Tennessee DUI Consequences
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In the United States, a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction can lead to a number of criminal penalties—and like any other state, Tennessee DUI consequences are no laughing matter. In addition to a hefty fine and lengthy license suspension, a conviction may cost you time in jail and many other complications in the future. As a result, if you have been charged with driving under the influence in Tennessee, it is in your best interest to obtain professional legal advice immediately after your arrest.
Like most states, Tennessee has stringent sentencing guidelines when it comes to a drunk driving conviction. The penalties for a first DUI conviction, for example, include a $350 to $1,500 fine, one-year license suspension, and mandatory 48-hour jail sentence—and you can expect to receive an even tougher sentence if you were arrested with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.20% or more.
While the punishment for a first conviction may seem rather harsh, it’s nothing compared to what you will face if you are a repeat DUI offender. Under state law, a second offense carries up to $3,500 in fines, a two-year license suspension, and up to a one-year jail sentence. What’s more, if less than five years have passed since your prior DUI conviction, the judge may also require you to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle (which means your vehicle will not start unless you pass a breath test)—and in some cases, the court may even confiscate your automobile.
If you are unfortunate enough to be convicted of a third DUI, you can plan to pay anywhere from $1,100 to $10,000 in fines, lose your license for up to ten years, and spend at least 120 days in jail. The minimum penalties for a fourth conviction, meanwhile, include a $3,000 fine, five-year license suspension, and 150-day jail sentence. A number of your personal freedoms—including your right to vote, purchase a firearm, and obtain a passport—may also be revoked due to your felony conviction.
Even if your DUI is classified as a misdemeanor, a conviction will remain on your criminal record for the rest of your life. As a result, anyone who checks your background will find out about your offense—often making it difficult to obtain employment or housing in the future. In some cases, you may even be denied admission into certain educational programs because of your conviction.
A drunk driving conviction can also have a huge effect on your budget. Indeed, with all the fines and penalties you will incur, you’ll feel the impact almost immediately and your DUI could also cause long-term financial difficulties due to inflated insurance premiums. Convicted drunk drivers often pay two to three times more for auto, life, and/or health insurance—and most companies will not even consider lowering your rates for several years or more.
Fortunately, there’s a big difference between being arrested for DUI and being convicted of the offense in court—and there are many strategies that can be used for your defense. From challenging your BAC results to proving that the officer who arrested you had no reason to suspect you of driving under the influence, an experienced DUI defense attorney can review the facts of your case to determine the best approach for you. For a free, no-obligation consultation with a skilled legal representative in your area, submit your information online today.
