Driving under the influence (DUI) in Tennessee can be a stressful and life-altering experience. With a DUI conviction comes severe consequences—jail time, hefty fines, license suspension, ignition interlock requirements, and long-term financial and personal implications. But remember: an arrest isn’t a conviction. Meticulous defense, grounded in a deep understanding of the law, can make all the difference.
DUI Penalties in Tennessee
Penalties escalate with each offense:
- First Offense: 48 hours to 11 months and 29 days in jail (minimum 7 days if BAC ≥ 0.20%), fines of \$350–\$1,500, and one-year license revocation (restricted license may be eligible).
- Second Offense: 45 days to nearly a year in jail, \$600–\$3,500 fines, two-year license revocation, and ignition interlock device (IID) required.
- Third Offense: Minimum 120 days jail, \$1,100–\$10,000 fines, six-year license revocation, IID mandatory.
- Fourth & Subsequent Offenses: Class E felony, minimum 150 days in jail, \$3,000–\$15,000 fines, eight-year license revocation, IID mandatory.
Legislative Changes & Aggravating Factors can increase penalties—even for first-time offenders. Additional information regarding DUI Offenses can be found on the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security website.
Common Legal Defenses in DUI Cases
Solid DUI defense in Tennessee centers on undermining the state’s evidence. Common strategies include:
- Challenging the traffic stop: Without valid probable cause, evidence obtained afterward may be suppressed.
- Questioning field sobriety test reliability: They’re subjective and influenced by external factors.
- Examining test procedures: Breathalyzers must be properly maintained; blood tests must follow a chain of custody.
- Spotlighting procedural missteps: Constitutional violations or law enforcement errors can weaken the prosecution’s case dramatically.
With strategic review, charges may be reduced or cases dismissed entirely.
Why You Should Work With a DUI Defense Attorney
Appointing an experienced attorney ensures that:
- Your constitutional rights are protected at every stage.
- Both criminal charges and administrative consequences are navigated expertly.
- Negotiations are handled with precision, including restricted license or diversion options.
- Evidence and forensic testing are scrutinized with technical expertise.
Your Next Steps
A DUI arrest doesn’t have to define your future. Taking immediate action gives you the best chance to preserve driving privileges, your record, and your long-term well-being. If you or someone you care about is facing a DUI in Tennessee, don’t wait. Contact your trusted DUI defense attorney today. Champagne Law Firm serves the communities of Middle and East Tennessee with offices in Nashville, Sevierville, and Rogersville. Call us today at 865-228-8080 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation.
