Knoxville DUI Defense Lawyers

Diligent Legal Representation in Tennessee

If you have been arrested for DUI in or around the greater Knoxville area, your first order of business should be to hire a criminal defense lawyer who is experienced in this area of law. Those arrested for DUI in the state face harsh and damaging consequences that can have far-reaching effects in life. Bringing in an attorney who understands all of the technical and scientific aspects of this offense along with the legal factors can make a significant difference in how your case is resolved. DUI cases can be extremely complex and require extensive knowledge of the charging prosecutors and judges, as well as courtroom skills to ensure you have the best chance of a positive outcome.

At The Bosch Law Firm, P.C., our experienced legal team understands all of the moving parts that can be part of any DUI case. We have more than 85 years of combined legal experience that includes the successful defense of clients against DUI charges. We also have specialized investigative personnel that we can use in any criminal case to help us gather evidence for building an effective defense strategy. We highly advise you to get in touch with us as early as possible in your DUI case so that we can get to work on your behalf.

Set up your free, initial meeting with a Knoxville DUI defense attorney by contacting us at (865) 225-6466 or via our online request form.

DUI Laws in Tennessee

Under Tennessee law, DUI consists of the following:

• Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measuring .08 percent or higher as an adult 21 and older (this is called a “per se” DUI)
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (regardless of your BAC) that impair your ability to drive; drugs can include any substance that affects your central nervous system, from street drugs to prescription drugs and even over-the-counter drugs
• Driving with a BAC of .02 percent or higher when you are under 21
• Driving with a BAC of .04 percent or higher as a commercial license holder while driving a commercial vehicle

You can be convicted of a DUI when in physical control of your vehicle even if you are not moving down the road. In the above scenarios, you are considered to be an impaired driver who does not have the ability to safely operate your vehicle.

Penalties for DUI

Your penalties for DUI will depend on whether you are facing a first, second, third, or subsequent offense. First offenses are the most common and can carry the following penalties:

• 48 hours up to a 11 months and 29 days of jail time; 48 hours in the mandatory minimum time you will spend in jail
• If your BAC measured .15 or more, minimum time in jail will be seven days
• Loss of your license for a year
• A fine ranging between $350 up to $1,500
• Completion of a substance abuse assessment and any relevant alcohol/drug treatment program
• Potential ignition interlock system installed in your car at your own expense

During the suspension of your driver’s license, you may be permitted to have a temporary restricted license which allows you to travel back and forth to work, school, or any treatment program you may be undergoing. You may be required to have the ignition interlock system for this purpose.

Implied Consent in Tennessee

Under Tennessee law, you are required to take a chemical test when arrested for DUI. This is part of the “implied consent” factor when you accept a state driver’s license. If you refuse, you will face a one-year license suspension in a first refusal and a two-year license suspension in a second refusal. A third refusal within 10 years could result in a six-year license suspension.

Subsequent Convictions

Second, third, and subsequent convictions are a serious matter in Tennessee that will drive up your jail or prison time, increase fines, and invoke more restricted sanctions from the court. For example, a second conviction will result in a minimum of 45 days of jail time with fines increased to $600 up to $3,500 with a license suspension of two years. Third convictions result in even harsher jail time, fines, and license suspensions.

Why You Need an Experienced Attorney from The Bosch Law Firm, P.C.

DUI convictions carry life-long repercussions and require skilled defense tactics from an attorney who understands how to fight back. Our firm can investigate all of the facts and circumstances surrounding your case in search of legal and factual errors and inconsistencies that can work in your favor. Various factors will need to be explored, from the initial police stop to the arrest process to the breathalyzer testing and equipment. We understand how all of these parts of a DUI can be misapplied and how to present convincing evidence in court.

Fighting against a DUI is vital since a conviction can stay on your record for the rest of your life. Let the Knoxville DUI defense lawyers at The Bosch Law Firm, P.C. help you fight for your freedom, future, and good reputation.

Get your free, initial consultation by calling us at (865) 225-6466 today.