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DUI Attorney Serving Nashville, Tennessee

Why Work With a DUI Attorney Serving Nashville, Tennessee?

When facing impaired driving charges in Middle Tennessee, securing immediate legal representation from a recommended DUI attorney is critical to protecting your driving privileges and freedom. Moreland Law Firm, led by attorney Jay Moreland, delivers aggressive, client-focused representation tailored to the complicated procedural framework of Tennessee DUI laws. 

  • Decades of local courtroom experience: Extensive trial experience working through Davidson County courts and surrounding Middle Tennessee jurisdictions.

  • Proven breath and blood test defense:  Expertise challenging field sobriety tests, breathalyzer calibration logs, and blood draw chain-of-custody.

  • Direct attorney access: Work directly with your lead defense counsel throughout every phase of your case-no paralegal hand-offs or secondary associates.

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 DUI attorney serving Nashville, Tennessee 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. 

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

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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: According to a Local DUI Attorney

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 DUI attorney serving Nashville, Tennessee immediately. Your available DUI attorney 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, our available DUI attorney is 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 available DUI 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 our recommended DUI attorney at Moreland Law Firm today to schedule a simple case evaluation.Our suggested DUI 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. 

DUI Defense   Domestic Violence  

  • Weapons Violations

  • Drug Crimes

  • Sex Crimes

  • Theft

  • Robbery

  • Child Abuse

  • Violent Crime Defense

  • Probation Violation

  • Expungement

  • Orders of Protection

  • Bond Reduction

  • White-Collar Crimes

  • Cybercrimes Defense

  • Arson Defense

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after being arrested for a DUI in Middle Tennessee?

You should immediately exercise your constitutional right to remain silent and request a DUI attorney serving Nashville, Tennessee before answering any law enforcement questions. Refrain from arguing with officers or attempting to explain how much you had to drink, as any statements you make will be used against you in court. Contacting a recommended DUI attorney right away makes sure your legal rights are protected during arraignment and initial license suspension hearings.

What happens to my driver's license after a DUI arrest in Tennessee?

Your driver's license faces immediate administrative suspension if you refuse a mandatory chemical test under Tennessee's implied consent law or register a BAC of .08% or higher. Working with a DUI attorney serving Nashville, Tennessee allows you to petition the court for a restricted driver's license, which permits travel to work, school, and court-ordered obligations with an installed ignition interlock device.

What factors determine the total cost of hiring a lawyer for a DUI defense?

The overall cost of legal representation depends on whether the offense is a first-time charge or a repeat felony, the compllications of chemical evidence, and whether the case resolves through pre-trial negotiations or proceeds to a full jury trial. Cases requiring independent professional witness testimony for blood testing analysis generally require a higher investment of time and resources. During your initial consultation, our suggested DUI attorney will provide a transparent outline of expected legal fees based on your charges.

How long does it take for a DUI case to move through the Nashville court system?

A typical DUI case in Middle Tennessee takes anywhere from a few months to over a year to reach a final resolution depending on court dockets and evidence testing timelines. Initial court dates and administrative license hearings occur within weeks of the arrest, while full trial preparations require extended time to review video footage and lab results. Retaining a suggested DUI attorney lawyer makes sure pre-trial discovery and motions progress efficiently without unnecessary delays.

Can a DUI conviction be expunged from my criminal record in Tennessee?

No, under current Tennessee law, a formal DUI conviction cannot be expunged from your permanent criminal record. Because a conviction remains on your record indefinitely, working with a DUI attorney serving Nashville, Tennessee to fight for a charge dismissal, diversion, or reduction to a non-DUI offense like reckless driving is essential to preserving your future background checks.