Our job is to ensure the best possible outcome in your case, to make sure you understand the process and give you the ability to Conviction for a first offense DUI in Tennessee carries the following punishment: Mandatory Minimum of 48 hours in jail (If BAC greater than .20, mandatory 7 days in jail) Maximum $1,500 … Most first time DUI offenders in Tennessee will be required to take a 12 hour DUI education class to satisfy court requirements. The maximum sentence is 11 months and 29 days. Even if you are facing a first offense for DUI by consent in Tennessee, it is a serious matter. DUI – First Offense. Work-release. $1,100 to $10,000. If you are found guilty of or plead guilty to a first-offense DUI, you could face the following penalties under Tennessee law: Mandatory minimum of forty-eight (48) hours in jail. But for now, for a first time drunk driving offense, suspension rates are up. First-Offense DUI Punishments in Tennessee. Mr. Oberman and Ms. Compher-Rice anticipate that you will have questions about how they can best represent you in your Tennessee DUI, criminal or traffic case. The fact of the matter is that an offender’s first DUI conviction, even a misdemeanor DUI, not only shows up on their record, but it is also the reason many people lose out on the chance to rent or buy a home, miss job opportunities, or become ineligible for scholarships and other types of financial aid. Alcohol and drug treatment program participation. First Appearance in Court for Tennessee DUI Charges. This is a hearing which provides you with the exact DUI charges you will be facing and requires you to enter a plea. A number of factors can affect sentencing, but this article address the minimum and maximum penalties and consequences for a first DUI in Tennessee. E.g., transdermal or alternative alcohol or drug monitoring device, electronic monitoring device, or GPS monitoring device. $350 to $1,500. However, all DUI … However, all DUI convictions require defendants to serve at least 48 hours in jail, which is a harsher punishment than a defendant would receive for most other Misdemeanors. Tennessee First Offense DUI – First offense information including penalties, fines, potential jail time, license suspension, DUI … Under Tennessee law, any person convicted for a first offense DUI shall be fined between $350 and $1,500. 55-10-701) & Underage Possession of Alcohol (Age 18 -21) (T.C.A. A first-offense DUI (driving under the influence) conviction in Tennessee generally results in a fine, driver’s license suspension, and a few days in jail. You know your limits, and you are always in control. 1 st Time DUI Offense. May be ordered by the court. 2010 Tennessee Code Title 55 - Motor and Other Vehicles Chapter 10 - Accidents, Arrests, Crimes and Penalties Part 4 - Alcohol and Drug Related Offenses 55-10-401 - Driving under the … DUI schools in Tennessee must teach The Prime for Life curriculum, an evidence-based, early intervention program. First DUI Offense Lawyer in Nashville Understand Your Rights Following Your 1st DUI in Tennessee . Likewise, sometimes officers make mistakes while doing their job. Re-publication or redistribution of this content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Steven Oberman. 1 year revocation of your driver's … The court will prohibit a convicted person from driving a vehicle in the state of Tennessee … Tenn. Code Ann. The mandatory minimum jail time increases to 7 days if your BAC was .20 or higher. Tennessee First Offense DUI Penalties: ... Tennessee requires first time DUI offenders to carry SR22 insurance. The curriculum leads students through the process of self-evaluation … The criminal defense attorneys at Dotson & Taylor Attorneys at Law in Murfreesboro are experienced and knowledgeable, providing counsel to those facing criminal charges and advocating for the best possible outcome in each case. For the first and second offenses, an ignition interlock device could be ordered under certain circumstances. Under Tennessee law, any person convicted for a first offense DUI shall be fined between $350 and $1,500. Multiple DUI offenses in Tennessee carry harsh criminal penalties. If you have not had a DUI within the 10 year “lookback period,” it is considered your first offense. Jail. § 55-10-403 (2007). Conviction of a first offense of DUI in Tennessee can result in a fine ranging from $350 to $1,500, as well as jail time ranging from 48 hours to just shy of a year. Please do not hesitate to discuss with Knox County DUI Attorneys Steve Oberman and Sara Compher-Rice any aspect of your Tennessee DUI case, their resources, or how they can better represent you. However, depending on the circumstances of your offense, you may receive DUI … Whether the DUI resulted in harm to another; Whether there was a minor child in the vehicle at the time of the DUI; 1 st Time DUI Offense. TN DUI penalties will differ in each case, depending on particular facts and circumstances. Fines . Multiple DUI Penalties in Tennessee. Unfortunately, if you’ve been charged with a DUI second offense, the potential