You Need an Attorney to Fight Your DUI Charge
If you’re facing charges for DUI in Nashville, contact Lords & Cate to discuss your case.
The first three times someone is charged with a DUI, they are facing misdemeanor charges with increasingly more severe penalties and the fourth DUI is a felony. If you are facing a DUI, You need an attorney to fight your DUI charge. The following is a list of the penalties for the first four DUI charges.
1st Time DUI Offenses .08 (BAC) [T.C.A. 55-10-401] [T.C.A. 55-10-403]
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
- Pay restitution to any person suffering physical injury or personal loss
- $350-$1,500 fine
- With towing, bail, attorney, high-risk insurance, court costs, school, and reinstatement fees, your first offense average costs could add up to $4,900
- Ignition Interlock Device installed at your expense. 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
2nd Time DUI Offender
- 45 days to 11 months, 29 days in jail
- $600-$3,500 mandatory fine
- License revocation for 2 years/Restricted License available
- Subject to vehicle seizure/forfeiture
- You will be ordered to attend an alcohol and drug treatment program
- Ignition Interlock Device installed at your expense
- If two (2) convictions of DUI in 5 years, Ignition Interlock Device required for 6 months after reinstatement at your expense
- Pay restitution to any person suffering personal injury or loss
3rd Time DUI Offender
- 120 days to 11 months, 29 days in jail
- $1,100 to $10,000 mandatory fines
- License revocation for 6 years/Restricted license available
- Subject to vehicle seizure/forfeiture
- Alcohol and drug treatment program
- Ignition Interlock Device installed at your expense
- If two (2) convictions of DUI in 5 years, Ignition Interlock Device required for 6 months after reinstatement at your expense
4th and Subsequent DUI Offender (felony DUI)
- Class E Felony
- 1 Year (365) days of jail time with a minimum of 150 consecutive days served
- $3,000 to $15,000 mandatory fine
- License revocation for 8 years/Restricted license available
- Subject to vehicle seizure/forfeiture
- Alcohol and drug treatment program
- Ignition Interlock Device installed at your expense
- If two (2) convictions of DUI in 5 years, Ignition Interlock Device required for 6 months after reinstatement at your expense
Information provided by the TN Department of Safety & Homeland Security
If you are facing criminal charges in Tennessee, contact the criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office of Lords and Cate and let us help you.