Facing DUI Charges in Nashville and Worried About Jail, Your License, and Your Job?
DUI charges can turn your life upside down; court dates, license consequences, fines, and the stress of explaining the situation to an employer or family. If you’re searching for a DUI Lawyer in Nashville, the goal is simple: get clear answers fast and put a defense plan in motion before deadlines and prosecution evidence issues limit your defense options.
Our attorneys for DUI defense at Byron Pugh Legal bring years of legal experience, particularly in DUI defense and DUI litigation, offering unmatched counsel, guidance, and advocacy to navigate Nashville’s complex legal system. We commit to protecting your rights at every step, from the initial DUI arrest to court appearances, ensuring the best possible representation for your case.
Remember, a DUI charge doesn’t have to lead to a DUI conviction. With Byron Pugh Legal, you get more than just legal representation; you get a dedicated DUI defense team committed to fighting for your rights and helping you through this challenging time. If you are unsure what move to make next, we offer free consultations. You can reach us at 615-255-9595 any day of the week 24/7 for legal counsel on a DUI charge.
Worried About DUI Penalties in Nashville and What You Could Lose if You’re Convicted?
Even a first time DUI charge can carry mandatory jail exposure, significant fines, and a license revocation, plus practical fallout like higher insurance costs and work disruptions. A DUI Lawyer can provide legal counsel on what penalties may apply for a DUI charge in Nashville and just as importantly, what parts of the State’s case can be challenged before you decide your next step
The state may hold all the evidence. However, hiring the right DUI lawyer can help reduce your charges. Here are the potential penalties for DUI in Nashville:
What are Tennessee DUI penalties for a 1st offense in Nashville?
Under Tennessee’s DUI outline, a first offense can include:
Jail: 48 hours up to 11 months, 29 days (minimum can increase to 7 consecutive days if .20 BAC or greater is alleged)
Fine: $350–$1,500
License revocation: 1 year (restricted license may be available)
Additional requirements: alcohol/drug treatment program; restitution may apply; ignition interlock may be required
What changes for a 2nd DUI Charge?
Tennessee’s outline lists the following general consequences for a second DUI charge:
Jail: 45 days to 11 months, 29 days
Fine: $600–$3,500
License revocation: 2 years (restricted license may be available)
Other: vehicle seizure/forfeiture exposure; treatment program; ignition interlock
What about a 3rd DUI offense?
A 3rd DUI charge is a misdemeanor in Nashville. The penalties include:
Jail: 120 days to 11 months, 29 days
Fines: $1,100–$10,000
License revocation: 6 years (restricted license may be available)
Other: vehicle seizure/forfeiture exposure; treatment program; ignition interlock
When does a DUI Charge become a felony in Tennessee?
A 4th or subsequent DUI offense is a Class E felony in Nashville. The penalties include:
Jail: 365 days with a minimum of 150 consecutive days served
Fine: $3,000–$15,000
License revocation: 8 years (restricted license may be available)
Other: vehicle seizure/forfeiture exposure; treatment program; ignition interlock
The penalty framework is only one piece of the DUI charge The other piece is whether the stop, testing, and procedures hold up under scrutiny which is where a DUI Lawyer would focus next. Our defense attorneys at Byron Pugh Legal are experienced in DUI defense and committed to helping you navigate the legal challenges associated with DUI charges.
DUI Defense Strategies That Can Challenge Your Charge
It is crucial to challenge a DUI charge as police officers may make mistakes during DUI arrests. If you have an attorney for DUI defense who can expose these mistakes, you can beat your DUI charge. Many people assume a DUI charge is “open and shut” after an arrest but driving while intoxicated in Nashville often turns on technical details: why you were stopped, what the officer documented, how tests were administered, and whether required steps were followed. A DUI Lawyer can identify weaknesses in the State’s proof and raise issues that may reduce the impact of key evidence.
Knowing the most consistent weaknesses in a DUI charge will help you raise the right questions to your legal defense. The most common questions we get asked for a DUI charge are:
Can the State prove intoxication at the time of driving?
For any DUI charge in Nashville, the police are required to provide conclusive proof of intoxication at the time of driving, presenting evidence to substantiate the prosecution for DUI charges. Challenging this evidence is a critical step for those facing a DUI arrest.
