The DUI laws in Tennessee are immensely harsh, and being convicted of DUI comes with strict penalties. These can include losing your driver’s license, costly fines, and years in prison, among others. But with guidance from our Nashville DUI lawyers at Beasley Law Criminal Defense Attorneys, we will work quickly to do all that we can to secure the best outcome for your case, no matter your situation.

The Penalties for a DUI Conviction Can Be Severe

Securing a skilled DUI defense lawyer in Nashville can help you build a strategic defense to mitigate severe penalties. Depending on whether it’s your first DUI or you have previously been convicted, the penalties can include:

  • First DUI Conviction: 11 or more months of jail time and a fine of up to $2,500
  • Second DUI Conviction: 11 or more months in jail and a fine of up to $3,500
  • Third DUI Conviction: Jail time of 11 or more months and a fine of up to $10,000
  • Fourth and Subsequent DUI Conviction: Felony. Up to 15 years in jail and a fine of up to $15,000

If your blood alcohol content (BAC) was .20% or more when you were pulled over, you can face more severe punishments. The state also has DUI per se which is a strict liability crime when the BAC is over .08%. If you refuse the breath test, you face a year or more of license suspension. But if you have prior DUIs, you may lose your license for eight years. In addition, you must have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in your vehicle for years, complete alcohol or drug treatment programs, and pay restitution to any person you injured during your DUI incident.

What Can Our DUI Lawyer Do For You?

When you choose to work with the Nashville DUI attorney at Beasley Law Criminal Defense Attorneys, we will waste no time obtaining evidence to build your defense and mitigate the serious penalties you’re facing. Being a former prosecutor, Andrew C. Beasley knows how the local courts work, giving you an advantage if you’ve been arrested for DUI.

Take note that prosecutors can decide whether to pursue or dismiss your case, usually based on the available evidence. If there’s inadequate evidence, they may drop your case. It’s also possible the arresting officer violated your legal rights when you were pulled over.

Your lawyer can also challenge the administration of the chemical test or argue your BAC was below the lawful limit during your arrest. All these could result in the charges against you being dropped due to weak or inadequate evidence. Whatever the case, your lawyer will explore the best defense strategy and legal recourse specific to your case.

Can You Refuse a Breathalyzer Test in Tennessee?

Yes, but refusing a breath or blood test can lead to an automatic driver’s license suspension under state implied consent law.

Will a First-Time DUI Result in Jail Time in Tennessee?

A first DUI conviction in Tennessee carries mandatory jail time, even for first-time offenders, along with fines and a possible license suspension.

Can a DUI Charge Be Reduced or Dismissed?

In some cases, yes. An attorney may challenge the legality of the traffic stop, field sobriety testing procedures, or chemical test results to seek a reduction or dismissal of the charges.

Discuss Your Case With an Experienced DUI Lawyer in Nashville Today

Getting arrested and charged with DUI can be very frightening and stressful, whether or not it’s your first or subsequent arrest. However, our Nashville DUI lawyer can help you sort out your situation and preserve your freedom and legal rights. Get in touch with Beasley Law Criminal Defense Attorneys by phone at (615) 846-9889, or send us a message online to schedule your free case evaluation with our team.

“When I was pulled over, I had no idea I had a warrant. Three and a half years ago I was arrested for a DUI, but the charge was dismissed. What I didn’t know is that the charge had been appealed. Now four years later, I was facing the charge again and in jeopardy of losing my job, serving 45 days in jail and paying thousands in fines and costs. After speaking with James McVeigh for just a few minutes, I was starting to feel like I could relax. His contagious confidence is backed up by not only his knowledge of the law, but also his familiarity with the members of the court throughout Middle Tennessee. In the end, James had my charges drastically reduced, I didn’t have to serve any jail time, and I saved thousands of dollars.”