Rutledge DUI Defense Lawyer

Nobody likes to see the lights of a police car in their rearview mirror. Being stopped by police while driving can be a frightening experience, especially if an officer suspects that a person has been drinking alcohol or using another substance that could have led to intoxication. If an officer believes that there is evidence that a person is drunk or under the influence of drugs, they may arrest the driver for driving under the influence (DUI). Understanding how to respond to these charges can be crucial, and a person will need to make sure they have an experienced lawyer on their side.

The attorney at The Baker Law Firm represents drivers in Rutledge who are looking to fight back after being charged with DUI and avoid the penalties that can come with a conviction. He can study police reports, video footage of a traffic stop, and breath or blood test results to find errors and defend against a conviction. He will guide clients through a criminal case involving DUI charges while also addressing issues that could affect their driver's licenses.

Substances That Can Lead to DUI Charges

While drunk driving is a concern addressed by police officers, DUI cases may also involve substances other than alcohol. A person who was allegedly under the influence of any substance or substances that caused intoxication while they were in control of a vehicle could be charged with DUI. Our lawyer can provide guidance on how to address DUI charges involving:

Alcohol

A driver who is over the age of 21 can be charged with DUI if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is measured at 0.08 percent. However, visible signs of impairment could also lead to DUI charges, even if a driver's BAC has not reached the legal limit. Commercial drivers who are driving vehicles like semi-trucks will face a lower limit of 0.04 percent.

Marijuana

Even though marijuana has not been legalized in Tennessee, some drivers may be accused of driving after using this substance. While tests showing that marijuana was in a person's system may play a role in DUI cases, a prosecutor will need to prove that marijuana actually caused impairments that affected a person's ability to drive safely. This can be difficult, because THC can remain in the body for days or weeks after its effects wear off.

Illegal Drugs and Prescription Medications

Cocaine, methamphetamine, opioids, and other illegal drugs may play a role in DUI charges. If a drug test showed that a person had controlled substances in their system while driving, this may be considered evidence that they were intoxicated. Lawful medications such as opioids or sleep aids may also lead to DUI charges if police officers believed that these drugs caused impairments. A person may need to defend against claims that a drug or a combination of multiple substances affected their ability to drive safely.

How Tennessee Handles DUI Cases

The penalties a person may face will increase each time they are convicted of DUI. Other factors may also affect the charges. Our lawyer can help defend against charges of:

First-Time DUI

A first DUI offense will usually be charged as a Class A misdemeanor. A person will usually be required to spend at least 48 hours in jail, and they could be sentenced to up to one year after being convicted. The fines can range from $350 to $1,500, and a person's driver's license will be revoked for one year. Many drivers may qualify for a restricted license that will require them to use an ignition interlock device and allow them to drive to work, school, and other approved places.

Second and Third DUI

Repeat DUI offenses can lead to much heavier consequences:

• Second DUI: A person may be required to spend at least 45 days in jail and pay fines of $600 to $3,500. They will also face a license revocation lasting for two years.
• Third DUI: A conviction will result in at least 120 days in jail and fines that may range from $1,100 to $10,000. A six-year license revocation will apply.

Felony DUI

A fourth DUI or any subsequent DUI charges may result in Class E felony charges. A DUI case may also lead to felony charges if a person allegedly caused a crash that involved serious injuries or other forms of harm to the people involved. Depending on what happened, a person could be charged with vehicular assault based on serious injuries, or charges of vehicular homicide may apply following a fatal accident.

Underage DUI

To help protect the safety of people on the roads, Tennessee law does not allow younger drivers to drink alcohol. A driver who is younger than 21 years old could be charged with DUI if they have a BAC of 0.02 percent or more. An underage DUI offense may lead to a one-year driver's license suspension, a fine, and community service. Young drivers who are over the legal limit of 0.08 percent may face the same DUI charges and penalties that would apply to adult drivers.

Rutledge, Tennessee DUI FAQs