2026 Articles
Yes, sobriety checkpoints are legal in Tennessee, but law enforcement must follow strict constitutional requirements, and any violation of those rules can form the basis of a strong defense. If you were arrested at a DUI checkpoint, document everything you remember and speak with a DUI defense lawyer at Andrew...
An ignition interlock device (IID) is a breathalyzer installed in your vehicle that prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. Tennessee law requires or allows the installation of these devices in connection with a DUI conviction, and the financial and personal burden of maintaining one...
Video evidence from police cameras can either strengthen the prosecution’s case or hand your defense a powerful tool to challenge the arrest. A DUI conviction in Tennessee carries jail time, license loss, and lasting damage to your record, so preserving and reviewing this footage quickly is critical. At Andrew C....
Yes, and it happens more often than most people realize. Certain medical conditions can mimic the signs of intoxication, produce false-positive readings on chemical tests, and cause you to fail field sobriety evaluations even when completely sober. If a health condition contributed to unreliable test results, it may be possible...
A driving under the influence (DUI) charge in Tennessee can lead to jail time, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment and insurance for years. If you have been arrested, preserve your rights by staying silent and retaining counsel immediately. At Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, our attorneys...
Although most of us assume that you must be driving to be arrested for a DUI, you only need to be in physical control of the vehicle. If you are found behind the wheel or have your keys in your pocket, you can still be charged with a DUI in...
Yes, a driving under the influence (DUI) charge can be dismissed when law enforcement fails to follow proper legal procedures during your stop, arrest, or testing. Police officers must respect your constitutional rights at every stage, and procedural violations can give you grounds to get a DUI dismissed before your...
During a DUI traffic stop, law enforcement will pull over a driver whom they believe may be driving under the influence. By stopping the vehicle, the police officer will further investigate the driver for signs of inebriation. A DUI traffic stop consists of the initial reason for the traffic stop,...
Yes, you absolutely can. Tennessee law does not require an accident, injuries, or property damage for a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction to result in jail time. A defense for DUI offenses becomes necessary the moment you are arrested, regardless of whether anyone was harmed during the stop. Can...
If you have been stopped by a police officer for a DUI, you do not have to answer all of their questions. Besides confirming your identity and providing license, registration, and insurance information, you can decline to answer specific questions regarding your whereabouts. The more information you provide, the more...
A field sobriety test is designed to measure a person’s level of impairment following a DUI stop. In Tennessee, you are allowed to refuse a field sobriety test without suffering legal consequences. However, if you do refuse to participate, you may be asked to take a blood chemistry or breathalyzer...
If a police officer suspects that you are driving impaired, he or she will request that you complete a field sobriety test. A field sobriety test (FST) is designed to show a person’s level of impairment during a DUI stop. The test has three components: a horizontal gaze nystagmus test,...
Through plea bargaining, a DUI can be reduced to a lesser charge in Nashville, Tennessee. One of the most common reductions for a DUI charge is pleading guilty to reckless driving, known as a “wet reckless” plea bargain. This comes with less harsh penalties, allowing the defendant to spend less...
Each year, about 1.5 million DUI arrests are made in the United States. In Tennessee, even a first DUI conviction comes with jail time. Subsequent offenses will result in more time behind bars, steeper fines, and a longer license suspension. If you are currently facing DUI allegations, now is the...
Given that over 12,000 motor vehicle fatalities each year are due to an alcohol-impaired driver, law enforcement is cracking down on the issue in Tennessee. The legality of your stop, whether you take a plea bargain or go to trial, and the court’s caseload will determine how long your DUI...
If you are operating a passenger vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or greater in Tennessee, you will be charged with a DUI. If you have multiple DUIs, your chances of going to jail increase substantially, with each penalty coming with a minimum days of imprisonment. Additionally,...
Running from the cops, known as evading or resisting arrest, is a serious offense under Tennessee law. The Tennessee Code defines evading arrest as intentionally concealing yourself or fleeing from a police officer in a motor vehicle during an arrest. If you know that law enforcement is attempting to arrest...
If you have been accused of physically assaulting or verbally abusing a family or household member, you may be charged with domestic violence, also known as domestic assault. Tennessee does allow certain defendants to avoid a conviction on their record by completing certain conditions, known as diversion. To be placed...
While most of us think of a DUI (driving under the influence) charge as stemming from alcohol use, taking prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs can also lead to a DUI charge. A DUI charge can be imposed anytime a person is operating a motor vehicle impaired, whether that be through...
An alternative to jail, probation allows you to remain within the community but requires you to report regularly to a probation officer. In Tennessee, probation is often available for misdemeanors and less serious felonies. If you are a first-time offender, it is possible to get probation for an assault offense....
According to Tennessee law, assault is defined as causing someone bodily injury, placing them in fear of bodily injury, or touching someone in an extremely offensive or provocative manner. In some situations, assault victims may choose to have a restraining order issued against their aggressor. In Tennessee, a restraining order...
Reckless endangerment is defined as any conduct that places another person in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death. While a conviction comes with potential jail time, fines, and a criminal record, you may also experience damage to your reputation. At Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, we know the impact...
Someone who intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person will be charged with assault in Tennessee. If you do assault someone during a bar fight, criminal charges could be pressed against you. An assault charge will not go away on its own and could lead to collateral...
A DUI arrest in Tennessee triggers serious consequences that demand skilled legal representation. Knowing how to choose the right DUI lawyer can mean the difference between conviction and dismissal, between jail time and alternative sentencing. Many attorneys handle DUI cases occasionally. However, few possess the specialized knowledge and trial experience...
An underage drinking while under the influence (DUI) conviction can have long-term effects on college admissions, scholarships, job opportunities, and military eligibility. At Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, our trial-tested Nashville DUI defense attorneys fight to protect young clients from the life-altering consequences of underage DUI convictions. Tennessee Underage DUI (Zero...




