Tennessee DUI State Law

Under Tennessee DUI laws, an individual has the right to fight charges they may be facing. If you have been charged with DUI, it is incredibly important to work with a specialized Tennessee DUI lawyer. This is a specialized area of the law that requires someone very familiar with the penalties. If you hope to have charges reduced or dropped, an attorney is important to have.

Tennessee Blood Alcohol Concentration Laws

Like all other states in the country, Tennessee has a BAC level of .08 percent. If you are found to have a concentration at that or higher, you will be charged with DUI. In addition, if the concentration is higher than .20 percent, you will be charged with enhanced penalties, which may include twice the fines and jail time, at the judge's discretion.

In addition, a police officer may arrest you without a chemical test if you show signs of chemical (drug or alcohol) impairment. They must prove you are impaired through your driving pattern, your appearance or through a failed field sobriety test they give you.

Implied Consent Laws

Also important are the state's implied consent laws. In Tennessee, if you are driving on roadways, you automatically give your consent to participate in a chemical test. If you do refuse the test, your license will be revoked immediately for 1 year. If you have refused in the past, you will receive 2 years suspension.

1st DUI Offense

A first offense is likely to result in the following DUI penalties:

• Fine from $350 to $1,500
• At least 24 hours in jail, up to 11 months
• Driver's license suspension for 1 year
• DUI school is required
• Ignition interlock device is required
• Charged with a misdemeanor

2nd DUI Offense

A second offense will result in additional charges. Since Tennessee does not have a look back period, any charge in your past will result in second offense penalties.

• Fine up to $3500
• 45 days up to 11 months in jail
• Driver's license revoked for 1 year after your jail term
• Court ordered DUI school must be taken
• Seizure or forfeiture of your vehicle
• Charged with a misdemeanor
  

3rd DUI Offense

A third offense will result in the following penalties:

• 120 to 11 months in jail
• Fines up to $10,000
• Driver's license suspension for at least 3 up to 10 years
• Vehicle is seized or forfeited
• Charged with a misdemeanor
  

Any subsequent violations will result in a FELONY charge.

Hire a Tennessee Lawyer

If you hope to have these DUI charges dropped or reduced, it is crucial that you work with an experienced Tennessee DUI lawyer. They have been able to get charges dropped or reduced.

• If you have been charged with a DUI in Tennessee, Submit Your Case for a Free Review from a skilled DUI Attorney.

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Tennessee DUI Legal Web Resources