subject: Tennessee Dui Penalties: An Overview [print this page] As per the DUI law of Tennessee, drunk driving or driving while intoxicated is a punishable offence. If you are driving on any public road, freeway or street alley with a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of 0.8% or more the police can arrest you for misdemeanor. This is because you are disobeying the Tennessee per se law if you are operating a vehicle with BAC of .08% or more.
You can be convicted for multiple offenses if any similar charge has been brought against you within the past 10 years. Before deciding which number of offense you should be charged with, The State of Tennessee will check whether you have any prior convictions of DUI? Those who have been convicted of any additional DUI offenses within the last 10 years it will result in multiple offense. For example if you have been convicted for DUI offence twice within 10 years the latter will be known as DUI Second Offense.
1 year of driving license suspension (But the convicted one is entitled to restricted driving rights if being convicted for first offense)
Attending DUI School for alcohol evaluation and related treatment
DUI Second Offense in Tennessee
Fines: $600 - $3,500
Jail Time: Minimum 45 days and maximum 11 months 29 days
1 year of driving license suspension (the convicted will not be entitled to restricted driving rights)
Attending DUI School for alcohol evaluation and related treatment
DUI Third Offense in Tennessee
Fines: $600 - $10,000
Jail Time: Minimum 120 days and maximum 11 months 29 days.
Driving License Suspension for minimum 3 year and maximum 10 years (the convicted will not be entitled to restricted driving rights)
Ignition interlock system
Attending DUI School for alcohol evaluation and related treatment
Whether you are convicted for DUI first offense, second offense or third offense it is crucial to hire a DUI lawyer to deal with your case. Your attorney will not only handle the legalities but also negotiate with your insurance company. After a DUI conviction you need a SR-22 insurance which is classified as high risk insurance. This kind of insurance is expensive since the insurance company is taking on more risk.
It is obvious that they will be interested to pay you as low as possible. Now handling such issues is not your cup of tea. You need an experienced lawyer to negotiate with them so that you can get the exact amount of compensation you are entitled to. But you can stay away from all these hassles by being a little careful and avoiding driving while intoxicated.
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