Particularly noteworthy is the scenario where the police find an individual asleep in their vehicle but not actively operating it, casting doubt on when the vehicle was last operated. This situation can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.
If you suspect this to be the case, contact one of our DUI defense lawyers immediately. Our attorneys for DUI are adept at scrutinizing the prosecution’s evidence, questioning its validity, and leveraging such uncertainties in your favor.
Common areas a DUI Lawyer may evaluate include:
Whether observations are consistent with video (bodycam/dashcam, if available)
Whether normal explanations exist (fatigue, anxiety, medical conditions, uneven surfaces)
Whether timelines support the State’s theory (when driving occurred vs. when testing occurred)
Was there a legal reason for the traffic stop and arrest?
For any DUI charge in Nashville, the legal standard is clear: the state is obligated to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This high burden of proof is critical in DUI defense. Retaining a defense lawyer allows them to meticulously examine the details of your DUI charge to ascertain if the requisite probable cause was present. If not, we can argue for the dismissal of your DUI charge and emphasize the absence of proper legal grounds for the arrest.
If you suspect that the evidence against you in your DUI charge does not meet this stringent criteria, reach out to our DUI lawyers at Byron Pugh to discuss your defense strategy.
We will examine:
The stated reason for the stop and whether it holds up
Whether the officer had probable cause to arrest
Whether steps taken during the encounter complied with required procedure.
Can breath or blood test results be challenged?
For a DUI charge in Nashville, it is imperative for the police to maintain their DUI testing equipment in optimal working condition. Proper maintenance of breathalyzers, blood alcohol content (BAC) machines, and other DUI testing devices is a legal requirement.
If it is found that the testing equipment was not properly maintained, this can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case. Byron Pugh’s DUI defense lawyers can scrutinize the maintenance records of these devices. If irregularities are found, your defense can argue that the evidence obtained should be deemed inadmissible in court.
Breath testing issues sometimes involve:
Device calibration/maintenance logs and operator procedure
Timing, observation periods, and documentation gaps
Medical factors that can affect readings (case-dependent)
In Nashville, where DUI laws are strictly enforced, the accuracy of blood test results can be a critical factor.
Blood testing issues may involve:
Collection method and chain of custody
Storage conditions, handling, and lab protocols
- Timing and reporting consistency
By examining the chain of custody, the storage conditions, and the methods used to analyze the blood sample, your DUI lawyer can uncover potential errors. By highlighting any procedural inaccuracies or potential misinterpretations of the blood test results, your DUI lawyer can challenge the validity of the evidence presented against you. This includes questioning the calibration of testing equipment and the qualifications of the individuals conducting the test. This approach is essential in DUI defense where the outcome hinges on the reliability of blood alcohol content (BAC) testing.
Field sobriety test issues:
Surface conditions, lighting, footwear, weather
Injuries, balance issues, age-related factors, or prescription medication effects
Whether instructions and scoring followed standardized guidance
Having an expert in DUI tests analyze the methods used to charge you, gives your defense solid ammunition against the state’s prosecution. The attorneys for DUI defense at Byron Pugh Legal have 10+ years of experience in challenging the accuracy of blood alcohol content tests, the validity of traffic stops and arrest procedures.
What if I Think My Breath Test Result is Wrong?
By questioning the reliability of the breathalyzer results, your DUI lawyer can argue that the breath test evidence should be deemed inadmissible, potentially leading to a more favorable outcome.
Additionally, an attorney for a DUI charge will investigate the qualifications of the officer administering the test, ensuring that proper protocols were followed. This thorough examination can uncover any procedural mistakes that might invalidate the test results.
Are field sobriety tests reliable in every situation?
Police use field sobriety tests, such as standing on one leg and walk-and-turn tests, to determine if a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, some people might fail these tests due to prescription medications, obesity, or medical conditions, rather than intoxication.
That is why these tests are not always accurate and can be challenged for the defense of a DUI charge. A DUI lawyer from our legal team can analyze the administration of these field sobriety tests, question the conditions under which they were conducted and the officer’s interpretation of the results.
With our experience in DUI defense, our lawyers can argue that factors such as uneven surfaces, poor lighting, and the driver’s health conditions affected the test outcomes. By highlighting these issues, your DUI lawyer can challenge the validity of the field sobriety test results, potentially weakening the prosecution’s case against you.
