DUI Attorney Serving Nashville, Tennessee

According to the Crime in Tennessee Report by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, there were 18,757 total DUI arrests statewide in 2021. In Tennessee, a person may be arrested and charged with a DUI for driving or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of any intoxicant or controlled substance. 

Unfortunately, DUI charges are often devastating and may subject the defendant to massive fines, incarceration, license suspension, a criminal record, and other life-altering ramifications. If you're facing drunk driving charges in your area, you need to retain a highly-skilled Nashville criminal defense attorney to help build your defense. 

At Moreland Law Firm, we have the diligence and resources to defend and represent clients in their DUI cases. Our attorney can investigate all of the surrounding facts of your case and outline a solid defense strategy to fight your charges. In addition, we will fight aggressively to uphold your rights and help keep your driving record as clean as possible. 

Moreland Law Firm is proud to serve clients across Nashville, Tennessee, and throughout the surrounding areas of Franklin, Murfreesboro, Lebanon, Columbia, and Dickson. 

DUI Charges in Tennessee

According to Tennessee DUI law, it is a crime for a person to drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle: 

• while having a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08% or more 

• while under the influence of any intoxicant, drug, marijuana, controlled substance, or any substance which significantly affects the central nervous system 

A person is said to be "under the influence" when their driving ability is impaired and they are not able to safely operate or drive a vehicle. If you're suspected of driving while under the influence, a police officer can pull your vehicle over for DUI tests. 

DUI Tests and Your Rights

On suspicion of impaired driving, a law enforcement officer can stop your vehicle and request some field sobriety tests and chemical tests. Essentially, field sobriety tests are completely voluntary in Tennessee. You don't have to take any field sobriety test, and there are no punishments for refusing. 

Conversely, chemical tests are mandatory in Tennessee. According to Tennessee's implied consent law, any person operating a car within the state is considered to have given consent to a chemical test (breath, blood, saliva, or urine test) to determine their BAC level. Refusing to submit to a blood or breath test may result in license suspension and other administrative penalties. 

Possible Penalties

DUI is a serious crime in the state of Tennessee and usually attracts devastating penalties. Depending on the defendant's BAC level, number of prior convictions, and other surrounding circumstances, a drunk driving conviction may result in the following penalties and implications: 

• imprisonment or jail time 

• substantial fines and court fees 

• license suspension or revocation 

• probation 

• community service 

• an ignition interlock device 

• mandatory attendance at substance abuse or alcohol treatment program 

Other potential consequences of a DUI conviction include: 

• increased auto insurance premiums 

• a criminal record/history 

• increased difficulty in getting public benefits 

• deterioration of personal and professional relationships 

• loss of scholarships or university acceptance 

• loss of your rights to carry, own, or possess firearms 

• increased difficulty in getting accommodation or a new job 

• ineligibility to obtain certain financial loans 

If you're convicted of a DUI offense in Tennessee, you must install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle and apply for a restricted license before you can drive. Moreover, there are restrictions on when and where you can drive. 

If you or someone you know has been arrested or indicted with a drunk driving offense, you need to reach out to a seasoned Tennessee DUI defense attorney immediately. Your legal representative can strategize a strong defense for your case and help you avoid the far-reaching penalties and consequences of a criminal conviction. 

Work With a Knowledgeable Criminal Defense Attorney

Defending your DUI accusations without reliable guidance and representation might increase your risk of getting convicted. Unfortunately, a DUI conviction can jeopardize your driving record, personal reputation, career, liberty, and future. Therefore, when charged with a DUI, hiring a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer is imperative for proper guidance to help uphold your rights. 

At Moreland Law Firm, we're dedicated to protecting individuals charged with drunk driving from the worst possible punishments. With our extensive knowledge, we can walk you through the DUI court process and dispute the charges against you with factual evidence. Also, our attorney will fight vigorously to defend your freedom, protect your driving privileges, and improve your chances of a better tomorrow. 

DUI Defense Attorney Serving Nashville, Tennessee

Facing DUI charges can be terrifying. Don't face them alone. Contact us at Moreland Law Firm today to schedule a simple case evaluation. Our skilled attorney can offer you the aggressive representation and detailed legal guidance you need in your case. We're proud to serve clients across Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Lebanon, Columbia, and Dickson, Tennessee.