- DUI
Seeing the flashing lights of a police car behind you is almost always nerve-wracking, even if you’re not in the wrong. If you had been drinking, a lot is at stake, and how you manage your exchange with the officer is everything. It’s always a good idea to comply and be polite, and perhaps more important to know your rights.
At Nash Law, we handle a wide range of criminal matters, and we are proud to provide top-quality legal representation to anyone facing DUI charges in Tennessee. Our Nashville DUI defense lawyers understand how having a few drinks with friends or family could unexpectedly turn into a devastating conviction, even if you had no intentions of breaking the law.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for DUI in Nashville, TN, call our office at 615-NASH-LAW. We offer a free initial consultation to all our clients without obligation.
What Happens If You Are Stopped For a DUI in Nashville?
Law enforcement officers have several methods of enforcing DUI laws to help prevent car accidents and fatalities caused by intoxicated driving. Conducting DUI stops is one of these strategies, and intoxicated drivers can be charged with a DUI offense for operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08% and above.
If you’re pulled over on suspicion of DUI, the officer may request your license, registration, and other details. They may ask you a few questions as they observe you for signs of intoxication or impairment. They may ask you to step out of the car for a breath test or field sobriety test.
You may decline to partake in the field sobriety test with no penalties, however, refusing to take the chemical or breath test could come with legal consequences. Moreover, if there’s enough probable cause to indicate that you have committed a DUI, you may be placed under arrest.
However, it’s important to note that the police officer should have the proper legal grounds to stop you and make an arrest. For an officer to pull you over, they must have reason to suspect that you are impaired by alcohol or drugs, or that you’re violating the law in some way. An example would be a driver struggling to stay in one lane or driving at an inconsistent speed.
If there are no grounds that justify pulling you over, then the DUI stop could be a violation of your constitutional rights. In that case, the court may rule that any evidence obtained from the illegal stop cannot be used against you. This could lead to the dismissal of the charges or a favorable plea deal.
What To Do If You’re Pulled Over For DUI?
Facing a DUI stop in Nashville can be a stressful experience, and being prepared is key. This blog post offers invaluable insights into the crucial tips to remember if you find yourself pulled over for a DUI. From maintaining composure to understanding your rights, these tips aim to empower individuals to navigate this challenging situation with confidence.
Whether it’s knowing how to interact with law enforcement or being aware of legal implications, arming yourself with these tips is essential for making informed decisions and ensuring the best possible outcome in such circumstances.
Remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent
While it’s important to comply with the officer’s requests, it’s recommended that you speak as little as possible. You have the right to remain silent and not provide them with any evidence against you. Moreover, the more you speak, the more likely the officer may believe your speech is slurred and try to use this against you.
The officer may ask you incriminating questions, like how much you had to drink and whether you feel impaired. Answering such questions will only make you more prone to giving them more evidence to use against you and convict you of DUI. try limiting the conversation as much as possible to limit what the state can use against you.
You don’t have to perform field sobriety tests
As mentioned earlier, the arresting officer may ask you to perform the standard field sobriety tests. However, these are voluntary and you can legally refuse to take them. While the officer may try to convince you otherwise, it’s wise to refuse these tests because if you fail them, they can be evidence of your intoxication.
Keep in mind that how you perform on these field sobriety tests will be based on the subjective opinion of the officer administering them. Just be as respectful and polite as possible while you refuse to take them.
You may have to take blood or breath tests
Under Tennessee’s implied consent law, all drivers using the state’s roadways consent to take a blood or breath test when asked by a police officer with reasonable grounds to believe they are intoxicated. Refusing to take these tests comes with serious consequences, including getting your driver’s license suspended.
There are certain issues regarding the reliability and admissibility of these tests in court. Our DUI lawyers can Question the validity of these tests where possible. Convicting you beyond a reasonable doubt is much harder if there are no breath or blood test results. You want to carefully consider the implications of providing breath or blood samples to make it harder for the state to convict you of DUI.
Call the Nashville DUI Lawyers at 615-NASH-LAW
In Tennessee, you have the right to make a phone call to a lawyer or a family member after being arrested. The exact time you get to do this is not exactly cut and dry. You might be forced to wait inconveniently and uncomfortably for a while and there’s nothing you can do about it. But once you get the chance, a DUI lawyer can advise you on the best steps to take.
Our Nashville DUI Lawyers Can Help
If you or someone close to you was charged with a DUI, contact Nash Law as soon as possible at 615-NASH-LAW or by completing our contact form. Our team has extensive experience handling DUI cases for all kinds of clients. We know how inconvenient it can be to have your license suspended. Contact us today at 615-NASH-LAW to discuss the details of your case.
