted their practice to helping those whose rights may be in jeopardy due to past events. Call our office today to schedule your free initial consultation with an award-winning Nashville DUI defense attorney and get your life back!