Drunk Driving
Franklin, Brentwood & Columbia Drunk Driving Defense Attorney
Also serving Spring Hill, Murfreesboro, Lawrenceburg and Pulaski, Tennessee
Tennessee statutes against drunk driving are intentionally severe. They are designed to discourage those considering driving while under the influence of alcohol from getting behind the wheel. They are also meant to discourage repeat offenses for those who have a prior drunk driving offense conviction—and have considerably harsher penalties for causing an accident while driving drunk.
Alcohol-related traffic crashes in Tennessee
Drunk driving accidents in Tennessee are a serious problem. Between 2007 and 2017 (thus far), alcohol was responsible for 72,437 traffic crashes, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety. More than 10,000 of those alcohol-related crashes resulted in fatalities.
Our own Franklin County experienced many alcohol-related traffic crashes during that same time period:
| 46 in 2007 | 46 in 2012 |
| 37 in 2008 | 50 in 2013 |
| 14 in 2009 | 43 in 2014 |
| 22 in 2010 | 40 in 2015 |
| 38 in 2011 | 22 in 2016 |
As of August on 2017, there have been 14 alcohol-related crashes in Franklin County this year.
Drunk driving charges
| Jail time | Fines | License revocation | Vehicle seizure | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First conviction | 48 hours (seven days if BAC is .20% or more) | $350–$1500 | One year | Does not apply |
| Second conviction | 45 days to 11 months, 29 days | $600–$3500 | Two years | Subject to seizure and forfeiture |
| Third conviction | 120 days to 11 months, 29 days | $1100–$10,000 | Three to ten years | Subject to seizure and forfeiture |
| Fourth-plus conviction | 150 days to maximum allowable for a Class E felony | $3000–$15,000 | Five years (to indefinite) | Subject to seizure and forfeiture |
How a drunk driving defense lawyer in Franklin can help you
An experienced criminal defense lawyer experienced in DUI may be able to reduce the severity of your charges by carefully analyzing all of the circumstances and evidence related to your arrest, making sure that your rights were protected, that all tests were properly administered, and that the courts consider any extenuating circumstances or good history.
Useful links from our Franklin drunk driving defense lawyers
- Tennessee Driver’s Handbook
- Tennessee codes related to drunk driving
- Brochure: Prevention of Drinking & Driving
- 18–20 Year Old Alcohol Beverage Violation—1st Offense
- 18–20 Year Old Alcohol Beverage Violation—2nd Offense
- Court Ordered Suspension
- Drug Free Youth Act 1st Offense and 2nd Offense
- DUI 2nd Offense
- Tennessee DUI laws
Call the Law Offices of Adrian H. Altshuler & Associates if you need a DUI attorney in Columbia
Clients rely on the Law Offices of Adrian H. Altshuler & Associates to protect their interests through criminal defense cases. They know we do everything we can to aggressively pursue justice on their behalf. We can do the same for you. Call us today at 615-977-9370 or use our convenient online form to schedule your free initial consultation.