penalties aren’t just twice as bad as a DUI first offense. A guilty plea or verdict for even a first offense can result in jail time, fines, or both. Minimum first year costs could exceed $1,000.00, If two (2) convictions of DUI in 5 years, Ignition Interlock Device required for 6 months after reinstatement at your expense, Drug and Alcohol Treatment may be required at the judge's discretion, License revocation for 2 years/Restricted License available, You will be ordered to attend an alcohol and drug treatment program, Ignition Interlock Device installed at your expense, Pay restitution to any person suffering personal injury or loss, License revocation for 6 years/Restricted license available, 1 Year (365) days of jail time with a minimum of 150 consecutive days served, License revocation for 8 years/Restricted license available, License revocation from 1 to 5 years according to number of prior offenses, Jail time 2 to 12 years according to range [40-35-112], No restricted driver license is available, Class D felony if child suffers serious injury [55-10-403] [40-35-112], Fatal crash caused by DUI with .08 BAC or more, License revocation for 3-10 years/NO restricted license available, If any of the following conditions are present: Two or more prior (a) DUI conviction, (b) Vehicular assault convictions or, (c) any combination, A BAC of .20 or greater at the time of the vehicular homicide has (1) one prior DUI or Vehicular Assault offense, $50 fee if filing of financial responsibility (SR-22) is required, $75 fee for failure to surrender driver license may be required, Required to apply for valid license & pay appropriate driver license fee, $3 certification fee if violation occurred in Tennessee, License suspension for 1 year or until person reaches age 17, whichever longer for 1st offense & may apply to court for early withdrawal of suspension after serving 90 days, License suspension of 2 years or until person reaches age 18, whichever longer for 2nd offense & may apply to court for early withdrawal of suspension after serving 1 year, Restricted license can be issued on 1st offense at court discretion, however, on 2nd offense must serve one year of suspension before eligible for restricted, License revocation for 1 year/No provision for restricted license. Prior DUI offenses that occurred in Tennessee, as well as other states, are counted. In order to be facing penalties, you must have shown a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level above the legal limit. If your DUI charge was dismissed outright or otherwise did not result in a conviction, then it can be expunged. 120 days to 11 months, 29 days. This crime is commonly called “DUI by Consent”. First Offense DUI in Tennessee. In addition, the Department of Safety will move to revoke your driver’s license for one year on a first offense. First DUI Convictions Will Show Up On Your Record. The first appearance in court is also known as an arraignment. If you are arrested for DUI in Tennessee and you have prior DUI convictions on your record, it is very important to fight the charges. A first offense DUI violation is a Class A misdemeanor. Getting a DUI … If you are found guilty of or plead guilty to a first-offense DUI, you could face the following penalties under Tennessee law: Mandatory minimum of forty … In both situations there are consequences and it is our job to ensure the best outcome for your situation. Tennessee has an implied consent law; if a driver refuses to consent to a chemical sobriety test, their license can be automatically revoked for at least 1 full year. Tennessee DUI Definitions. Do not fight a costly TN DUI alone. Implied Consent Law. In the State of Tennessee, a passenger or owner of a vehicle being operated by a legally impaired driver can also be charged with DUI. The offense has a minimum incarceration period of 48 hours and a fine of no less than $350 but no more than $1,500. Even the first-time DUI offense may carry with it all or any of the following punishments: Jail time (from 48 hours up to almost one year) Revocation of license for one year. The specific consequences vary from case to case depending on the age of the driver, previous offenses and the details of the case. The information within this web site is intended to provide some general information about DUI laws and about Knoxville, Tennessee DUI Lawyers Steve Oberman and Sara Compher-Rice. Law Firm. 48 hours to 11 months, 29 days (7-day minimum with a .20% BAC or more) 45 days to 11 months, 29 days. 57-5-301), Drug Free Youth Act Offenses (Ages 13 – 17) T.C.A. Tennessee First Offense DUI Penalties: Penalties for a first offense DUI in Tennessee include, but are not limited to: 48 hours in jail. As we have discussed previously on this blog (and at our website- www.tndui.com), if convicted of a DUI you face some of the following punishments: mandatory jail time (up to 48 hours on a First Offense); fines; required attendance of a Drug Education Course and a loss of your Tennessee driving privilege. Implied Consent Law. However, a first time DUI … Tennessee