Your DUI lawyer can review the police officer’s training and adherence to standardized field sobriety test protocols. Any deviations from these protocols can be used to question the reliability of the test results and strengthen your DUI defense.
Our legal team and lawyers from Byron Pugh Legal have extensive experience in defending clients against DUI charges in Nashville. We understand the complexities of DUI law and the various factors that can impact field sobriety test results. Our DUI lawyers are committed to providing the best possible legal representation to help you fight your DUI charge.
How Our DUI Lawyers Challenge Your Conviction and Strengthen Your Defense
If you want to get a favorable outcome from your charges, Byron Pugh will proudly handle the defense for your DUI charges, we will navigate the complexities of DUI law and aggressively provide you with legal defense against DUI prosecution. To understand the role of a DUI Lawyer, we have explained some of our most successful steps below.
What Happened When You Were Arrested for a DUI
Our native Nashville DUI lawyers will thoroughly examine the arrest reports to ensure the police officer followed Tennessee DUI laws properly. If the police officer did not follow the proper procedure for arresting you or if you were improperly pulled over without probable cause, that could be grounds for your DUI charge to be dismissed. This is step one of building a strong defense against driving while intoxicated.
Yes, You Most Likely Need Legal Representation for a DUI Charge
We do not recommend fighting a DUI charge on your own. You need a robust defense strategy. Thankfully, our DUI lawyers have the necessary resources, skills, and experience to help you build a strong legal defense. We will challenge the prosecution’s evidence, scrutinizing every detail to reduce or dismiss your DUI charge.
Can a DUI Lawyer Reduce a Sentence
In some cases, it may not be possible to get all charges dismissed. In these situations, our DUI lawyers can help reduce your sentence. Making informed decisions is critical, and we are here to provide legal counsel during the process, ensuring you understand all your options.
Does Nashville Offer Plea Bargains for DUI Charges
If you are offered a plea bargain, our DUI lawyers will counsel you on if it is a good decision or not. A plea bargain can save you time and money, as trials can be lengthy and expensive. Negotiating a plea bargain is not easy, but with our years of experience in criminal law, negotiation and DUI defense we can help you secure a better deal.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Driving Rights
A DUI charge can lead to suspension or even revocation of your driver’s license. You probably want to continue driving, but without a DUI lawyer defending you, you could end up losing your driving privileges. Your DUI lawyer will challenge the suspension and work to help you get a restricted license if necessary.
If you are facing a DUI charge in Nashville, contact Byron Pugh Legal today for a FREE initial consultation. Our dedicated team of attorneys for DUI defense will provide the best possible legal representation to help you fight your DUI charge and protect your rights.
Let Byron Pugh Legal Help with Your DUI Case
If you or a family member is facing a DUI charge in Nashville, Tennessee, then you need to look for an experienced DUI lawyer in Nashville. Why? Because a DUI conviction can and most likely will have a negative impact on your future.
We highly recommend working with a practiced DUI lawyer. Our legal team can help you with the complexities of DUI law, decide whether or not to accept a plea bargain, reduce or avoid jail time, and get your license back.
At Byron Pugh Legal, we understand the complexities of the DUI legal processes. We will help you navigate the complex legal process, understand your legal options, and build a solid defense for DUI charges straight away.
We are ready to fight to offer DUI legal help so you get the best possible outcome in your from your DUI charge in Nashville. If you need to speak to a DUI lawyer, do not hesitate to contact us at 615-255-9595 today.
Protect your rights and let us fight.
Nashville DUI Frequently Asked Questions
What Does a Felony DUI Charge in Tennessee Mean?
In Tennessee, a misdemeanor DUI can escalate to a felony DUI under certain circumstances. Understanding these conditions is crucial if you are facing DUI charges and need to know how to protect your rights.
Fourth or Subsequent DUI Offense: If you are convicted of a fourth DUI offense, it is automatically classified as a felony in Tennessee. Previous DUI convictions significantly impact the severity of the charges.
Injuries or Fatalities: If your DUI results in serious bodily injury or death, the charges can be elevated to a felony. This includes aggravated vehicular assault or vehicular homicide, which carry severe penalties.
Child Endangerment: Driving under the influence with a minor in the vehicle can lead to felony charges. Tennessee law imposes stricter penalties when a child is endangered during a DUI incident.
