DUI Offenses

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 in 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