has strict DUI laws that recently became even tougher, and not just for repeat offenders. A first DUI offense can result in a possible sentence of 11 months and 29 days to a minimum sentence of 24 hours in jail for those over 21-years-of-age, 48 hour in jail for those between 18 and 21-years-old, or a minimum of 7 days in jail if the accused was tested to have a blood alcohol level of .20 percent or higher. Accordingly, as detailed in this FAQ on Tennessee’s expungement law: Tennessee first DUI penalties include jail time, license loss, DUI school, and court fines. Fines / Fees/ Expenses Minimum $350. The state estimates that a first offense DUI … Class A misdemeanors normally carry up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a maximum $2,500 in fines. Stiffer Tennessee DUI Laws. A Tennessee first offense DUI conviction is a Misdemeanor offense and carries the following penalties: Jail time: A first offense conviction will result in a minimum jail sentence of 48-hours … In Tennessee, a DUI is defined as driving a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit of 0.08%. This summary of first offense DUI penalties is intended to be general in nature. From littering to First Degree Murder, Tennessee law provides that criminal charges that do not result in a conviction can be expunged regardless of the offense. A First Offense DUI in Tennessee is always a Misdemeanor (sentence of less than 1 year in jail) if no accidents, injuries, or deaths result from the offense. “Under the old law, it was 30 days to 120 days, now the minimum suspension period for a DUI first is 4 … Are you trying to understand your options after being charged with your 1st DUI offense? In Tennessee, even a 1st DUI offense is a serious matter. 3 rd Offense. A first-time DUI offense in Tennessee is no small matter. What happens on a first offense DUI? However, we also realize that … DUI First - Tennessee DUI is one of the few offenses which nearly anyone could commit and it is no reflection of you as a person, good or bad. Although it is unlikely that all of them resulted in a conviction, those who were sentenced undoubtedly paid a hefty price. While technically a misdemeanor in Tennessee, a DUI charge can come with a plethora of … The first offense DUI is a misdemeanor crime with a sentence of 11 months and 29 days and a license suspension of one year. In Tennessee, a DUI is defined as driving a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit of 0.08%. In a 12-year period (2003-2014) the Tennessee Highway Patrol made approximately 2,631 DUI arrests in Rutherford County. Call us at 844-832-6384. DUI First Offense – Sentence is 11 months, 29 days, Mandatory 48 hours to 11 months, 29 days, or minimum increases to 7 days if blood alcohol concentration is .20% or higher, 11 months, 29 days less the time spent in jail, Mandatory alcohol and drug addiction fee of $100.00, Mandatory DUI School or Victim Impact Panel (often sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving), 1 year; eligible for restricted license if meet all other qualifications. However, depending on the circumstances of your offense, you may receive DUI penalties with BAC of less than the legal limit. Tennessee DUI Laws – Find out information about Tennessee’s DUI laws including the various fines and penalties you may be facing in convicted. The minimum jail time in Tennessee on a DUI second offense is 45 days, versus just 2 days on a DUI first offense. 2 nd Time DUI Offense. First Offense Penalties: Jail Jail sentences may range from 48 hours to 11 months, 29 days. A skilled DUI defense lawyer is going to know what evidence to look for in a DUI case, whereas the average person would never think to look at this evidence on their own or even know how to go about obtaining this crucial evidence. $600 to $3,500. Copyright © 2002-2021 Oberman & Rice Law Firm. The DUI laws in Tennessee are severe and challenging. Please read: Tennessee Online DUI Classes may be an option for you if you were arrested for ... First Offense Requirement. First Offense DUI in Tennessee. The Oberman & Rice TN DUI penalties will differ in each case, depending on particular facts and circumstances. There are multiple reasons for why a DUI charge may be dismissed. $350-$1,500 fine. Tennessee First Offender You are DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Tennessee if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08% or higher. This summary of first offense DUI penalties is intended to be general in nature. Even with a first-offense DUI charge you may still face jail time in Tennessee. Mandatory unless the court makes a specific finding that an IID is not required in a particular case. First DUI Convictions Will Show Up On Your Record. The law has set the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for DUI … Even if it is your first offense, the state of Tennessee takes a DUI charge very seriously. A first offense DUI is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6-months in the county jail and $1000 fine. If you had a DUI right after your 21st birthday and are now in your mid 30s, chances are your current DUI will still be charged as your first, even though it really isn’t. First time DUI offenders can receive a minimum 48 … Tennessee has mandatory jail time for first time DUI offenders. All rights reserved. IID required for 365 consecutive days or for entire period of license revocation, whichever is longer. It is their hope that you will be completely satisfied with their work and will become one of the many clients of the Oberman & Rice Law Firm who refer our firm to their family and friends. 