A fun night on the town with friends could have dire consequences if you’re convicted of a DUI in TN. Tennessee has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country. First offenders found guilty of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be convicted of a misdemeanor and will serve a mandatory minimum of 48 hours in jail.
According to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, a drunk driver’s level of intoxication is typically determined by the measurement of blood alcohol content (BAC). A BAC measurement of 0.08% defines the criminal offense.
DUI Penalties in Tennessee
First TN DUI Offence
- Class A Misdemeanor
- Mandatory minimum of 48 hours incarceration, up to 11 months 29 days in jail
- $350-$1000 in fines
- DUI School and/or Victim Impact Panel
- 1 year loss of driver’s license
- Possible Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
Second TN DUI Offence
- Class A Misdemeanor
- Mandatory minimum of 45 days in jail with up to 11 months 29 days possible
- $600-$3,500 in fines
- Mandatory IID
- 2 years license revocation
Third TN DUI Offence
- Class A Misdemeanor
- Mandatory minimum of 120 days in jail with up to 11 months 29 days possible
- $1,100-$10,000 in fines
- Mandatory IID
- 6 years license revocation
4th or 5th TN DUI Offence
- Class E Felony
- Mandatory minimum of 150 days in jail with 1 to 6 years possible
- $3,000-$15,000 in fines
- Mandatory IID
- 8 years license revocation
6th TN DUI Offense
- Class C Felony
- Mandatory minimum of 150 days in jail with 3 to 15 years possible
- $3,000-$15,000 in fines
- Mandatory IID
- 8 years license revocation
If convicted, administrative and court costs will be assessed, court-ordered alcohol monitoring devices may be mandated, and restitution for injured parties may also be imposed. For second and subsequent offenses, an alcohol and drug assessment and inpatient rehabilitation may also be ordered. Vehicle forfeiture may also be applied.
Secondary Consequences of a DUI Conviction
Although the legal consequences of a DUI conviction in Tennessee are incredibly costly, the secondary consequences can be life altering.
Insurance
A DUI conviction in Tennessee will result in increased car insurance insurance premiums. Your existing insurer may even drop your coverage and you may be forced to purchase an expensive high-risk (SR-22) insurance policy. A conviction may also result in increased premiums for health and life insurance.
Public Record and Background Checks
A DUI conviction stays on your public record forever and will appear on background checks.
Employment
A conviction may affect current and prospective employment opportunities. Court dates, jail time, and in-patient treatment programs can put your existing job in jeopardy. Many employers are uncomfortable hiring applicants who have DUI convictions. Jobs that require driving company vehicles may also be closed to you.
Education
A DUI conviction may have consequences on high school or college campuses and may impact student athletic eligibility.
Parenting
Having your license suspended renders it impossible to pick up your kids and take them to practices or doctor’s appointments. You may also be disqualified from volunteering at your child’s school due to a criminal conviction.
Personal Relationships
Friends, family members, and co-workers may perceive you differently and a conviction may adversely affect your relationships.
Immigration and Travel
A conviction or arrest may impede your ability to travel. Canada, for example, requires Americans with a DUI record to seek a waiver of exclusion before allowing entry into the country. If you’re not a US citizen, a DUI may affect your immigration status. If you’re an illegal immigrant, you will likely face immigration proceedings and may be deported.
Because the legal and secondary consequences of DUIs in TN are so severe, everyone, even first-time offenders, should seek experienced legal representation.
John P. Webb is a member of the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defence Lawyers and has completed the Trial College and DUI Training Seminars. John has extensive experience representing clients with first-time DUI arrests as well as those with prior convictions. Contact John P. Webb, Attorney at Law, for exceptional DUI legal representation at (615) 933-5230.