High BAC Levels: Extremely high blood alcohol content (BAC) levels at the time of the arrest can also result in enhanced charges, though this is less common compared to the other factors.
Repeat Offenses Within a Short Timeframe: Multiple DUI offenses within a short period can increase the likelihood of facing felony charges. This reflects a pattern of behavior that the courts view more harshly.
Engaging a skilled Nashville DUI lawyer is essential if you are at risk of a felony DUI charge. A knowledgeable DUI attorney can scrutinize the details of your case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and work to reduce your charges. They can also explore defenses related to the accuracy of breathalyzer tests, field sobriety tests, and the legality of the traffic stop.
At Byron Pugh Legal, our criminal defense attorneys are experienced in DUI law and committed to providing robust legal representation. We understand the complexities of Tennessee DUI laws and can help you navigate your case, whether it involves a misdemeanor or a potential felony DUI charge.
Will My Driver's License Be Suspended After a DUI Arrest in Nashville?
Yes, your driver’s license can be suspended after a DUI arrest in Nashville. The suspension can occur through two primary processes: administrative suspension and judicial suspension.
Administrative License Suspension (ALS): If you are arrested for a DUI and your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds the legal limit of 0.08%, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security can impose an administrative suspension of your driver’s license. This suspension can occur even before your criminal case is resolved. Refusing to submit to a breathalyzer or blood test under Tennessee’s implied consent law can also result in an administrative suspension.
Judicial License Suspension: If you are convicted of a DUI in court, the judge can order a suspension of your driver’s license as part of the penalties. The duration of the suspension depends on whether it is your first offense or a subsequent offense:
- First DUI Offense: A minimum one-year suspension.
- Second DUI Offense: A two-year suspension.
- Third DUI Offense: A six-year suspension.
- Fourth or Subsequent DUI Offense: An eight-year suspension, as it is classified as a felony DUI.
Restricted License: In some cases, you may be eligible for a restricted license, which allows you to drive under specific conditions, such as going to work, school, or medical appointments. Applying for a restricted license usually requires the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle.
Hiring an experienced Nashville DUI lawyer is crucial to navigating the complexities of DUI laws and the potential suspension of your driver’s license. A skilled DUI attorney can challenge the evidence against you, such as the results of breathalyzer tests and field sobriety tests, and work to protect your driving privileges.
At Byron Pugh Legal, our criminal defense attorneys are well-versed in Tennessee DUI laws and committed to providing the best possible legal representation. We will thoroughly investigate your case, advocate for your rights, and help you explore options to minimize the impact on your driving privileges.
Can You Refuse a Breathalyzer Test in Tennessee?
Yes, you can refuse a breathalyzer test in Tennessee, but doing so comes with significant consequences due to the state’s implied consent law. Understanding the implications of refusing a breathalyzer test is crucial if you are facing DUI charges.
Implied Consent Law: Under Tennessee’s implied consent law, by driving on Tennessee roads, you automatically consent to submit to chemical tests, including breathalyzer tests, if law enforcement suspects you are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Refusing to take the test can lead to automatic penalties.
Immediate Consequences:
- License Suspension: If you refuse a breathalyzer test, your driver’s license will be automatically suspended. For a first refusal, the suspension is typically one year. For subsequent refusals, the suspension can be two years or longer.
- Evidence in Court: Refusal to take a breathalyzer test can be used as evidence against you in court. Prosecutors may argue that your refusal indicates consciousness of guilt, potentially strengthening the case against you.
Additional Penalties:
- Fines and Fees: In addition to license suspension, you may face fines and fees associated with the refusal.
- Ignition Interlock Device: You may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle, which prevents the car from starting if alcohol is detected on your breath.
DUI Charges: Even if you refuse the breathalyzer test, you can still be charged with a DUI. Law enforcement can use other evidence, such as field sobriety tests, officer observations, and witness statements, to support the DUI charges.
Legal Defense: Hiring an experienced Nashville DUI lawyer is essential if you have refused a breathalyzer test. A skilled DUI attorney can challenge the circumstances of your refusal, the legality of the traffic stop, and the procedures followed by the police. They can also help mitigate the penalties associated with the refusal and build a strong defense for your DUI case.
Restricted License: After a refusal, you might be eligible for a restricted license, allowing you to drive to specific places like work, school, or medical appointments. Obtaining a restricted license usually requires the installation of an ignition interlock device.