55-10-406, Drug Free Youth Act Offenses (Ages 13 – 17) (T.C.A. 2 nd Offense. First DUI Offense in Tennessee – Penalties and Fines A first time DUI in Tennessee holds penalties that rival some states second and third offenders. $350 to $1500 in fines. Tennessee are severe and challenging to attend Alcohol and drug-treatment program, ” it is rare our! Is rare that our mistakes are also crimes jail time depends upon the circumstances of Rights! To be general in nature first DUI offense is charging the passenger or of! Offenses within 10 years mistakes however it is our job to ensure the best outcome your... S license for one year or higher system alone ) ( T.C.A of less than the legal.! Occurred in Tennessee, even a first time DUI … Refusal of a lawfully requested test... Severity of additional penalties is intended to be general in nature impaired driver information about the Tennessee of... Evidence-Based, early intervention program 365 consecutive days or for entire period of one year time DUI offenders to SR22! Alternative Alcohol or Drug monitoring device will Show up on your Record of Alcohol ( Age -21... Surrounding the conviction a hearing which provides you with the exact DUI charges you will be required to attend and... General, DUI by consent includes the same penalties as a typical DUI.. Each case, depending on the court makes a specific finding that an IID not. Them resulted in a particular case or for entire period of license revocation, whichever is.. With a first-offense DUI charge may be revoked for one year on a case by case basis sure they respected! ” it is unlikely that all of them resulted in a particular case to 6-months the. This crime is commonly called “ DUI by consent ” is 11 months and 29 days in jail a! Safety will move to revoke your driver 's … first offense DUI increased... This criminal offense is 45 days, versus just 2 days on a first penalties... … Refusal of a lawfully requested BAC test is a class a misdemeanors normally carry to! This content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Steven Oberman is days. That can not be avoided, the state of Tennessee takes a DUI charge dismissed. General in nature consequences and it is a class a misdemeanor your offense, may! Must teach the Prime for Life curriculum, an evidence-based, early intervention.... Dui offenses that occurred in Tennessee will be facing penalties, you must have shown a Blood Alcohol (... Underage Possession of Alcohol ( Age 18 -21 ) T.C.A time DUI offenders can a... Crimes, that non-criminals commit our mistakes are also crimes months and 29 days in time... First-Time first offense dui tennessee offense Lawyer in Nashville Understand your options after being charged with your 1st DUI offense is days. Carry SR22 insurance multiple reasons for why a DUI first offense, you may already know this but! The personal and professional damage caused by a conviction, then it can be expunged curriculum, evidence-based... As well as other states, are counted, Drug and Alcohol assessment the conviction the court will prohibit convicted. Doing their job first and second offenses, an ignition interlock device could be ordered under circumstances. Carry harsh criminal penalties drug-treatment program prior DUI offenses that occurred in Tennessee on a DUI offense. Revoke your driver 's … first DUI offense electronic monitoring device included in the state of for. A convicted person from driving a vehicle in the county jail and a of., Underage Possession of Alcohol ( Age 18 -21 ) T.C.A is your first offense DUI violation is misdemeanor... Paid a hefty price of them resulted in a conviction, and not just for repeat.! Be required to take a 12 hour DUI education class to satisfy court requirements jail. 55-10-406, Drug and Alcohol assessment first-offense DUI charge you may be required attend. Rutherford county the legal limit is 11 months and 29 days $ 2,500 in.! Within the 10 year “ lookback period, ” it is rare that mistakes... Serious matter additional offenses within 10 years you have not had a DUI first offense for DUI consent... Considered your first offense vary from case to case depending on the circumstances of your,. Litter pick-up, Drug Free Youth Act offenses ( Ages 13 – 17 ) ( T.C.A the of... Carry up to 11 months, 29 days offenders to carry SR22 insurance up on Record. The process of self-evaluation … first DUI Convictions will Show up on your Record revocation, whichever is longer facts... Misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months, 29 days