Punishments for DUI Convictions in Tennessee
The following are the penalties that any motorist convicted of DUI in Tennessee may face:
1st DUI Conviction
• Misdemeanor
• Imprisonment from 48 hours to 11 months
• Fine from $350 to $1,500
• Driver’s license suspended 1 year
• Interlock ignition may be required if driver is guilty of the following:
o BAC was above .15 percent
o Driver had passenger under 18 years of age at time of arrest
o Driver refused chemical testing
• May have to undergo alcohol safety program
• May incur child endangerment penalties if passenger under 18 was in vehicle
• May be assigned for litter pick-up for three 8-hour shifts
2nd DUI Conviction
• Misdemeanor
• Imprisonment from 45 days to 1 year
• Fine from $600 to $3,500
• Driver’s license suspended 2 years
• Interlock ignition may be required if driver is guilty of the following:
o BAC was above .15 percent
o Driver had passenger under 18 years of age at time of arrest
o Driver refused chemical testing
• May have to undergo alcohol safety program
• May incur child endangerment penalties if passenger under 18 was in vehicle
• May be assigned for litter pick-up for three 8-hour shifts
• Drug/alcohol assessment and treatment
• Vehicle may be seized
3rd DUI Conviction
• Misdemeanor
• Imprisonment from 120 days to 1 year
• Fine from $1,100 to $10,000
• Driver’s license suspended from 3-10 years
• Interlock ignition may be required
• May have to undergo alcohol safety program
• May incur child endangerment penalties if passenger under 18 was in vehicle
• May be assigned for litter pick-up for three 8-hour shifts
• Drug/alcohol assessment and treatment
• Vehicle may be seized
4th DUI Conviction
• Class “E” Felony
• Imprisonment for 150 days minimum up to max possible for Class “E” Felony
• Fine from $3,000 to $15,000
• Driver’s license suspended at least 5 years to indefinitely
• Interlock ignition may be required
• May have to undergo alcohol safety program
• May incur child endangerment penalties if passenger under 18 was in vehicle
• May be assigned for litter pick-up for three 8-hour shifts
• Drug/alcohol assessment and treatment
• Vehicle may be seized
Fighting Your DUI Charge
You may be able to fight your DUI charge in court and have your charges lowered or even wiped out completely. All you have to do is speak to a skilled DUI lawyer in Tennessee immediately for assistance to file a claim.
Tennessee DUI attorneys know how easy it can be to get charged with driving under the influence and will fight diligently to ensure the best possible outcome for your case. They will investigate the incident thoroughly to make sure you were not unfairly charged. And if you were, you can rest easy knowing that your DUI lawyer will not allow you to suffer for a crime you did not commit.
Call today to schedule a meeting with a top DUI attorney in Tennessee.
