Knoxville Drunk Driving Lawyers
If you are arrested for DUI (driving while intoxicated) in Knoxville, you should contact a drunk driving lawyer immediately. This is because few events can have the far reaching effects on your life as a DUI charge. Under Knoxville drunk driving law, a defendant can be put in jail for as much as a year and forced to pay fines as high as $15,000. Some sentences involve revocation of driving privileges, making it difficult to work and attend to household and family responsibilities.
Drunk driving arrest
In Knoxville, a drunk driving arrest made on erroneous application of any point of law could lead to a dismissal of charges. But statements made without the guidance and counsel of an attorney can change that—to your disadvantage.
What are the drunk driving laws in TN?
In all 50 states, a BAC (blood alcohol content) level of .08 percent or greater qualifies the driver as legally intoxicated. Specific statutes in Tennessee stipulate the following:
- If a driver has no prior conviction for DUI in the previous ten years and his BAC (blood alcohol content) level is less than .20 percent, the penalty can stretch from 48 hours to 11 months of confinement (limited to 29 days for drivers under the age of 21).
- Fines range from $350 to $1500, plus court costs. The fine minimum is $1000 if there was a passenger under age 18 in the vehicle.
- First time offenders are required to attend DUI School. A judge may rule it necessary for the defendant to attend a state-approved drug and alcohol addiction treatment program.
- Offenders are required to pay restitution to anyone who suffered physical injuries as a result of the incident.
- Driving privileges may be restricted, including a possible one-year revocation.
Other penalties imposed with drunk driving convictions can include community service, establishment of a criminal record, probation programs, ignition interlock devices, and “Cinderella” licenses, restricting driving privileges to certain hours of the day.
Two or more convictions carry higher penalties, up to $15,000 in fines and a year of incarceration. The first three offenses are categorized as misdemeanors, but a fourth offense is a Class E felony. These same laws apply to drivers charged with being under the influence of any intoxicant, including marijuana, narcotics, crystal meth and any other controlled substance that stimulates the central nervous system. A BAC over .20 percent can lead to higher penalties as well.
What should a drunk driving offender do when arrested?
Because Tennessee law allows convictions, in some cases, based solely on the opinion of a police officer, it is important to contact a Knoxville drunk driving lawyer as soon as possible. An officer’s testimony against yours requires professional guidance and representation—the sooner the better.
The Knoxville drunk driving lawyers have provided more information on DUI, car wreck and car crash settlement process in Knoxville. Contact The Law Office of Kit Rodgers to schedule your free consultation today.
603 Main Street, Suite 307 • Knoxville, Tennessee 37902
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