Tennessee DUI

Tennessee DUI law defines drunk driving or driving under the influence as the operation of a motor vehicle on any freeway, public road, street alley, etc… while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (legal prescription drugs or illegal substances) and/or operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or greater.

By operating a vehicle with a BAC of .08% or greater you are violating what's referred to as the Tennessee per se law.

The state of Tennessee will ’look back’ on prior DUI convictions for a period of up to 10 years when determining which number offense you are being charged with. So any additional offenses within a 10 year period will result in a multiple offense.

Here is what you can expect as far as punishments for DUI offenses in Tennessee:

Punishments for a Tennessee DUI Offense

First Offense Tennessee DUI

• Jail:  48 hours
• Fines:  $350 - $1,500
• Drivers License Suspension:  1 year (eligible for restricted driving privileges)
• DUI School:  Alcohol assessment /evaluation and treatment

Second Offense Tennessee DUI

• Jail:  Minimum jail sentence 45 days up to 11 months 29 days.
• Fines:  $600 - $3,500
• Drivers License Suspension:  suspended for 1 year (no restricted driving privileges)
• DUI School:  Alcohol assessment /evaluation and treatment

Third Offense Tennessee DUI

• Jail:  Minimum jail sentence of 120 days up to 11 months 29 days.
• Fines:  $600 - $10,000
• Drivers License Suspension:  minimum 3 year suspension, max 10 years (no restricted driving privileges)
• DUI School:  Alcohol assessment /evaluation and treatment
• Ignition interlock device

Notes:

*The look back period on Tennessee DUI offenses is 10 years, meaning if you get 2 DUI offenses within a 10 year period the latter will be classified as a 2nd offense.

*Vehicle forfeiture in Tennessee is authorized at the 2nd TN DUI offense and each recurring incident thereafter.

Tennessee DUI Attorneys

DUI Arrest Help.com has compiled a list of skilled DUI defense attorneys in Tennessee who have agreed to offer you a free initial consultation to discuss your case.  There is no obligation to use them, and you can get some great information about what you should do in this free consultation.  

Click here to speak with one of our Tennessee DUI lawyers.

Insurance Considerations for a Tennessee DUI

SR-22 insurance is required in the state of Tennessee after a DUI conviction.  This type of insurance is classified as 'high risk' meaning you are a higher risk to the insurance companies so consequently they will charge more for taking on more risk.  This can get very expensive if you sign up for one of these policies with the wrong company.

DUI Arrest Help.com has partnered with the largest and most trusted provider in the state of Tennessee to offer you a free no obligation SR-22 insurance quote.  Not only will you save money but our partner also leads the insurance industry in customer service. 

Take a minute and fill out a free no obligation quote.  It won't cost you a thing (and only takes a minute) to check and see what they can do for you.

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