If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Tennessee, you probably have a lot of questions — and a lot of stress. Whether this is your first offense or you’ve faced charges before, understanding how Tennessee DUI laws work is essential to protecting your rights. A conviction can have serious consequences for your freedom, your finances, and your future.
Working with an experienced Nashville DUI defense lawyer, like Byron Pugh Legal, can make all the difference. In this post, we’ll break down what you need to know about DUI charges in Tennessee, the penalties you could face, and how a DUI attorney can help you fight back.
Tennessee DUI Laws Explained
In Tennessee, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any intoxicating substance that affects your ability to drive safely. Specifically, if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, you can be charged with DUI. For drivers under 21, the legal BAC limit is 0.02% under Tennessee’s “zero tolerance” policy for underage drinking and driving.
Tennessee DUI laws don’t apply just to alcohol. You can also be arrested if you are impaired due to illegal drugs, prescription medications, or even over-the-counter medicines that cause drowsiness or other side effects that affect your driving. Law enforcement doesn’t need a breathalyzer test to arrest you for DUI if they believe your ability to drive is impaired. Officers often rely on field sobriety tests, observed behavior, and other evidence to make an arrest.
Tennessee takes DUI offenses seriously, and the law applies to everyone, whether you’re driving on a back road in a small town or on a busy Nashville interstate. Under the “implied consent” law, your license will be automatically suspended if you refuse to take a breathalyzer or blood test if an officer has reasonable grounds to believe you are under the influence.
Penalties for DUI in Tennessee
The penalties for a DUI conviction in Tennessee can vary depending on whether it’s your first offense or you have prior DUI convictions. Even a first-time DUI carries severe consequences that can follow you for years.
First DUI
If you are convicted of DUI for the first time, you could face:
- A minimum of 48 hours in jail, with up to 11 months and 29 days possible. If your BAC is 0.20% or higher, the minimum jail time increases to 7 days.
- A fine between $350 and $1,500.
- Driver’s license revocation for 1 year.
- Mandatory participation in an alcohol and drug treatment program.
- Possible installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on your car at your expense.
Second and third offenses bring even tougher penalties, including longer jail sentences, higher fines, and longer license suspensions.
Second DUI
Penalties for a second DUI conviction can include:
- A minimum 45 days in jail, with up to 11 months and 29 days possible.
- Fines from $600 to $3,500
- 2-year license revocation.
Third DUI
If you are convicted of a third DUI, the penalties are even harsher:
- The minimum sentence is 120 days in jail, with a possibility of up to 11 months and 29 days.
- Fines between $1,100 and $10,000
- License revocation for 6 years.
For a fourth or subsequent DUI offense, you are facing a Class E felony, with at least 150 days in jail, much higher fines, and longer license revocation periods.
Besides these criminal penalties, a DUI conviction can also affect your job, especially if you hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or need to drive for work. You may face higher insurance premiums, loss of professional licenses, and difficulty finding future employment.
Aggravating factors such as having a minor in the vehicle, causing an accident with injuries, or having an extremely high BAC can increase the severity of your punishment.
How a Nashville DUI Defense Lawyer Can Help
Facing DUI charges in Tennessee can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. An experienced Nashville DUI defense lawyer understands the complexities of Tennessee DUI laws and knows how to build a strong defense on your behalf.
Challenging Evidence Against You
A DUI attorney will review every detail of your arrest to make sure your rights were not violated. Did the officer have probable cause to stop you? Were field sobriety tests administered correctly? Was the breathalyzer or blood test properly conducted and calibrated? These are critical questions because if your rights were violated or procedures weren’t followed properly, some or all of the evidence against you could be thrown out.
A DUI lawyer can also challenge the traffic stop itself. Sometimes, officers pull drivers over without a valid reason. If there wasn’t a legal basis for stopping your vehicle, any evidence gathered afterward — including BAC tests or observations of impairment — may be inadmissible in court.
Plea Bargains and Reduced Sentences
Skilled DUI defense lawyers will fight to minimize the impact on your life. In many cases, DUI lawyers negotiate plea deals where the defendant pleads guilty in exchange for a lesser punishment.
There may be alternatives to jail for first-time offenders, such as probation, community service, or alcohol education programs. In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate a reduction to a lesser charge, such as reckless driving, which carries fewer penalties than a DUI conviction.
Representation in Court
When a DUI case goes to trial, having a lawyer who knows how to argue effectively before a judge or jury is essential. Byron Pugh Legal will analyze the prosecution’s case, cross-examine witnesses, and present evidence that supports your side of the story.
License Suspension
If you are facing a license suspension, a DUI attorney can represent you in administrative hearings with the Tennessee Department of Safety. We have helped many clients obtain restricted licenses for work or family obligations.
Contact Byron Pugh Legal for a Free Consultation
Being charged with a DUI in Tennessee is serious, but it doesn’t have to define your future. With the right legal representation, you can fight the charges, minimize the consequences, and protect your rights. At Byron Pugh Legal, we understand what’s at stake for you and your family. Whether this is your first DUI arrest or you’ve been through this before, we are committed to providing aggressive, knowledgeable defense to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
If you or a loved one is facing DUI charges, don’t wait to get help from a Nashville DUI lawyer. Contact Byron Pugh Legal today to schedule a free consultation and start building your defense.
