Here, the officer is testing your ability to balance and your endurance. With detailed guidelines paired with a focus on balance, intoxicated drivers may struggle to perform well. Before the Tennessee Department of Safety will reinstate your license following your suspension or revocation period, they will require you to file an SR22 form with them before issuing you a new license. As described above, the minimum sentence for a first time DUI is 48 hours in jail. Monetary Fines and Penalties for DUI in Tennessee. The court may also allow a restricted license for first offenders. in Communications and English from Niagara University. A person holding a commercial drivers license (CDL) can not only lose their ability to drive, they can also lose their job, as they no longer have the ability to work. After a few hours of drinks and discussions, you realize its time to head home. The judge can grant a temporary restricted license, which allows the driver to operate a vehicle for work, school, or treatment purposes. A fee of $17.50 is charged for a breath test refusal. However, between court costs and legal fees, you could end up paying well over . If you feel you were wrongly treated during your field sobriety tests or if the officer forced you out of your rights, contact us at Chiozza Law Firm. If youve recently been charged with DUI, youre probably feeling a mix of emotions confusion, frustration, and perhaps even fear. The crime is a serious offense that places all others on the road in danger. As a condition of probation, the offender will generally have to complete a substance abuse assessment and DUI education course. Additionally, if this is your third DUI offense, you will be subject to a 6-year driver's license revocation. A Tennessee DUI offender who commits a DUI while a child under the age of 18 was present in the vehicle would be locked away for at least 30 days and fined a minimum of $1000 if the child was unharmed. State law enforcement officials set up sobriety checkpoints and interrogate and test drivers per Tennessee's implied consent laws. Highway cleanup. It is possible to obtain a restricted license, however, you would be required to install an ignition interlock device, at your own expense, and drive only vehicles that have an interlock installed. First-time DUI offenders in Tennessee may be issued a work-release while still serving jail time, while some areas may permit the offender to complete 400 hours of community service in place of the 48 hours and 7-days jail minimums. We encourage you to contact our office for a free consultation to review your specific situation. Tennessee does not consider a DUI or a DWI charge based on the substance used but on the offender's age. Unlike a driver with a noncommercial license, both state and federal DUI laws impact CDL holders. Yes, you may not be legally drunk under the normal BAC legal level, but you are underage, which is why the arrest is made despite a lower BAC level. What are the standard DUI field sobriety tests? Because every case and individual are different, only attorneys who practice DUI defense day in day out will be able to give you good advice as to the best way to handle your defense. In addition to the penalties listed above, the judge will suspend the driver's license for one year. Yes, you do face a minimum of forty-eight (48) hours in jail if you are found guilty of or plead guilty to a DUI. Our firm is committed to helping our clients protect their driving privileges. However, you may be subject to DUI penalties without going over the 0.08 percent BAC level when taking in other considerations of your offense. For instance, if your first-offense DUI came as a result of a car wreck or if you injured a victim, you could receive harsher, more stringent penalties. A driver committing these violations, even when operating a noncommercial vehicle, may face penalties of a one-year license suspension for their first offense. Once that period is over, you can reinstate your license after satisfying any court-ordered requirements, retaking your drivers examination, installing an ignition interlock device, and paying reinstatement fees. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. 11 months, 29 days suspended sentence. In certain cases you may be required to undergo drug and alcohol treatment or perform community service, often in the form of roadside litter pickup. Offenders between the ages of 16 to 20 will see a one-year license revocation, a $250 fine and may have to perform community service. If you refuse then you will automatically lose your license. Each case is unique in the court of law. Home Blog What Happens For Your First DUI Offense In Tennessee? A person operating a commercial motor vehicle in the state of Tennessee while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or an intoxicant with a blood alcohol concentration of .04% or greater or failing to submit to a chemical test is in violation of the states laws regarding CDLs and will be arrested for DUI and your CDL will be revoked for a period of 1-year following a first offense violation. Since you are going to have to have your SR22 insurance for a period of 3-years, it is important to find the cheapest policy you can before choosing one. One of the most common questions we receive from clients is about potential jail time. You will be eligible for a restricted license after 1 year of revocation. Second offense - fine will range from $600 to $3,500. The offender would have to retake the driver's examination. We offer a free consultation to review your situation, so dont hesitate to call us today. criminal court requirements may include the following: NOTE: If you refuse to submit to a BAC/breathalyzer test, you can still face driver's license suspensions and fines, even if you're below the legal limit. