DUI Penalties in Chattanooga, TN
Results-Driven Legal Representation in Your First or Subsequent DUI Charge
When faced with a DUI, whether it is your first charge or you have multiple in your criminal history, you will need a dedicated and caring advocate by your side who knows how to fight. Our female-led firm at the Law Offices of Meredith Mochel has handled many DUI cases throughout our years of criminal law practice. We aim to provide results-driven and down-to-earth representation for clients. We will communicate openly with you and keep you informed of your case every step of the way. Let our team defend you against your DUI accusations today.
What are the DUI Laws in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, it is prohibited to drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle while:
- possessing a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or more (.04% or more for commercial drivers); or
- while under the influence of any intoxicant, alcohol, controlled substance, marijuana, or other drug.
Note that regarding the latter situation, being “under the influence” means being impaired in such a way that affects the driver’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
What are the Penalties for a DUI in Tennessee?
The penalties upon conviction for DUI will depend on several factors, including the severity of the incident and whether the driver has any prior DUI convictions.
First offense DUIs generally result in a sentencing range including:
- 48 hours in jail to service of 11 months 29 days
- *Enhanced First offense requires mandatory minimum of 7 days to serve if BAC over .20%
- $350.00 fine
- Loss of license 1 year
- DUI school
A second offense DUI is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by:
- 45 days in jail to service of 11 months 29 days
- $600 fine
- Loss of license 2 years
- Alcohol and drug assessment
- DUI school or Victim Impact Panel program
- *Inpatient split allowed after 17 days in jail
A third offense DUI is also a Class A misdemeanor punishable by:
- 120 days in jail to service of 11 months 29 days
- $1100 fine
- Loss of license 6 years
Fourth offense DUIs are more serious at the Class E felony level, and conviction could result in the following penalties:
- 150 days minimum to serve to 2 year sentence
- Increasing fines
- Loss of license 8 years
Fifth DUIs are charged as Class D felonies and could result in the following penalties:
- 150 days minimum to serve to 4 year sentence
- Increasing fines
- Drivers license revocation
- Alcohol monitoring
- Substance abuse treatment
Lastly, a sixth offense DUI is charged as a Class C felony and is punishable by:
- 150 days minimum to serve to 6 years (*more depending on prior felonies)
- Increasing fines
- Drivers license revocation
- Alcohol monitoring
- Substance abuse treatment
LOOKBACK PERIOD FOR MULTIPLE OFFENSE DUIs
Under T.C.A. 55-10-405, Tennessee measures a multiple DUI offense date to offense date. If there was a DUI offense date in the preceding 10 years that resulted in conviction, then the law looks back another 10 years from the prior offense date, making the total lookback period up to 20 years.
ADDITIONAL DUI ENHANCEMENTS
First offense blood alcohol .20% or greater:
T.C.A. 55-10-406 requires a court to impose a 7 day minimum jail sentence if a first offense DUI defendant’s BAC is .20 % or greater.
Child in car:
55-10-402(b) A child in car under 18 adds 30 days to a DUI sentence. If the child is seriously injured in the DUI, the penalty is a D felony with minimum jail time that increases depending on the number of prior DUIs.
OTHER DUI PENALTIES COURTS CAN IMPOSE
- Transdermal alcohol monitoring
- GPS tracker
- Random alcohol testing
- Ignition interlock
- House arrest
Are you facing a DUI charge in Tennessee? Call Law Offices of Meredith Mochel today at (423) 250-1499 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our DUI lawyer in Chattanooga!
Get Started On Your Defense Today
If you have been charged with a DUI in Chattanooga, TN, do not hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Meredith Mochel for legal assistance immediately. When it comes to DUI charges, time is of the essence; the sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your defense can be with the readily available evidence. Our firm has handled lots of DUI cases in Chattanooga before, and we will be sure to keep you informed and reassured throughout the legal process as we defend you against harsh or unfair charges.
Let the Law Offices of Meredith Mochel defend you against your first or subsequent DUI charge today. Call (423) 250-1499 or contact the firm online to get started.
