DUI

What are the Penalties for a DUI in Knoxville Tennessee?

If an individual is convicted of their first DUI offense, they can expect the following::

•   To have received a misdemeanor punishable by 48 hours to 364 days in the county jai if the offender had a blood alcohol content (BAC) lower than .20%.
•   To have received a misdemeanor punishable by two to seven days in the county jail if the offender’s BAC was above .20%
•   The offender will have to pay a fine
•   To have their license suspended for one year
•   To pay any form of restitution ordered by the court.
  

An offender is eligible for a restricted hardship driver’s license during the period of the offender’s license suspension. Which is why it is IMPORTANT TO CONTACT A KNOXVILLE, TN DUI LAWYER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! If an offender is charged with a second or greater DUI offense, the severity of the penalties increase. The offense, fines, potential jail sentences, and the periods of license revocation for an offender’s second, third, and fourth DUI conviction are:

Does a DUI Stay On Your Permanent Driving Record?

If you either plead guilty or are found guilty in a Tennessee court of law, the DUI stays on your record for a 10 year period of time. If you happen to get convicted of a Driving Under the Influence after a prior DUI conviction, that prior conviction will count against you.

Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) 

Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) are a set of tests used by law enforcement to determine if a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs. SFSTs are divided into three tests: the horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) test, the walk-and-turn test, and the one-leg stand test. The HGN test is used to measure the involuntary jerking of the eyes that can be caused by alcohol or drugs. The walk-and-turn test requires the driver to walk heel-to-toe in a straight line and turn around. The one-leg stand test requires the driver to stand on one leg and count out loud.

Law enforcement officers are trained to administer the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and to look for clues that indicate impairment. If the officer observes two or more clues, the driver is likely to be arrested for DUI. However, it is imperative that the test be instructed and conducted properly. If the officer fails to give correct instructions or conduct the test according to their training, the tests can be rendered invalid.  

If you have been arrested for DUI, it is important to contact an experienced DUI lawyer as soon as possible. A DUI lawyer can help you understand the charges against you and the potential consequences. An experienced DUI lawyer can also help you challenge the results of the SFSTs and other evidence used against you.

Can You Obtain a Hardship or Restricted License if Convicted?

The statute provides a restricted driver license can be issued under limited circumstances. Unless the Court has authorized a license with ignition interlock device and no geographic restrictions, your privilege to drive, other than the approved restrictions, is revoked or suspended and driving prohibited per state statute.