Will I Have to Attend Alcohol Education Classes or Undergo Treatment as Part of the DUI Process in Nashville?
Driving under the influence is a serious offense, punishable by imprisonment, fines, license suspension, and, in some cases, having to pay restitution to injured parties. What you may not realize is that if you are convicted, even as a first-time offender, you will be forced to participate in alcohol education classes.
As an alternative to incarceration, a judge may order you to undergo drug and alcohol treatment. The treatment program targets the underlying reasons for your substance abuse in an effort to avoid this repeated behavior in the future. If you have recently been arrested or charged with a DUI, do not hesitate to contact the Nashville DUI lawyers at Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, today.
Who Must Take DUI Classes in Nashville?
Even first-time offenders will have their license suspended for one year. This applies if you receive a DUI conviction or if you refuse to take a breath or blood test. In Nashville, DUI classes provide the following:
- Screening and assessments of an individual’s tendencies to abuse drugs and/or alcohol
- Prime for Life: A judgment-free program to understand the basis of a person’s alcohol and/or drug addiction
- Minimum of 12 hours of personalized instruction
Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program
In some circumstances, a judge may order you to complete an alcohol and drug treatment program. If you live in or near Nashville, you will be taking DUI classes at the DUI Safety School run by the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office. It is a state-licensed school that offers classes to first-time and subsequent DUI offenders. The school has four administrative staff members and two state-licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselors. Additionally, the school has the ability to refer participants to alcohol and drug treatment programs.
Assistance from a Nashville DUI Attorney
Tennessee law penalizes DUI offenders harshly, with even first-time offenders being forced to serve prison time. A DUI conviction will remain on your record for the rest of your life, making it difficult to find employment or a decent place to live upon your release. Many individuals who are charged with DUIs think that a conviction is inevitable, but this is usually not the case.
Since a DUI is a criminal charge, the state has the burden of proving you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This requires relevant and convincing evidence to do so. This may be easier said than done. If the police officer administered a breath test, these results may be disputed. If you were asked to perform field sobriety tests, these results are up to interpretation and may be questioned in court.
With both of our attorneys having experience as prosecutors, we know what tactics the government may try during a trial and the inherent weaknesses of their case. By retaining the assistance of a Nashville DUI attorney as early as possible in the process, you give yourself the greatest chance of getting your charges dropped or reduced.
Contact Our Nashville DUI Attorneys Today
A DUI could result in incarceration, fines, and loss of driving privileges, impacting your civil liberties and free will. Your punishment is far from over once your time is served, making it impossible to move beyond your past transgression. If you or a family member have been accused of impaired driving, our Nashville DUI attorneys are here to help. To schedule your free consultation, contact us online or by phone today.