- DUI
Getting arrested for a DUI while on parole in Nashville is a serious legal situation that requires immediate and strategic action to protect your freedom and future. Not only does a DUI offense carry severe criminal penalties, but it also constitutes a violation of the conditions of your parole, which comes with its own set of consequences.
Securing experienced legal representation is crucial to ensuring the best possible outcome for your case. A criminal defense lawyer who specializes in DUI defense and parole violations in Nashville understands the complexities of your case and will be able to build the best strategies for your defense.
If you’ve been arrested for a DUI while on parole in Nashville, you need effective legal representation to protect your rights and interests. Our experienced criminal defense team at Nash Law is here to provide you with the guidance and representation you need during this challenging time. Don’t hesitate to contact us at 615-NASH-LAW to schedule a confidential consultation!
What Happens if I’m Arrested for a DUI While on Parole?
Parole is a conditional release from prison before your full sentence has been served, under the agreement that you will adhere to certain conditions. These conditions often include:
- Obeying all federal, state, and local laws (avoid committing new crimes such as DUIs)
- Regularly reporting to your parole officer as scheduled
- Abstaining from the use of drugs and alcohol (including submitting to random drug tests)
- Promptly reporting any new arrests to your parole officer
If you are arrested for a DUI while on parole, here are some of the key things you can expect to happen:
Reporting the Arrest
As is the case with probation, you are required to report any new arrests while on parole to your parole officer immediately. Keep in mind that failure to do so can be considered an additional violation of your parole conditions.
Parole Hold
Your parole officer may choose to impose a parole hold on you depending on the severity of the DUI as well as your criminal history.
A parole hold is the authorization to detain a person suspected of violating the conditions of their parole. This means that you could be taken into custody without the option for bail, pending a parole revocation hearing. This often occurs when a parole officer determines that the parolee is a danger to themselves, others, or property, or is a flight risk.
Keep in mind that in Nashville, Tennessee, a parole officer does not necessarily need an arrest warrant to place someone on a parole hold.
Parole Revocation Hearing
Following your DUI arrest, you can expect a parole revocation hearing. The purpose of this hearing is to determine whether your parole will be revoked due to the violation. It is typically held before a parole board or a judge who will consider the circumstances of the DUI charge, your parole history, and any other relevant factors.
During the hearing, the board or judge will review the evidence against you, including any breathalyzer, blood test results, or field sobriety tests administered during your DUI arrest.
Keep in mind that you have the right to present your own evidence, possibly challenge the DUI charge, and argue why your parole should not be revoked.
What are the Potential Consequences for a Parole Violation?
During your parole revocation hearing following a DUI arrest, the parole board or judge will consider the specifics of your case, including your criminal history, the severity of the DUI (such as whether it involved an accident or injuries), and your compliance with other parole conditions when making their determination.
The potential penalties include:
Parole Revocation
If the parole board or judge determines that the violation committed is severe enough, they may revoke your parole and send you back to prison to serve the remainder of your original sentence, potentially with additional time for the DUI.
Parole Extension
The judge or parole board might also deem it fit to extend the duration of your parole beyond its original end date.
Inclusion of Additional Conditions
The parole board or judge may rule that your parole be reinstated but with added conditions, such as mandatory attendance in a DUI treatment program or increased supervision.
What to do If I Am Arrested for DUI While on Parole in Nashville?
Promptly Reach Out to an Attorney
This step is highly important, especially for these legal situations. You need to contact a criminal defense attorney who has experience handling DUI cases and parole violations as soon as possible after your arrest. An attorney will provide you with crucial guidance and support throughout the entire process, from navigating the criminal charges to representing you at the parole revocation hearing.
Report the Arrest to your Parole Officer
You are legally required to report any new arrests or charges to your parole officer within a specified time period. However, it is highly advisable to always do this under the guidance of your attorney. An attorney can help you craft a strategic approach for communicating with your parole officer, ensuring that you fulfill your reporting obligations while also protecting your rights and interests.
Gather Relevant Evidence and Documentation
Now, it is time to get started gathering all the necessary evidence and documentation related to your case with the help of your attorney. This includes things like witness statements, police reports, breathalyzer or blood test results, and so on.
Your attorney will review this evidence and build a strong defense strategy for your parole revocation hearing.
Adhere to Parole Conditions
As you await your parole revocation hearing and also deal with your DUI charges, you need to continue staying in compliance with all other conditions of your parole. This includes refraining from further criminal activity, attending any required counseling or treatment programs, and adhering to any travel restrictions or curfews imposed by your parole officer.
Attend All Required Court Dates and Meetings
It’s essential to comply with all legal requirements and obligations, including attending court dates and meetings with your parole officer. Failure to do so can have serious consequences and may negatively impact your defense.
Get in Touch with an Experienced Nashville Criminal Defense Lawyer!
At Nash Law, we understand the potential impact that a DUI arrest while on parole can have on your freedom and future. Our goal is to provide you with unwavering support and effective legal representation throughout every stage of the legal process. Give us a call today at 615-NASH-LAW for a comprehensive case evaluation.