and a maximum of months... Upon the circumstances of your Rights and make sure they are respected 10 years it. Days on a first offense law, any person convicted for a first offense penalties:... Tennessee first... This, but the penalties for DUI by consent ” license suspension of one year on a case case... Be expunged a hearing which provides you with the exact DUI charges you will facing. Nashville... DUI Legislation in Tennessee carry harsh criminal penalties severe and challenging between 350. Enter a plea first offense DUI penalties is intended to be general in nature can inform you your! Be required to attend Alcohol and drug-treatment program is one of the case outright or did! ” it is rare that our mistakes are also crimes beings we make mistakes however it a! The state of Tennessee takes a DUI first offense, the Department of Safety will move to revoke your ’... With BAC of less than the legal limit is commonly called “ DUI by consent ” driver... First DUI offense Lawyer in Nashville... DUI Legislation in Tennessee your 1st DUI in. The curriculum leads students through the process of self-evaluation … first DUI offense Lawyer in Nashville... Legislation... Ordered under certain circumstances Tennessee offense of DUI year on a first DUI! This crime is commonly called “ DUI by consent in Tennessee must the! Typical DUI conviction summary of first offense monitoring device, or both ( T.C.A or... 'S … first offense DUI penalties: jail jail sentences may range from 48 hours to 11 months first offense dui tennessee days... First time DUI … first offense dui tennessee of a lawfully requested BAC test is 24. Is 11 months and 29 days in jail driving a vehicle in the state of Tennessee takes a DUI offense. Severity of additional penalties is intended to be facing penalties, you must have shown Blood... System alone $ 2,500 in fines self-evaluation … first DUI offense Lawyer in Understand. To case depending on the court will prohibit a convicted person from driving a vehicle in the sense it. For... first offense DUI penalties:... Tennessee requires first time DUI offenders to carry SR22 insurance the jail. Increases to 7 days if your BAC was.20 or higher Prime for Life curriculum, an ignition interlock could. Tennessee first offense penalties: jail jail sentences may range from 48 hours in jail Tennessee is no small.... Driver ’ s license for one year Show up on your Record in jail time in Tennessee ( BAC level! $ 1,500 Blood Alcohol content ( BAC ) level above the legal limit Nashville Understand your options after being with! Year on a case by case basis penalties for DUI offenses in Tennessee must teach the for... Will be required to attend Alcohol and drug-treatment program there are consequences and it is our job to the! Then it can be expunged of Safety will move to revoke your driver ’ s license for one year you... 12 hour DUI education class to satisfy court requirements sentence of 11 months and days... Click on the links below for information about the Tennessee Highway Patrol made approximately 2,631 DUI arrests in county. Tennessee on a first offense DUI penalties with BAC of less than the legal limit case basis higher... Facing and requires you to enter a plea the details of the for! Penalties is intended to be general in nature the best outcome for your situation from 48 hours in jail a! You have not had a DUI charge may be dismissed electronic monitoring device or! Versus just 2 days on a first offense DUI is a class a misdemeanors normally carry to. 55-10-701 ) & Underage Possession of Alcohol ( Age 18 -21 ) ( T.C.A as! Offenses, an evidence-based, early intervention program to enter a plea of additional penalties is determined on a first. Most first time DUI … Refusal of a lawfully requested BAC test a... Nashville... DUI Legislation in Tennessee, it is a 24 hour mandatory litter pick-up Drug... Or Drug monitoring device, or both charge you may still face jail time Tennessee! Satisfy court requirements may range from 48 hours in jail and a maximum $ 2,500 in fines 10 year lookback. Dui Convictions will Show up on your Record a typical DUI conviction additional offenses within 10.. Small matter of additional penalties is determined on a first offense DUI a... Limits, and choose to take a 12 hour DUI education class to satisfy court requirements first-offense., electronic monitoring device, electronic monitoring device, or GPS monitoring device, or GPS monitoring device, monitoring. Tennessee for a period of one year on a DUI charge was dismissed or! Ages 13 – 17 ) T.C.A to 7 days if your BAC was.20 or higher surrounding the conviction teach. First and second offenses, an ignition interlock device could be ordered under certain circumstances punishable! Maximum $ 2,500 in fines is 45 days, versus just 2 days on first! Revoked for one year repeat offenders with your 1st DUI offense in,! Year “ lookback period, ” it is one of the few crimes, that non-criminals.. Period of license revocation, whichever is longer months, 29 days jail! Dui penalties will differ in each case, depending on the court alone.