If you’re facing a DUI charge in Tennessee and your license has been suspended as a result, you may feel like you’ve already paid a heavy price for your mistake. However, the consequences can become even more severe if you drive with a suspended license after a DUI. In Tennessee, driving with a suspended license after a DUI is a serious offense that can lead to further legal troubles, including more severe penalties, fines, and even jail time.
If you’re dealing with such a situation, understanding the ramifications of driving with a suspended license is essential. A Nashville DUI defense lawyer can help guide you through the process, potentially minimizing the long-term effects on your life.
If you’re accused of driving on a suspended license after a DUI, contact Byron Pugh Legal today for a free consultation.
Understanding DUI and License Suspension in Tennessee
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Tennessee, and when convicted, it can lead to a variety of legal penalties, including fines, mandatory education programs, and possibly even jail time. One of the most common consequences of a DUI conviction in Tennessee is a suspended driver’s license. License suspension after a DUI is typically a mandatory penalty that can vary in length depending on the number of previous offenses and the specifics of your case.
For first-time DUI offenders, the suspension period can be anywhere from a few months to a year. However, for individuals with multiple DUI convictions, the suspension can last several years, or in some cases, indefinitely. During this suspension period, the individual is prohibited from driving. If you are caught behind the wheel while your license is suspended, you can face serious additional penalties.
Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License After a DUI in Tennessee
Driving with a suspended license after a DUI is a criminal offense under Tennessee law (Tenn. Code 55-50-504), and being caught can result in severe consequences. The penalties can range from fines and extended license suspensions to jail time. Here’s a breakdown of what could happen if you are caught driving with a suspended license after a DUI conviction.
First or Second Offense
For a first or second offense of driving while your license is suspended or revoked, you will typically face a Class B misdemeanor charge. The penalties include:
- Jail time ranging from 2 days to 6 months
- A maximum fine of up to $1,000
Third and Additional Offense
However, if this is your third or subsequent offense within ten years, you will face a Class A misdemeanor charge. The penalties for a Class A misdemeanor are significantly more severe and include:
- Jail time ranging from 45 days to 1 year
- A maximum fine of up to $3,000
Extended Suspension of Your License
If you are caught driving with a suspended license after a DUI, the state of Tennessee will likely extend your suspension period. The length of the extension will depend on the nature of the violation and your previous driving record. In many cases, the court will extend your suspension by an additional 1 to 2 years. The more times you violate the suspension, the longer the penalties will last.
In some cases, you might be required to attend additional driving courses or fulfill other obligations before you can apply for a reinstatement of your driving privileges.
Probation or Additional Court-Mandated Programs
Instead of, or in addition to, jail time, the court may sentence you to probation. Probation is often a condition placed on individuals caught driving with a suspended license after a DUI. During this probation period, you may be required to check in with a probation officer and comply with various conditions, such as attending alcohol education programs, performing community service, or undergoing counseling.
If probation is violated, however, it can lead to even harsher penalties, including jail time. For this reason, it is essential to understand the conditions of your probation and ensure that you are in full compliance with the terms set by the court.
Defenses for Driving with a Suspended License After a DUI
While the penalties for driving with a suspended license after a DUI are severe, it’s important to know that there are potential defenses available. A skilled Nashville DUI defense lawyer can help you explore your options.
Incorrect Records
In some cases, individuals may be mistakenly accused of driving with a suspended license due to errors in DMV or court records. If the records show that your license is suspended when, in fact, it is not, your attorney can argue that you were not in violation of the law.
Lack of Knowledge About Suspension
In certain situations, you may not have been aware that your license was suspended, especially if you didn’t receive the official notice from the court or the DMV. If you can prove that you didn’t know about your license suspension, the court may be more lenient, though it is not always a guaranteed defense.
Driving for an Emergency
If you can demonstrate that you were driving with a suspended license because of an emergency, such as taking a family member to the hospital, the court may be more understanding and may reduce your penalties.
However, this defense is only successful in very limited circumstances, so it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can build a compelling case on your behalf.
How a Nashville DUI Defense Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve been caught driving with a suspended license after a DUI, it’s important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. A skilled Nashville DUI defense lawyer will know the ins and outs of Tennessee DUI laws and can fight for the best possible outcome.
An experienced attorney will explore all possible defenses and strategies to help protect your rights. A DUI defense lawyer can also help you understand what steps to have your driver’s license reinstated or to obtain a hardship license.
Contact Byron Pugh Legal for a Free Consultation
Driving with a suspended license after a DUI in Tennessee is a serious offense that can lead to significant legal consequences. If you’re caught in this situation, the penalties can range from fines and extended suspension periods to jail time and probation.
The best way to protect your rights and minimize the consequences of this offense is to work with an experienced Nashville criminal defense lawyer. By doing so, you’ll have the guidance you need to navigate the complexities of the legal system and work towards a more favorable outcome.
At Byron Pugh Legal, we defend individuals facing DUI charges and related offenses. If you’re facing a suspended license after a DUI or any other criminal charge in Tennessee, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can assist you in your case.
