Farragut DUI Defense Attorneys

Lawyers Helping People Arrested for DUI in Farragut, TN

An arrest for drunk driving can be very serious. If you are arrested and charged with DUI, you may not only face multiple penalties that could affect your driver's license and require you to pay large fines or serve time in jail, but your employment prospects and personal reputation could also be affected. The DUI laws in Tennessee are strict, so if you are facing allegations of drunk driving, it is important to understand the legal process, the potential penalties you may face, and how a defense attorney can protect your rights.

At The Baker Law Firm, our lawyers can review the details of your arrest, examine the procedures followed by law enforcement, and determine the most effective strategies for your defense. We will advocate for your rights at every stage of your case, providing you with compassionate representation and focusing on achieving the best possible results for you.

Understanding Field Sobriety Tests in DUI Cases

Field sobriety tests are frequently used during traffic stops when police officers suspect that drivers may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These tests may include having you walk in a straight line, maintain balance while standing on one foot, or follow a moving object with your eyes, among others. They are designed to evaluate your coordination, balance, and ability to follow instructions—all of which can be affected by alcohol impairment.

However, these tests are highly subjective, and they may not always demonstrate impairment. Fatigue, medical conditions, nervousness, and uneven terrain can all impact your performance. Our DUI defense attorneys may be able to challenge the administration or interpretation of these tests, arguing that the results are not reliable enough to support a DUI charge.

Breath and Blood Tests: Challenging Chemical Evidence

After someone is arrested for DUI, police officers may ask them to submit to breath or blood tests to measure their blood alcohol concentration. Under the state's implied consent law, a driver who is lawfully arrested for DUI is considered to have consented to these chemical tests. Refusal to submit to testing will result in the automatic suspension of your driver's license, and it could also affect the charges against you.

Breathalyzer devices can produce flawed results if they are not properly maintained or calibrated. Likewise, blood tests must be performed correctly to ensure the integrity of the sample and make sure it is tested correctly. Our DUI defense lawyer may review the details of these tests to uncover issues such as contamination, improper storage, or failure to follow standard testing protocols.

First-Time DUI Penalties in Tennessee

Even if you have never been charged with drunk driving before, you may face serious consequences for a first DUI offense. In Tennessee, the penalties for a first-time DUI may include:

• Mandatory Jail Time: The minimum sentence for a conviction is 48 hours in jail, although time spent in custody after an arrest will count toward this amount of jail time. The maximum sentence for a misdemeanor first-time DUI conviction is one year.
• Fines: The total amount of fines you may be required to pay will be between $350 and $1,500, although additional fees and court costs may also apply.
• License Suspension: You will face a suspension of your driving privileges for one year. However, you may be able to receive a restricted license that will allow you to drive for essential reasons.

Penalties for Subsequent DUI Offenses

Tennessee law imposes increasingly severe penalties for repeat DUI offenses. For example:

• Second Offense: You will be required to serve a minimum of 45 days in jail up to a maximum of one year. Fines will range from $600 to $3,500, and your license will be revoked for two years.
• Third Offense: The minimum sentence increases to 120 days in jail, with a maximum of one year. Fines increase to between $1,100 and $10,000, and your license will be revoked for six years.
• Fourth and Subsequent Offenses: These are classified as felonies, and a conviction may result in one year or more of incarceration, with a minimum of 150 consecutive days in jail. Fines may range from $3,000 to $15,000, and your license may be revoked for eight years.

Building a DUI Defense Strategy in Farragut

Every DUI case involves unique facts and circumstances. Our lawyers can look at whether a police officer had a legal basis to perform a traffic stop or whether they had probable cause to arrest you. If your constitutional rights were violated, we can take steps to suppress the evidence gained through these violations. We may also look at the reliability of the tests used to determine whether you were impaired.

In some cases, we may be able to negotiate with prosecutors to secure reduced charges, such as a charge of reckless driving rather than DUI. In other situations, it may be necessary to take your case to trial and advocate for a dismissal or acquittal. We will advise you on the best approach to take, helping you resolve your case successfully while minimizing the effects on your life.

Contact Our Farragut, Tennessee DUI Defense Lawyers

After an arrest for drunk driving, you may be uncertain about how to proceed, but the lawyers at The Baker Law Firm can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and provide you with effective legal representation. Contact our Farragut DUI attorneys today at 865-200-4117 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.