According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the number of alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes has dropped in Campbell County since 2014, but so far this year, there have been nine, bringing the total to 336 since 2009.

Regardless of whether a driver has consumed alcohol, you can expect to be pulled over if a police officer sees you driving erratically down the road. When this happens, and you have been drinking, you could face the possibility of DUI charges.

Every year, many thousands of Americans are arrested on drug charges. Law enforcement and the courts aggressively pursue drug possession and trafficking convictions. Drug-related violations of any kind can come with life-changing implications. If you have been arrested for a drug crime, it is imperative you consult with a skilled criminal defense attorney immediately. 

Impact of a Drug Conviction 

In the state of Tennessee, drug charges can be quite harsh. A first-time possession conviction results in a Class A misdemeanor. With a conviction can come fines of over $2,000 and up to one year in prison. If you have been previously convicted of two or more criminal acts, a possession charge automatically constitutes a felony. Criminal punishments depend on the amount of narcotics and the type of substance involved.

Here in the state of Tennessee, there have been dozens of initiatives designed to reduce the number of inebriated drivers on the roads. From heightened criminal punishment to increases in highway surveillance, law enforcement officials and prosecutors are taking drunk driving incredibly seriously throughout the state. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, over 7,300 people were arrested on DUI charges statewide throughout 2017. If you have been arrested on DUI charges, it is critically important to seek out legal assistance as soon as possible. 

Punishment for a DUI Conviction

Due to the high potential for fatal car accidents when a driver is inebriated, the state of Tennessee punishes drunk drivers more harshly than the vast majority of states. Even a first-time DUI offender will face a minimum of two full days in jail and fines of at least $350. Without quality legal representation, a first-time DUI offender could be subjected to a jail sentence of up to one year, one year of license revocation, and potential fines as high as $1,500. 

A second or third DUI conviction carries the same maximum prison sentence but comes with higher fines and much longer periods of driver’s license revocation. If you have been convicted of a fourth DUI, you will face felony charges and a minimum of one year in jail. More severe criminal punishment can be placed on those who are convicted of vehicular assault, vehicular homicide, or aggravated vehicular homicide. 

Here in Tennessee, we are fortunate enough to live in a state with a wide variety of year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. For many Tennesseans, recreational boating is the top choice. Unfortunately, recreational boating accidents are much more common than we would like to think. According to the United States Coast Guard, there were 4,291 recreational boating accidents in the U.S. in 2017. More than 2,000 Americans suffered serious injuries in these accidents, and 658 people were fatally injured. 

Alcohol is a factor in many recreational boating accidents, so penalties for getting caught driving a boat while under the influence are severe. If you have been arrested for boating under the influence of alcohol (BUI), it is important to seek legal representation immediately so your rights and future are protected.

Facing criminal charges of any kind can make defendants feel as though there is no way to successfully fight the case. Although it is intimidating to think about challenging an impaired driving arrest, there are feasible and reasonable defenses to consider if you are facing charges in Tennessee. Don’t let the fear of fighting the DUI/DWI case compromise your potential defense strategy.

The punishment and consequences for driving under the influence can have long-lasting effects for those with even one offense. State lawmakers continue to seek additional penalties each year, meaning the stakes may be even higher for those convicted.

For skilled criminal defense attorneys, challenging a DUI/DWI charge involves a few key strategies. Each case is unique which means your case needs special attention and consideration, but the starting points are similar across cases. Here are a few ways your defense strategy and legal counsel can help ensure proper disposal of a DUI/DWI charge in Tennessee.