Defending the rights of those facing drunk driving charges
From the moment you saw flashing lights in the rear-view mirror, you thought your life may never be the same with a drunk driving charge. Driving under the influence is a serious charge, one that the state of Tennessee does not take lightly. If convicted, the penalties can be severe and the consequences long-lasting. Penalties can include losing your drivers license, higher insurance rates and incarceration. A DUI conviction can also jeopardize your employment and future employment.
When you are facing drunk driving charges, it is vital that you contact the Murfreesboro DUI attorneys at Pate & Knott as soon possible. Say as little as possible to anyone before speaking with us. We carefully review the charges, investigate the case and carefully prepare a defense strategy. Trust a DUI defense team that is personally dedicated to you and your case.
DUI in Tennessee
In Tennessee, the BAC, or blood alcohol content, for DUI is .08 percent or more. In recent years, the penalties for DUI in Tennessee have grown increasingly severe. If you are convicted of DUI, that conviction will remain on your record with no possibility for expungement, unless the charges were dismissed, or you were found not guilty. A drunk driving conviction on your record makes it difficult to find employment, as a DUI charge appears on a background check. It is vital that you work with a savvy DUI attorney to help resolve your case in the best way possible.
What are the penalties of DUI?
First DUI Offense
- From 48 hours to 11 months, 29 days in jail
- 20 BAC or greater gets a minimum jail time of 7 consecutive days in jail
- Restitution for personal injury or loss
- $350-$1,500 fine
- Court costs
- Ignition Interlock Device
- Court-ordered drug and alcohol treatment program
- Increased insurance rates
Second DUI Offense
- 45 days to 11 months 29 days in jail
- $600 -$3,500 fine
- License revoked for 2 years (Restricted license available after year one)
- Vehicle seizure/forfeiture
- Mandatory drug and alcohol treatment program
- Ignition Interlock Device
- Restitution to those who suffered injury or loss
Third DUI Offense
- 120 days to 11 months, 29 days in jail
- $1,00 to $10,000 in fines
- License revocation for 6-10 years with no possibility for a restricted license
- Vehicle seizure/forfeiture
- Mandatory drug and alcohol treatment program
- Ignition Interlock Device required for six months after reinstatement with 2 or more DUI convictions in 5 years
Fourth and subsequent DUI offenses
- Class E Felony, a DUI is a misdemeanor until the fourth or subsequent offense when it is charged as a class E felony.
- 1 year jail time
- $3,000 to $15,000 fine
- License revocation for 8 years with no possibility for a restricted license
- Vehicle seizure/forfeiture
- Mandatory drug and alcohol treatment program
- Ignition Interlock Device required for six months after reinstatement with 2 or more DUI convictions in 5 years
Field sobriety tests
There are three Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) that are commonly used by Tennessee law enforcement officers to determine if an individual has been driving under the influence of alcohol or other substance.
- Horizontal gaze nystagmus test (HGN)
- Walk and turn DUI test
- One leg stand DUI test
If you have been charged with DUI, the Murfreesboro DUI attorneys at Pate & Knott are ready to review your case and provide the best course of action for your situation.