Tennessee DUI Law provides that it is illegal to drive or be in physical control of a motor driven vehicle on any public roads and highways, any alleys or streets, and other public areas while under the influence of any intoxicant, with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher.
A normal DUI charge already carries severe penalties, but certain situations can result in enhanced penalties for DUI or DWI that go well beyond the sentences normally imposed after a DUI conviction.
In Tennessee, the consequences for DUI can include:
- Heavy fines, including restitution, court fees, and towing expenses
- Varying jail times depending on level of intoxication
- Driver’s license suspension
- Drug and alcohol treatment programs
- Potential for ignition interlock device installation on your vehicle
Some states in the U.S. have a more serious drunk driving charge often referred to as an aggravated DUI. An aggravated drunk driving charge can result from certain aggravating circumstances surrounding the incident that led to the charge. In Tennessee, your first, second and third DUI charges within five years are all misdemeanors, with potential penalties increasing at each level. Aggravated drunk driving constitutes a Class A felony charge, which can result in harsher punishments for drivers convicted of aggravated DUI.
Aggravated DUI occurs when any of the following conditions are present:
- You have two or more prior DUI convictions, vehicular assault convictions or a combination of the these
- You have been convicted of vehicular homicide in the past
- Your blood alcohol content (BAC) was greater than 0.20% when you committed the vehicular homicide and you had a previous DUI or vehicular assault conviction
It may be a good idea to hire an experienced Aggravated DUI Nashville attorney to work with you. DUI cases can be complicated and having a lawyer represent you could help minimize the negative consequences a DUI can have on your life.