We take on DUI cases involving:

• First-time DUI offenses
• Second, third, and subsequent DUI offenses
• Vehicular assault (DUI causing injury)
• Aggravated vehicular assault while driving intoxicated
• Child endangerment (DUI with a minor in the vehicle)
• Vehicular homicide (DUI causing death)
• Public intoxication

Put a powerful Sevierville DUI lawyer on your side - contact us at (865) 205-2637 today!

DUI Penalties in Tennessee

The specific penalties for DUI will vary depending on whether it is a first or subsequent offense, the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and other aggravating or mitigating factors.

Tennessee DUI penalties include:

First DUI Offense

• 48 hours to 11 months and 29 days in jail
• 1-year driver’s license revocation
• $350-$1,500 fine

Second DUI Offense

• 45 days to 11 months and 29 days in jail
• 2-year driver’s license revocation
• $600-$3,500 fine

Third DUI Offense

• 120 days to 11 months and 29 days in jail
• 6-year driver’s license revocation
• $1,100-$10,000 fine

Fourth or Subsequent DUI Offense (Class E Felony)

• 1 year in jail, minimum 150 consecutive days served
• 8-year driver’s license revocation
• $3,000-$15,000 fine

Additional penalties may include mandatory participation in a drug/alcohol treatment program, victim restitution, and the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle. Enhanced penalties may apply if the driver has a BAC if .20% or greater. DUI causing injury or death will be charged as a felony, with penalties ranging from 2 to 60 years in prison depending on the nature of the offense.

What is Implied Consent?

Although you can refuse a breath or blood test after a DUI arrest, there are consequences. In Tennessee, drivers have given “implied consent” to blood alcohol testing by receiving their licenses. If you refuse a blood alcohol test after you are taken into custody for driving under the influence, you may face driver’s license suspension.

The following penalties apply for refusing a blood or breath test in Tennessee:

• First refusal: 1-year license revocation
• Second refusal” 2-year license revocation
• Refusal after a DUI accident causing injury: 2-year license revocation
• Refusal after a DUI accident causing death: 5-year license revocation

There are ways to challenge license suspension after an alleged refusal of a breath or blood test. Our Knox County DUI lawyers can investigate the circumstances surrounding your refusal to determine whether the officer had probable cause to pull you over in the first place, if you were properly informed of what would happen if you refused, or if your rights were violated in any way.

Is a DUI a Felony in Tennessee?

In the state of Tennessee, there are several different types of consequences that are applied to a DUI charge depending on how many offenses you have already been charged with. The punishment for a fourth DUI offense is considered to be a Class E felony conviction with a minimum fine of $3,000 and a minimum of 150 days in jail.

If you have been wrongly charged with a DUI in Tennessee, contact our attorneys for representation that will have your back. Contact Andrew Farmer Law today!

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding DUI in Tennessee

Will I go to jail for a DUI in Tennessee?

A jail term is a possible penalty in Tennessee depending on the circumstances of your arrest. A first-time DUI offense requires a minimum of 48 hours of jail time. If your situation involved vehicular manslaughter or if your blood alcohol levels were over a specific limit, there may be a penalty included in your conviction that requires a longer period of jail time.

What is a wet reckless?

A wet reckless driving charge describes a DUI charge that may be reduced to a lesser penalty, depending on the situation. These charges are essentially equated to a reckless driving charge.

What is an ignition interlock device?

An ignition interlock device is something that can be installed into a vehicle that requires breathing into a breathalyzer before you are able to operate your car. Your car will be on-lock until your blood alcohol levels drop back down to a legal limit.

Will a DUI conviction increase my car insurance?

If you are convicted of a DUI in Tennessee, your car insurance will increase a significant amount. This increase is dependent on the specific circumstances and details of your charges.

Will I lose my car if I am convicted of a DUI in Tennessee?

If you are convicted of 2 or more DUI offenses, there is a possibility that your car may be confiscated along with additional charges.

Talk to a Sevierville DUI Defense Lawyer

Facing DUI charges can be frustrating and frightening. You may feel helpless and uncertain. Put your trust in a Knox County DUI lawyer at Andrew Farmer Law and you can feel confident that your case is in competent hands. Our team knows how to challenge DUI evidence in order to protect our clients from imprisonment, fines, and license suspension. We have the resources and experience to handle every aspect of your case with professionalism and care.