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, a first-offense DUI is a misdemeanor. All Rights Reserved. At a minimum, offenders will get 48 hours in jail, unless your BAC was .20 or higher, then the minimum is 7 days. If this is your second DUI offense, you will face a 2-year license revocation. 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. You may also be required to complete an alcohol and drug treatment program. The talks took you back to the good ole days, remembering all the fun you had growing up together. When a law enforcement officer suspects a motorist of intoxication, they are subjected to a breath or blood test. How long your license is suspended will depend on how may times you have refused a chemical test and whether or not the incident involves an accident. A second offense refusal will result in a 2-year revocation of your license. Thousands of people are arrested for DUI each year in Tennessee, and almost all of them will have questions about what happens next. Memphis, TN 38103Phone: 901-464-4425Fax: 901-525-6294, 2023 Ballin, Ballin & Fishman. You will be eligible for a restricted license.Ignition interlock:The court may order you to have anignition interlock deviceinstalled on your vehicle as a condition of getting a restricted license or having your license reinstated at the end of your revocation period.License suspension:Your license will be revoked for 1 year following a first offense. What's the legal blood alcohol concentration in Tennessee? For a 3rd offense of a DUI, you may face: 120 days to 11 months and 29 days in jail. Legal Beagle: What Will My Probation Officer Do If I Fail an Alcohol Test? You will also have to pay a license reinstatement fee to the Department. Tennessee law enforcement officers can arrest a person for driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs, alcohol or a combination of both by measuring the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in the driver's system or by witnessing the unsafe operation of a vehicle. Feel free to call our team at 901-526-9494 or send us a message about your case. Before the Tennessee DOS will reinstate your license following your revocation period you will be required to show proof of financial responsibility in the form of aSR22 insurancepolicy that meets the states minimum auto insurance liability coverage limits. Subscribe to stay in the loop & on the road! A number of factors can affect sentencing, but this article address the minimum and maximum penalties and consequences for a first DUI in Tennessee. What steps should I take after sustaining an injury while visiting a public place. 3 rd Offense. The punishment for a first DUI conviction in Tennessee includes a fine of up to $1,500, a time not exceeding 11 months and 29 days in jail and a driver's license suspension of up to one year. If an impaired driver has a passenger under 18 with them at the time of the stop, they face additional penalties for child endangerment, including license revocation and from two to 20 years in prison, if the child passenger suffers a serious injury. Financial compensation for victims suffering person loss or physical injury. Third offense - fine will range from $1,100 to $10,000. Several possible aggravating factors include the following: Losing your driving privileges can negatively disturb your life as it affects your ability to travel to important places such as work. 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. 21 years old, you can receive a DUI or driving while impaired (DWI) offense even if your BAC is under the legal limit. You will be required to carry yourSR22 insurancefor a period of 3-years. Tennessee monetary fines are also flexible, but also escalate rather quickly on the high end of the scale: First offense - fine will range from $350 to $1,500. The offender will have to pay an SR-22 form fee of $50 in the absence of proof of SR-22 insurance for up to 3 years. The offender may also be subject to community service. You will be eligible for a restricted license during revocation period with the use of an ignition interlock.Ignition interlock:An ignition interlock will be required during restricted driving period and for an additional 6 months once your license is fully reinstated.License suspension:Your license will be revoked for 2 years following a second offense. DUI probation could include completing a substance abuse program and any other recommendations given by the judge. If you are convicted of a first DUI offense, you will be subject to a 1-year license revocation. Per Tennessee law55-10-415it is a Class A Misdemeanor for anyone under the age of 21 but older than 18 to drinking and drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .02% or greater. 