Knoxville, Tennessee DUI Defense Lawyers

Being arrested for drunk driving and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) can be overwhelming. A single mistake or even a misunderstanding can lead to severe criminal penalties, including a possible jail sentence and large fines. You could also lose your driving privileges, and you may face other long-term consequences that could affect your job, your reputation, and other areas of your life.

At The Baker Law Firm, our attorneys can provide a strategic defense against DUI charges following an arrest in Knoxville or the surrounding areas. We understand the science behind DUI investigations, the legal standards police must follow, and the most effective ways to protect your rights and your future. We will help you understand the ways you may be affected and the ideal defense strategies that will help you resolve your case successfully.

Tennessee DUI Laws and Penalties for a First Offense

Under Tennessee law, a person can be charged with driving under the influence if they operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher, or if they are impaired by alcohol, drugs, or other substances. Even a first-time DUI conviction can lead to a variety of serious penalties, including:

• Jail Time: You will be required to serve a minimum of 48 hours in jail if you are convicted. The maximum sentence in most first-time DUI cases is 11 months and 29 days.
• License Suspension: A conviction will result in the loss of your driving privileges for one year. However, a restricted license may be available that will allow you to drive in certain situations, such as to commute to work or to transport your children to and from school
• Fines: You may be required to pay between $350 and $1,500 in fines, plus court costs.
• Other Penalties: Alcohol or drug treatment may be required, and you could be ordered to perform community service. Your auto insurance premiums will likely increase.

Our laywers will examine the circumstances of your arrest to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case. We will look at whether the officer had probable cause to stop you, whether field sobriety tests were administered following standardized procedures, and whether breath or blood tests were conducted correctly. Our goal is to help you avoid a DUI conviction while minimizing the consequences that could affect your life.

Penalties for Multiple DUI Offenses

In cases involving multiple DUI charges, progressively harsher penalties will apply for second, third, or subsequent convictions. The stakes rise dramatically with each offense:

• Second DUI: The minimum sentence for this offense is 45 days, and the maximum is one year in jail. Fines may range from $600 to $3,500. A two-year license revocation will typically apply following a conviction.
• Third DUI: In these cases, the minimum sentence will increase to 120 days, although the maximum is still one year. Fines of $1,100 to $10,000 may be imposed, and a license revocation will last for six years.
• Fourth or Subsequent DUI: These offenses will be classified as felonies with a minimum sentence of one year in jail. Fines may range from $3,000 to $15,000. A license revocation will last for eight years.

At The Baker Law Firm, we can provide representation for people who have previous DUI convictions, taking steps to prevent a subsequent conviction, negotiate alternative sentencing, seek treatment-based resolutions when possible, and minimize the potential penalties. In some cases, procedural errors, unreliable test results, or lack of evidence may result in a dismissal or reduction of charges.

DUI Charges Involving Accidents and Injuries

When a DUI arrest follows an accident that causes injury or death, the criminal charges a person faces are likely to be more serious. Prosecutors may pursue vehicular assault or vehicular homicide charges, and convictions can lead to long prison terms, permanent license revocation, and other penalties.

Our attorneys can conduct independent investigations, reviewing accident reconstruction reports, toxicology reports, and eyewitness accounts to determine whether a person's alleged impairment truly caused a crash. We can challenge the collection and preservation of evidence, particularly when police officers failed to follow established testing or reporting procedures. We will work to minimize the consequences that a person may face in these situations.

Out-of-State Drivers Facing DUI Charges in Tennessee

A person who lives outside Tennessee but who was arrested for DUI while visiting or passing through Knoxville may face consequences in both states. Tennessee participates in the Driver License Compact, and a person's home state will typically take action to suspend a driver's license based on a Tennessee DUI conviction.

Our lawyers can helps with out-of-state DUI cases, working to minimize the need for repeated court appearances in Tennessee. We will help address license suspensions with the Department of Motor Vehicles in a person's home state, and we will develop defense strategies to help a person avoid additional penalties.

DWI Charges for Underage Drivers

Tennessee follows a zero-tolerance policy for drivers who are under the age of 21. A blood alcohol concentration of just 0.02 percent or higher can result in a driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge. In these cases, the penalties may include a one-year driver's license suspension, fines of up to $250, and community service.

At The Baker Law Firm, we understand how devastating a DWI conviction can be for young drivers and their families. We work to resolve these matters successfully by pursuing outcomes that will protect a young person's record and preserve their future opportunities.

Boating Under the Influence (BUI) Charges

Tennessee law also prohibits operating a boat or personal watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Boating under the influence (BUI) is treated similarly to a DUI, and a conviction can lead to jail time, fines, and suspension of boating privileges.

Our attorneys can help defend clients who have been accused of BUI by challenging the administration of sobriety tests on the water, the reliability of chemical testing, or other factors that may be involved in a case. We understand the unique environment of boating enforcement and the high potential for officer errors or misinterpretation of a person's behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Defense

Contact Our Knoxville, TN DUI Defense Attorneys

When facing charges of DUI, DWI, or BUI in Knoxville or the surrounding areas, The Baker Law Firm can provide you with effective legal representation. We will explain your options, help you build a strong defense, and stand with you every step of the way. Contact our Knoxville DUI lawyers at 865-200-4117 to set up your free consultation.