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DUI

DUI Defense Attorney Serving Clarksville & Fort Campbell

Defending Against Drunk Driving Charges in Tennessee

In Tennessee, it is unlawful to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. If you are arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), you could face serious consequences, including a loss of your driving privileges and jail time. Therefore, it is important to discuss your case with a DUI defense attorney as soon as possible to determine your legal options. At the Dennis Stanford Law Office, we provide experienced representation for individuals who have been arrested for driving under the influence or related charges. Dennis Stanford is a former Judge Advocate with the US Army. Our firm understands the devastating impact a DUI conviction can have on a person and their family. We work hard to get the best possible outcome in your case.  If you have been arrested for DUI in Clarksville, Fort Campbell, or the surrounding communities, contact our office to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

What Are the Drunk Driving Laws in Tennessee?

Tennessee Code 55-10-401 makes it unlawful to drive or be in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of any intoxicant or to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. It is important to note that you can be arrested for a DUI even if your BAC is under 0.08%, pursuant to this statute.  Furthermore, if you are under the age of 21 but over the age of 16, you may be arrested for driving while impaired if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.02% or greater or if you are under the influence of an intoxicant. Intoxicants, according to state law, include alcohol, marijuana, drugs, or a stimulant.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI Conviction in TN? 

Penalties for driving under the influence in Clarksville can range in severity depending on the circumstances of the offense. Potential Penalties for a 1st Offense DUI Conviction in Tennessee:
  • Jail time (48 hours to 11 months and 29 days)
  • Minimum jail time of 7 consecutive days for BAC of .20% or higher
  • License revocation of one year (may be eligible for restricted license)
  • Participation in an alcohol and drug treatment program
  • Required restitution
  • A fine of $350 to $1500
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
If you are arrested for 2nd or subsequent offense, you could face harsher penalties, including a longer license revocation, higher fines, mandatory jail time, and vehicle seizure. In some cases, such as if you cause injury to another person, the DUI will be charged as a felony. Regardless of the circumstances, it is in your best interest to consult with a Clarksville DUI defense attorney as early in the process as possible.

What Is Implied Consent in Tennessee?

Under Tennessee law, motorists automatically consent to have their blood or breath (or both) tested if they are arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This is a condition of being able to drive a vehicle in the state. Chemical tests to determine whether you are under the influence or impaired by alcohol or drugs are done after an arrest. What to know about refusing a chemical test:
  • If you refuse to submit to a chemical test, you could face additional penalties
  • An officer must advise you of the consequences of refusing to submit to a test. 
  • No test can be administered unless the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that you were driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. 
  • If it is determined that you refused to submit to a chemical test, you may face a year-long license revocation
However, you can request a hearing to challenge the automatic suspension of your driving privileges. It is vital to act quickly as you only have a limited amount of time to request a hearing. 

Arrested for DUI in Clarksville? Contact Our Office.

Were you or a loved one arrested for drunk driving in Clarksville, TN? Contact our office to discuss your case directly with an attorney. We have decades of experience helping clients fight criminal charges. All consultations are free and confidential.

Defending Against Drunk Driving Charges in Tennessee

In Tennessee, it is unlawful to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. If you are arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), you could face serious consequences, including a loss of your driving privileges and jail time. Therefore, it is important to discuss your case with a DUI defense attorney as soon as possible to determine your legal options. At the Dennis Stanford Law Office, we provide experienced representation for individuals who have been arrested for driving under the influence or related charges. Dennis Stanford is a former Judge Advocate with the US Army. Our firm understands the devastating impact a DUI conviction can have on a person and their family. We work hard to get the best possible outcome in your case.  If you have been arrested for DUI in Clarksville, Fort Campbell, or the surrounding communities, contact our office to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

What Are the Drunk Driving Laws in Tennessee?

Tennessee Code 55-10-401 makes it unlawful to drive or be in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of any intoxicant or to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. It is important to note that you can be arrested for a DUI even if your BAC is under 0.08%, pursuant to this statute.  Furthermore, if you are under the age of 21 but over the age of 16, you may be arrested for driving while impaired if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.02% or greater or if you are under the influence of an intoxicant. Intoxicants, according to state law, include alcohol, marijuana, drugs, or a stimulant.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI Conviction in TN? 

Penalties for driving under the influence in Clarksville can range in severity depending on the circumstances of the offense. Potential Penalties for a 1st Offense DUI Conviction in Tennessee:
  • Jail time (48 hours to 11 months and 29 days)
  • Minimum jail time of 7 consecutive days for BAC of .20% or higher
  • License revocation of one year (may be eligible for restricted license)
  • Participation in an alcohol and drug treatment program
  • Required restitution
  • A fine of $350 to $1500
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
If you are arrested for 2nd or subsequent offense, you could face harsher penalties, including a longer license revocation, higher fines, mandatory jail time, and vehicle seizure. In some cases, such as if you cause injury to another person, the DUI will be charged as a felony. Regardless of the circumstances, it is in your best interest to consult with a Clarksville DUI defense attorney as early in the process as possible.

What Is Implied Consent in Tennessee?

Under Tennessee law, motorists automatically consent to have their blood or breath (or both) tested if they are arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This is a condition of being able to drive a vehicle in the state. Chemical tests to determine whether you are under the influence or impaired by alcohol or drugs are done after an arrest. What to know about refusing a chemical test:
  • If you refuse to submit to a chemical test, you could face additional penalties
  • An officer must advise you of the consequences of refusing to submit to a test. 
  • No test can be administered unless the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that you were driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. 
  • If it is determined that you refused to submit to a chemical test, you may face a year-long license revocation
However, you can request a hearing to challenge the automatic suspension of your driving privileges. It is vital to act quickly as you only have a limited amount of time to request a hearing. 

Arrested for DUI in Clarksville? Contact Our Office.

Were you or a loved one arrested for drunk driving in Clarksville, TN? Contact our office to discuss your case directly with an attorney. We have decades of experience helping clients fight criminal charges. All consultations are free and confidential.

Don’t let a mistake define your future. We can help.

If you or someone you know has been accused of a crime, don’t wait to get the legal representation you deserve. Our experienced criminal defense team is here to fight for your rights, protect your freedom, and defend your future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start building your defense strategy. With our knowledge, experience, and dedication, we can help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

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