Do I Have to Be Driving to Be Arrested for a DUI?
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...
Can a DUI Charge Be Dismissed Due to Improper Police Procedures?
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...
What Happens During a DUI Traffic Stop?
Posted: May 09, 2026 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...
Can I Go to Jail for a DUI Even if No One Was Hurt?
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,...
Should I Answer Police Questions During a DUI Stop?
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...
Can I Refuse a Field Sobriety Test?
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...
What are Field Sobriety Tests Designed to Show?
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....
Can a DUI Be Reduced to a Lesser Charge?
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...
What Defenses are Commonly Used in DUI Cases?
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....
How Long Does a DUI Case Usually Take to Resolve?
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,...