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Are you facing charges for drunk driving in Tennessee? Do not face the penalties that come with drunk driving alone! If you have been arrested for a DUI in Memphis, the penalties can be very serious even on a first offense. At the Law Offices of Stephen R. Leffler, P.C., our Memphis DUI lawyers have helped clients navigate the confusing and taxing process following being arrested for a DUI.
In Tennessee, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) that is 0.08% or above. This law also applies to driving under the influence of narcotics or any prescription medications which might affect the ability to operate the car.
Have you or a loved one been charged with a DUI? Don’t hesitate to call our Memphis DUI lawyers at (901) 509-9112!
If you are pulled over for by a police officer, they may ask you to participate in field sobriety tests to determine if you are intoxicated. The purpose of these tests is to gather enough evidence to support a DUI arrest. You are not required to participate in the field sobriety tests. Should you be arrested, you will be subject to a chemical test to determine your BAC by breath, blood, or urine. Refusing to participate in this test will result in an automatic suspension of your license for one year on your first offense.
A DUI is considered a Class A misdemeanor charge. The first punishment for a first offense DUI in Tennessee is a minimum of at least 48 hours in jail and can go all the way to 11 months and 29 days in jail with fines, court costs, losing your license for a year, and spending time doing community service.
A DUI in Tennessee costs anywhere from $465 - $1,500 for first-time DUI. The other costs that you also have to take into account are other things such as bail, towing fees for your vehicle, driver’s license reinstatement fees, high-risk auto insurance, court costs, etc. Those extra fees can quickly balloon the cost of your DUI.
A DUI stands for driving under the influence while a DWI stands for driving while intoxicated. They are the same thing and in Tennessee, it is called a DUI while in other states it would be called a DWI. In Tennessee, there is a slight difference between them because a DWI is an optional charge for people between the ages of 16-21 while a DUI is for adults 21 or older. Between 18 - 20, you could be charged with a DUI or a DWI.
In Tennessee, a DUI will stay on your record for the rest of your life. However, subsequent DUI charges must be made within 10 years to be considered a repeat DUI offense. Having a DUI conviction on your record can result in difficulties obtaining a job, cause car insurance complications, and other issues.
Being arrested for DUI means you or your loved one could be facing serious consequences. A first-time conviction for DUI can result in a fine up to $1,500, up to one year of jail time, and the driver’s license being revoked for one year. The Memphis DUI attorneys at the Law Offices of Stephen R. Leffler, P.C. can provide you with experienced legal representation to fight your DUI charge.
Contact us at (901) 509-9112 to learn how we can help!