DUI Defense Attorneys in Murfreesboro, Tennessee

According to an annual crime report from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, 19,538 DUI arrests were made statewide in 2019. In the state of Tennessee, driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances is a serious crime. A defendant convicted of a drunk driving offense could face serious punishment, including huge fines, prison sentences, license suspension or revocation, and other social consequences.

If you've been arrested and charged with drunk driving, it is imperative that you hire an aggressive Tennessee criminal defense attorney immediately to protect your rights. At McCarter | East PLLC, we are committed to offering experienced legal guidance and comprehensive representation to individuals facing DUI charges. As your representation, we can review and investigate every detail of your case and outline an effective defense strategy to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome. Our team will fight aggressively to protect your rights and your driving privileges.

At McCarter | East PLLC, we are proud to represent clients throughout Murfreesboro and Berry Hill, Tennessee. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

DUI Charges in Tennessee

Under Tennessee law, an individual is prohibited from driving or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle when:

• The person is under the influence of any intoxicant, controlled substance, marijuana, or drug

• The person has a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08% or more

A person is considered to be "under the influence" when their driving ability is impaired and they may be unable to drive or operate a car safely.

DUI Tests and Your Rights

Upon their suspicion of impaired driving, a law enforcement officer can pull you over and request that you take a breath or blood alcohol test. Under Tennessee's implied consent law, a person operating a motor vehicle within the state is considered to have consented to a breath test to determine their BAC level. Refusal to submit to a breath or blood test may result in the following punishment:

• 1st Offense – Revocation of driver's license for one year

• 2nd Offense – Revocation of driver's license for two years

Possible Penalties

If you're convicted of drunk driving in Tennessee, possible penalties include:

First Offense

• Jail Time: From 48 hours to 11 months, 29 days in jail (7-day minimum with a .20% BAC or more)

• Fines: Between $350 and $1,500

• License Suspension: License revocation for one year

Second Offense

• Jail Time: From 45 days to 11 months, 29 days in jail

• Fines: Between $600 and $3,500

• License Suspension: License revocation for two years

Third Offense

• Jail Time: From 120 days to 11 months, 29 days in jail

• Fines: Between $1,100 and $10,000

• License Suspension: License revocation for six years

Fourth & Subsequent Offenses

• Jail Time: From 150 days to one year in jail

• Fines: Between $3,000 and $15,000

• License Suspension: License revocation for eight years

Ignition Interlock Program

Once a person is convicted of a DUI offense in Tennessee, they are required to use a mandatory ignition interlock device. An ignition interlock device (IID) is a breath-test machine or breathalyzer that is connected to a car's ignition system.

After the IID has been installed, starting your vehicle will require breathing into the device with an alcohol-free breath. This is to ensure that you haven't been drinking before driving. The IID is also a condition for obtaining a "hardship license" or getting your Tennessee driver's license reinstated.

Work With Skilled DUI Defense Attorneys

Facing your drunk driving charges without experienced representation can increase your chances of being convicted and receiving severe penalties. If convicted, you could be facing lengthy prison time, massive fines, a license suspension, and other devastating life-altering ramifications. When facing DUI allegations, retaining a highly skilled and aggressive Tennessee criminal defense attorney is paramount to help protect your rights and outline your defense strategy.

Fighting your DUI charges can help you avoid the serious punishment and social consequences of a drunk driving conviction. At McCarter | East PLLC, our attorneys are committed to handling DUI cases and defending individuals facing drunk driving allegations. Our experienced team can investigate all the surrounding facts of your case, strategize an effective defense, and dispute the charges against you with all available evidence.

Using our extensive experience and legal understanding, we will help you navigate the Tennessee criminal justice system and ensure that you are treated fairly in every phase of the legal process. Having our team on your side can improve your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in your drunk driving case.