DUI Charges

An often uncompromisingly prosecuted offense, a charge of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) can have debilitating consequences for the citizen accused.  With this crime, a citizen accused can be convicted based on the opinion of a police officer, yet face significantly harsh penalties. In Tennessee, the blood alcohol content limit is .08, which for some people can mean as few as two drinks depending on factors such as weight, individual rate of metabolism, the time period in which the drinks have been drunk, and multiple other varying factors. 

Even though most DUI offenses in the state of Tennessee are classified as misdemeanors, the penalties for a DUI are notably significant. 
Beginning with the conviction of a First Offense DUI, the citizen accused is subject to:

• Maximum sentence of 11 months, 29 days, with a minimum of 48 hours in jail (or a minimum of 7 days in jail if, at the time of the offense, the defendant’s blood alcohol level was .20% or above);
• Minimum $350.00 fine and court costs;
• Loss of driver’s license for a period of one year;
• Enrollment in a court approved DUI education course.
• License revocation for one year if a defendant is found to have refused to submit to a blood, breath, or urine test after being lawfully requested to do so, sometimes even when the defendant is not convicted of driving under the influence!

For a subsequent or Second Offense DUI, the alleged offense must occur within 10 years of the first offense, and the citizen accused may be subject to:

• Mandatory jail time of 45 days;
• Fine between $600.00 and $3,500.00 as well as court costs;
• May also require participation in a court approved alcohol or drug treatment program;
• Mandatory loss of license for a period of 2 years.

For a Third Offense DUI, the citizen accused will be subject to:

• Mandatory jail time of 120 days and up to 11 months and 29 days;
• A minimum fine of $1,100 and up to $10,000.00;
• Mandatory loss of licence for a minimum of 3 years and up to 10 years.

For a subsequent or Fourth Offense DUI, a conviction is classified as a Class E Felony; also, the citizen accused will face:

• A minimum fine of $3,000.00 and up to $15,000;
• Mandatory imprisonment from 150 consecutive days, to be served day for day, to the maximum length of imprisonment allowed for a Class E Felony;
• Mandatory loss of license for a period of 5 years;
• Extensive community service for any prescribed period of time in addition to a number of other penalties possible.

The amount of mandatory jail time, fines, and length of time for a loss of license increase exponentially with each conviction of DUI as do the repercussions as to your record and finances.  For these reasons it is imperative that you retain sound legal advice and representation to insure the protection of your rights and to prevent some of these drastic consequences from occurring which have potential to permanently affect your education, career, and professional opportunities as well as causing conflict in your personal life.  Frank Lannom and Melanie Bean have years of experience handling a wide array of DUI cases for individuals from every level of society, and will fight to make sure your rights, privacy, and freedom are protected.