So you were out drinking with your friends and you were fairly confident that you were sober enough to get home and get yourself into the bed, but then you saw the flashing blue lights in your rear-view mirror and you knew it was over. If you have been charged with a DUI in Tennessee, you may have some questions about the ramifications if you are convicted. Here are a few of the questions we see on a regular basis about DUI charges in Tennessee:
Q: How long does a DUI remain on your record in Tennessee?
A: In Tennessee, a DUI conviction is permanent and will remain on your criminal record forever. There are some consequences in addition to the legal penalties that come with a DUI conviction, including increased car insurance rates, being unable to rent a vehicle, and the potential loss of professional licensing or the ability to obtain a new professional license. Job and educational prospects might be limited by a DUI conviction.
Q: Am I required to have an Ignition Interlock Device after a DUI first offense?
A: In Tennessee, your license will be revoked for one year after your first DUI offense. You will have the ability to apply for a restricted driver’s license, and the judge can order that you install an ignition interlock device at your own expense. Generally, you will not be permitted to drive any vehicle but your own with the IID installed and operating.
Q: If I have never been arrested before, can my DUI charge be reduced to Reckless Driving?
A: A charge as serious as drunk driving is not routinely dismissed or reduced simply because a person has no criminal record. Sevier County takes DUIs very seriously. Your Sevierville DUI attorney will investigate your case and determine what defenses are available that may merit a dismissal or reduction of charges.
Q: What happens if I refuse to take the breathalyzer or the blood test?
A: Yes, you can refuse to take a blood, breath or urine test when you have been charged with DUI. However, Tennessee has an implied consent law, which means that if you hold a state driver’s license, you have consented to take a blood, breath or urine test to measure the amount of alcohol present in the blood. If you choose to refuse to take the test, you will be subject to a license suspension and possible criminal prosecution.
Q: Do I need to hire a lawyer if this is my first DUI offense?
A: It is vital that you hire a Sevierville DUI lawyer as soon as you can after you have been arrested for DUI. There are so many mistakes that you can unknowingly make. A skilled attorney knows how to investigate your case, gather the right evidence and develop an appropriate defense.
If you have any concern about your future and protecting your rights in the criminal justice system, you will hire an experienced DUI attorney from Delius & McKenzie, PLLC right away when you have been arrested for DUI in Tennessee.
If you are facing DUI charges in Sevierville, Seymour, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge or anywhere throughout Tennessee, you will benefit from having Delius & McKenzie, PLLC on your side. Our team takes on tough DUI cases, and offers non-nonsense, practice advice for your needs. If you are ready to schedule a consultation with an experienced Sevierville personal injury attorney, you are welcome to call (865) 428-8780, or fill out our contact form.
Attorney Bryan E. Delius was born and raised in Sevier County, TN. He founded Delius & McKenzie more than 20 years ago, after receiving his JD from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He is admitted in Tennessee and in several federal court systems. Learn more about Bryan E. Delius.
