One simple mistake can lead to a lifetime of issues. When you are arrested for driving under the influence, a lot is racing though your mind.
What happens next? Will I lose my license? Go to jail? How will this affect my job, family, or future?
Before you can move forward, you need to know the impact of a DUI conviction in Tennessee. With that, you can understand what is at stake and how to prevent it from disrupting your life. Here’s what you need to know.
The Legal Consequences Are Immediate
Under the law, driving under the influence is defined as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or while impaired by alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications.
Like most states, Tennessee takes DUI charges seriously. Even a first offense has mandatory penalties that can impact nearly every part of your life. If you are convicted of DUI for the first time, you are looking at:
- At least 48 hours in jail, or 7 days if your BAC was over 0.20%
- Fines between $350 and $1,500
- Loss of your driver’s license for a year
- Required alcohol or drug treatment
- A possible order to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle
For a second offense, the consequences get harsher:
- At least 45 days in jail
- Fines up to $3,500
- License revocation for two years
- Mandatory treatment and IID
- Risk of losing your vehicle
Penalties continue to escalate with third and subsequent offenses. A conviction can lead to felony charges, extended prison time, longer license revocations, and higher fines. Plus, there are aggravating factors, such as having a child passenger, causing injury, or refusing a breath test. These can also increase the severity of penalties.
Don’t forget about Tennessee’s 10-year “look-back” period. That means that if you had a DUI conviction in the past 10 years, it will count against you if you are charged again.
Your License Is in Jeopardy
Losing your license, even on a temporary basis, can be a major disruption. It makes getting to work, picking up your kids, or handling daily responsibilities more difficult. In some cases, you might be able to have a restricted license. However, you will have to meet certain conditions and pay additional costs, including ignition interlock requirements.
If driving is a part of your job, or if your employer runs background checks, this one charge could lead to a loss of your livelihood.
A DUI Hits Your Wallet
Along with the court fines, a DUI conviction can cost you thousands of dollars. You may have to pay for:
- Bond and court fees
- DUI education or treatment programs
- IID installation and monitoring
- License reinstatement
- Increased insurance premiums
- Alternative transportation while your license is suspended
In many cases, even a first offense can cost $5,000 or more by the time the process is done.
Your Record and Reputation Can Be Damaged
One of the biggest impacts of a DUI is the mark on your criminal record. In Tennessee, DUI convictions cannot be expunged. That means they stay with you permanently. This conviction will show up on background checks for employers, landlords, schools, and even professional licensing boards.
For many people, this is the part that hits the hardest. Unfortunately, one mistake can unravel the life you have worked hard to build.
It Affects More Than Just Your Freedom
A DUI conviction can spill into every area of your life. If you are in the middle of a custody battle, a criminal record may influence the outcome. If you are not a U.S. citizen, a DUI can affect your immigration status. Even if none of these apply to you, the stress, shame, and public nature of the charge can take a serious toll on your mental and emotional well-being.
But there is good news. A charge is not a conviction. You still have the right to defend yourself. With help from a skilled and knowledgeable DUI defense attorney, they could make a difference in the outcome.
Get Legal Help to Fight Your DUI Charge
Understanding the impact of a DUI conviction in Tennessee can help you plan your next steps.
If you have been arrested, the decisions you make right now matter.
At Easter & DeVore, Attorneys at Law, we can help guide you through this legal process. Contact us for a free consultation about your situation.
