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Tennessee DUI law
is best described as 2 separate offenses; the first is driving under
the influence and the 2nd is commonly referred to as the
Tennessee ‘per se’ law. Tennessee
DUI law defines a person as being legally under the influence
"per se" if their blood alcohol level is .08% or higher.
This is true even if there is no evidence that the person's ability to
drive is actually impaired.
A first offense Tennessee
DUI will most likely cost you your driving privileges, jail time
and a mandatory alcohol education program.
In addition to those 2 punishments you’ll also have to spend
a considerable amount of money on:
- Tennesse fines
- Court
costs
- Vehicle
impoundment and towing
- Lawyer
fees
- Possible
Ignition Interlock Device
- DMV
fees
- SR-22
insurance costs
Tennessee's DUI
penalties
1st
Offense
- 1
year drivers license revocation
- Jail
time from 1 day – 11 months 29 days
- Fines
up to $1,500
2nd
Offense
- 2
year drivers license revocation, restricted license available
after 1 year.
- Jail
time 11 months 29 day(s)
- Fines
up to $3,500
- Ignition
Interlock required
- Possible
vehicle forfeiture
Most people arrested in Tennessee for a
2nd offense have a lot of questions about the ignition
interlock device that they are required to have installed on their
vehicle when they are finally allowed to drive again.
The ignition interlock device (IID) connects the automobile’s
ignition to a breath alcohol analyzer thus preventing the vehicle from
starting if the driver’s breath submission registers at or above
.02%.
In Tennessee an ignition interlock
device can be ordered at the discretion of the court and is mandatory
if you have had a prior DUI conviction in the last 5 years.
You are responsible for the ongoing maintenance and initial
installation of the device.
In summary a Tennessee DUI offense is a
serious matter that can significantly impact your life.
You should do everything you can to prevent yourself from being
convicted if possible, at the very least meet with a Tennessee DUI
lawyer to discuss your options.
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