Tennessee DUI Laws, Penalties, and License Suspension

Tennessee drunk driving laws have become more and more complicated and the penalties are more harsh that ever. The amount of alcohol a person can consume is becoming less and the effort to crack down on DUI's is rising. Most people arrested for drunk driving have never been in trouble with the law before, this will be the first time they were handcuffed, put into the back of a police car, and tried by the state in court.

The DMV and court process is confusing and there is no room for even the slightest error. Knowing the laws, penalties, fees and process is extremely important. The biggest mistake you can make is assuming that you don't need to speak to a lawyer. DUIs are very complex and a lot is at stake. If you plead guilty to a DUI, your guilty. No reducing, no plea bargaining, just guilty. Give your case a change, talk to a lawyer. You can schedule a free, no obligation consultation with an attorney today by calling (877) 678-5640.

Tennessee Laws

The following driving actions are illegal in the State of Tennessee:

• All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.
• Under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher.
• Commercial Vehicle Driver with a BAC of .04 or higher.

Tennessee Penalties

First Drunk Driving Conviction
The first time you are arrested and convicted of drunk driving in the State of Tennessee you will be sentenced to jail from 24 hours to 11 months. Your drivers license will be revoked for 1 year and you will be fined $350-$1,500. You will be ordered by the court to attend a DUI school and you may be ordered to have an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle at your own expense. Other costs for your first DUI are towing, bail, lawyer, court costs, DUI school and reinstatement fees that all add up to about $4,900.

Second Drunk Driving Conviction
The second DUI you are convicted of in Tennessee will result in a fine from $600-$3,500. You will also be sentenced to jail for 45 days up to 11 months. Your drivers license will be revoked for 2 years, however the court may allow you to drive with a restricted license after 1 year of your sentence has been served if you have completed a court ordered DUI school. You vehicle will become subject to seizure or forfeiture by the State of Tennessee or the judge may order you to install an ignition interlock system at your own expense.

Third Drunk Driving Conviction
For your 3rd arrest in the State of Tennessee you will be ordered to serve from 120 days to 11 months in jail. You will also pay a mandatory fine of $1,100-$10,000. Your drivers license will be suspended for 3-10 years and there will be no allowance for a restricted drivers license. You vehicle will become subject to seizure or forfeiture by the State of Tennessee or the judge may order you to install an ignition interlock system at your own expense.

Fourth Drunk Driving Conviction
The 4th time you are arrested for drunk driving in the State of Tennessee is a Class "E" Felony. you will be ordered to serve 1 year in jail with 150 of the days served consecutively. You will also pay a mandatory fine of $3,000-$15,000. Your drivers license will be suspended for 5 years and there will be no allowance for a restricted drivers license. You vehicle will become subject to seizure or forfeiture by the State of Tennessee or the judge may order you to install an ignition interlock system at your own expense.

Tennessee Drivers License Issues

Tennessee's implied consent law means that by driving in the State of Tennessee you have given your consent to be tested to determine the amount of alcohol or drug content in your blood. You do have the right to refuse the test, however doing so brings penalties that are equal or greater than a DUI conviction. On your first refusal to submit to such a test your drivers license will be revoked for a period of 1 year, and for your 2nd refusal your license will be revoked for 2 years. You may still be convicted of a DUI without a blood, breath or urine sample.

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