57-5-301), Drug Free Youth Act Offenses (Ages 13 17) T.C.A. If this was a fourth or subsequent DUI conviction with two of your prior convictions occurring within the past 5-years you will be required to have the ignition interlock for an additional 6 months following the reinstatement of your license following your revocation period. Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device. If this is a first offense violation, your license will be revoked for 1-year for a test refusal. A second offense violation while carrying hazardous materials will result in a permanent CDL revocation, you will never be able to drive or operate a CMV again. A successful reduction will often result in the avoidance of jail time, loss of driving privileges, and other reduced penalties. Let us assist you every step of the way. First-time DUI offenders in Tennessee are fined a minimum of $350. In Tennessee, a first DUI offense is considered a Class A misdemeanor charge. You know your limit, and you think you are good to drive home. You will be responsible for the costs, which include: If you are convicted of a DUI Driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs (DUI/DWI) is a serious offense in Tennessee and can carry heavy consequences. For a second-time offense, the license suspension is two years. Penalties and Sentences Tennessee has mandatory jail time for first time DUI offenders. Still, the probation period could last for as long as 11 months and 29 days with an order to complete a substance abuse assessment. In Tennessee, a DUI is defined as driving a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit of Along with risking your own life and the lives of others, you can face You will be eligible for a restricted license during revocation period with the use of an ignition interlock.Ignition interlock:An ignition interlock will be required during restricted driving period and for an additional 6 months once your license is fully reinstated.License suspension:Your license will be revoked for 3-10 years following a third offense. Generally, Tennessee considers the first three DUI offenses to be misdemeanors. A first offense of driving under the influence (DUI) is classified as a class A misdemeanor, with penalties ranging from 48 hours to 11 months in jail and fines ranging from $350 to $1,500. If a driving under the influence offense results in a crash causing injuries to another person and you refuse to submit to a chemical test your license will be revoked for 2-years or 5-years if the crash resulted in a death. criminal penalties in court for DUIs and other alcohol-related driving offenses. A first offense misdemeanor can become a felony if there are special circumstances in play at the time of the traffic stop. Reviewed by: Michelle Seidel, B.Sc., LL.B./JD, MBA. Like many states Tennessee has a "implied consent" law. Tennessee DUI laws prohibit motorists from driving a vehicle or being in physical control of an automobile or any motor-driven vehicle if: Tennessee laws consider a person to be 'under the influence' if they are impaired to the extent their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle is affected. Fortunately, under certain circumstances, the court offers those convicted of DUI to obtain a restricted drivers license, also known as a hardship or conditional license. Read More: How to Get a DUI Removed From Your Driving Record. Costs include bail money, towing, SR-22 insurance, court costs, mandatory education courses, ignition interlock device installation, as well as reinstatement fees. If you've been arrested for driving under the influence in Tennessee, it's a good idea to talk to a DUI lawyer. For instance, if you have a documented BAC of 0.20% or greater, you will face mandatory jail time . If you have only been charged, but not yet convicted of DUI, its important to speak with a qualified DUI attorney to determine what defenses you have and whether you may be able to avoid a conviction. She holds a B.A. 7031 Koll Center Pkwy, Pleasanton, CA 94566 In Tennessee, drivers who are under the age of 21 can be convicted of a standard DUI for driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or more or while under the influence of (impaired by) drugs or alcohol. Requirement of an SR-22 for several years after conviction. DUI law is complicated and the facts of each case are different. What Happens For Your First DUI Offense In Tennessee. From 48 hours to 11 months and 29 days of jail time. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Steve Whiston - Fallen Log Photography/Moment/GettyImages, What to Expect From aFirst OffenseOWIinMichigan: Laws, Penalties & Charges, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. No, this one is life-changing. Any trace of alcohol can result in a DWI charge. Enter Your Zip Code to Connect with a Lawyer Serving Your Area, Copyright 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. 