Protecting Alleged Repeat DUI Offenders in State and Federal Court

Skilled Sevierville DUI defense attorneys serving clients in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

Tennessee has some of the strictest laws on the books for DUI. If you are accused of a repeat offense, you face even steeper fines and harsher penalties. The DUI defense attorneys of Delius & McKenzie, PLLC have helped to protect the rights and freedom or clients in and around Sevierville, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge after they were accused of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol on local, state and federal roadways. We take an aggressive and proactive approach to your case to help keep you on the road and out of jail or prison.

Tennessee’s DUI Recidivism Reduction Act

In July of 2014, the governor signed the DUI Recidivism Reduction Act into law. The first part of the act is aims to curtail the amount of repeat offenders who end up in jail or prison. The second part of the act explains how the State can do this: namely, by allowing judges to order mandatory alcohol and drug counseling for 2^nd and 3^rd offenders. Anything after a third DUI is charged as a felony, so 4^th time offenders (or those with more than 4 convictions) are not eligible for counseling.

Here is how it works: a person convicted of his or her 2^nd DUI/DWI would be sentenced to serve a certain amount of time in jail. Instead, however, of a longer jail sentence, that offender would be forced to attend counseling. Convicted offenders might also be forced to wear a transdermal monitoring device, or a TAD, by their probation officers once they are out of jail.

The courts will also force you to install an ignition interlock device in your car. This device requires that you breathe into is before starting the car – and at any time while you’re driving – to ensure that you have not been consuming alcohol.

Defending repeat DUI offenders in East Tennessee

Aside from the harsh penalties and fines you will face if convicted of a 2^nd, 3^rd or even 4^th DUI, you could also find yourself in deeper trouble if there is an issue with your TAD or interlock. It is entirely possible to “trick” a TAD into thinking that you were drinking when you were not, which means you could be facing charges of violating your probation or bond even when you haven’t. If another person borrows your car and has too much to drink, you will be held accountable for the interlock device registering that someone was drunk and trying to drive.

For reasons like these, it is very important that you work with a skilled Sevierville DUI/DWI defense attorney if you are facing a repeat offense charge in Sevier County or throughout East Tennessee. Because we live and work right in the area, we know the roads, the dangers and the laws, and have a successful track record for DUI defense in local and federal courts. When your future is on the line, we are there to help you protect it.

Learn more about your rights when you are charged with a repeat DUI/DWI

The DUI defense lawyers of Delius & McKenzie, PLLC have years of experience protecting the rights of visitors and residents who are accused of a repeat offense. We fight hard in all courtrooms to have your charged dropped completely whenever possible. Please call 865-428-8780 or fill out our contact form to make an appointment. Our team offers in-custody visits.