Driving under the influence (DUI) offenses are not taken lightly in Tennessee. The consequences of a conviction could affect every aspect of your life. If you’ve been arrested and are facing DUI charges, you could be facing severe penalties, from huge fines and license suspension to possible jail time—all of which can leave a lasting impact on your future.
To protect yourself and navigate the allegations, it’s important to seek experienced legal representation. The decisions you make now could determine whether you avoid a criminal record and the worst possible outcomes. If you’ve been charged with DUI, your next step should be to consult with a seasoned Nashville, TN DUI attorney.
At Nash Law, our dedicated criminal defense attorneys are here to provide you with expert legal guidance and effective defense. As experienced Tennessee DUI defense attorneys, we thoroughly investigate the details of your case and build a strong defense strategy aimed at protecting your rights and fighting your charges.
Don’t risk your future—contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
DUI Charges in Tennessee
In Tennessee, it is illegal to drive or be in physical control of a vehicle under the following conditions:
- Your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08% or higher.
- You are under the influence of any intoxicant, marijuana, drug, controlled substance, or any substance that significantly impairs the central nervous system.
- A person is considered “under the influence” if their ability to drive is impaired, making it unsafe for them to operate a vehicle.
A DUI conviction in Tennessee can lead to severe consequences, including jail time, hefty fines, probation, license suspension or revocation, community service, and significant social repercussions.
Common Myths and Misconceptions about DUI Charges in Tennessee
There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding DUI offenses in Tennessee, most of which are often passed around and accepted without much debate. This often leads to unnecessary confusion and bad outcomes.
At Nash Law, we always encourage our clients to get the truth directly from knowledgeable sources. This way, you’ll gain a solid understanding of the law and have a clear grasp of what you’re facing.
Here are some of the common myths DUIs and DUI charges we’ve come across:
1. You Can Only Get a DUI If You’re Over the Legal BAC Limit
While a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% is the legal limit in Tennessee, you can still be charged with a DUI even if your BAC is below this threshold. If a law enforcement officer believes that your driving is impaired, you could face DUI charges regardless of your BAC level.
2. Refusing a Breathalyzer Test Will Help Avoid a DUI Conviction
Refusing a breathalyzer test in Tennessee can lead to automatic penalties, including the suspension of your driver’s license. Tennessee follows the “implied consent” law, which means that by driving on Tennessee roads, you’ve implicitly agreed to submit to chemical tests if suspected of DUI.
While you do have a right to refuse field sobriety tests, the refusal can sometimes be used against you in court and may result in harsher penalties.
3. You Can’t Be Arrested for a DUI If You’re Not Actually Driving
In Tennessee, you can be charged with a DUI even if you’re not driving. If you’re in “physical control” of a vehicle, such as sitting in the driver’s seat with the keys in the ignition, you could be charged with a DUI. The law aims to prevent potential harm, so even the ability to operate the vehicle can lead to DUI charges.
Moreover, if you knowingly permit an impaired person to drive your vehicle, both you and the impaired driver can be charged with DUI. This is known as “DUI by allowing.” Even if you’re sober, allowing a friend who has been drinking to get behind the wheel can lead to serious consequences.
Being charged with DUI by allowing carries the same penalties as a standard DUI, including fines, loss of driving privileges, and possible jail time. This law reflects Tennessee’s strict approach to DUI prevention, acknowledging that letting someone drive impaired is as dangerous as driving under the influence yourself.
4. You Can Only Get a DUI from Alcohol
A common misconception is that DUI charges only apply to alcohol consumption. However, Tennessee law encompasses a broad range of substances when it comes to impaired driving. Any substance—whether legal or illegal—that impairs a driver’s mental or physical abilities can lead to a DUI charge.
Law enforcement officers are trained to recognize various signs of impairment, including physical symptoms, erratic driving patterns, and behavior during a traffic stop. If you’re suspected of driving under the influence of drugs, the police may obtain a warrant for a blood or urine test, which can detect the presence of substances in your system.
The main issue is impairment. If a medication or substance affects your reaction time, coordination, cognitive functions, or judgment; driving under its influence can result in a DUI charge. The law doesn’t differentiate between medical necessity and recreational use; it focuses solely on how the substance impacts your ability to drive safely.
Always heed medication warnings about driving or operating machinery, as failing to do so can have serious legal consequences.
5. A First-Time DUI Offense Isn’t a Big Deal
A first-time DUI offense in Tennessee is a serious matter. It can result in fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and even jail time. Additionally, a DUI conviction stays on your record and can affect your insurance rates, employment opportunities, and more.
6. You Can Represent Yourself in a DUI Case and Get a Good Outcome
While you have the right to represent yourself in court, it’s not advisable, especially in DUI cases. DUI laws are complex, and being convicted can lead to severe penalties. An experienced DUI defense lawyer can challenge the available evidence, negotiate plea deals, and build an effective defense strategy for your case, increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.
Contact Our Team of DUI Attorneys in Nashville Today to Discuss Your DUI Charges
If you or a loved one has been arrested for DUI, you want to speak to a DUI attorney at Nash Law right away. We’ll stand by your side through every stage of the process, from the initial arrest to the hearings and court proceedings.
We have decades of experience in successfully defending clients against DUI charges, and we’re here to help you navigate this challenging situation. Let’s help you today.
Call Nash Law today at 615-NASH-LAW to schedule a consultation.