1st Time DUI Offender .08 (BAC) [55-10-401] [55-10-403] 48 hours up to 11 months, 29 days for offenders in violation of 55-10-401 .20 BAC or greater minimum jail time 7 consecutive days License revocation for 1 year - Restricted License available You will be ordered to participate in an alcohol and drug treatment program The minimum cost for an IID for a year is $1,000. DUI stands for 'Driving Under Influence' while DWI means 'Driving While Intoxicated or Impaired'. First-time Tennessee DUI offenders face jail time of between 48 hours to 11 months. They may also be fined between $350 to $1500 and face a one-year license suspension. The costs associated with a DUI conviction are both significant in both time and money. DMV.org states that a CDL driver who has a BAC of 0.04 percent or higher, shows impairment by a controlled substance while operating a vehicle, or refuses to take a chemical test is in violation of the states implied consent law. DUI charges reduced to reckless endangerment, or reckless driving can be eligible for expungement. However, most first offense Tennessee DUI sentences are suspended and served on probation. Your penalties and requirements may If your BAC level was at or more than 0.20 percent, you could face seven (7) days in jail. Loss of drivers license for one year. 55-10-406, Drug Free Youth Act Offenses (Ages 13 17) (T.C.A. Tennessee motorists automatically agree to Tennessee's "implied consent law," which means that all drivers lawfully arrested for a DUI have legally given their consent to be tested to determine their alcohol blood content. Alternatively, the offender will have to pay $75 if they fail to return the suspended license to the. An offender must not have been convicted of any other crimes. The penalties for a DUI/DWI in Tennessee are heavy. If the officer has established reasonable grounds and suspects that someone is under the influence, the officer is going to request that the individualperform some field sobriety test(it is not required by law that you submit to the field sobriety tests. For example, although a DUI conviction is currently not eligible to be expunged, a reckless driving is eligible to be expunged five (5) years after you complete the six (6) month probationary period. In states that recognize a DUI and a DWI as two separate offenses, a DWI charge is usually the more severe one. However, the look-back period is ten years for repeat offenders; that is, succeeding DUI charges must be made within ten years, from the date of the present offense back to the date of the prior offenses, to be considered a repeat offense. First offense (ages 13 to 17): A license suspension of one year or until the offender reaches 17, whichever is longer. You may also receive DUI-type penalties for refusing to submit to the blood alcohol test when arrested on suspicion of a DUI. Your message has been received and a Interlock Specialist will contact you shortly. Attendance in a substance abuse treatment program. However, the majority of DUI arrests involve the following steps to reinstate your license: Involvement is an DUI case is stressful, time-consuming, and life-altering. Those ages 13 to 17 face license suspension until they reach 17 or for one year, whichever comes later. Offenders under 21 are charged with a DWI, while a DUI charge is given to a person above 21. However, a first time DUI can give you up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a $350-$1,500 fine. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, passenger under the age of 18 in the vehicle, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. This blog is intended to provide some basic information about the DUI process in Tennessee. Read More: How to Check Driver's License History. Increased insurance costs; some life insurance companies may completely deny policy issuance. Driving under the influence, by law, is a misdemeanor in the state of Tennessee. Out-of-state DUI charges also count in an offender's record. OWNED OR OPERATED BY ANY STATE GOVERNMENT AGENCY. Tennessee first offense DUI offense penalties include: Between 48 hours and 11 months in jail Up to a year-long license suspension Between $350 and $1,500 in fines Enrollment in DUI school SR22 insurance requirement The installation of an ignition interlock device You should never try to fight a DUI charge on your own. If you need proper representation for your DUI charge in Tennessee, contact the Memphis DUI lawyers at The Chiozza Law Firm. An immigrant DUI offender would have certain privileges withdrawn, such as; neutralization could be revoked for an immigrant, a green card and renewal of work permit may be denied to an immigrant, and an immigrant offender could face deportation. How to Get a DUI Removed From Your Driving Record, Tennessee Dept. For a first-time offense, refusal to take a BAC test results in a one-year suspension of your license. A first DUI offense carries mandatory jail time of 48 hours, a fine of $350-$1,500, and the revocation of your driver's license for one year.