DUI Charges
I have been charged with a DUI. Now what?
DUI in Tennessee:
It is unlawful for any person to driver or be in physical control of an automobile or other motor vehicle on any publice road or highway, streets or alleys, or while on the premises of any shopping center, trailer park or any apartment house complex, or any other premises generally frequented by the public while:
Under the influence of any intoxicant, marijuana, narcotic drug, or drug producing stimlating effects on the central nervous system; or
The alcohol concentration in such person's blood or breath is eight-hundreths of a percent (.08%) or more.
Tennessee Motor Vehicle Laws Section 55-10-401
Under Tennessee's law, you can be charged with a DUI if you are just sitting in the parking lot or even if you show no signs that your ability to drive is actually impaired, as long as your BAC is over .08%. If you are taking a naroctic, even on eprescribed by a doctor, while "operating" a vehicle, you too can be charged with a DUI.
What is BAC?
Blood alcohol content (BAC) or blood alcohol concentration is the concentration of alcohol in the blood. It is measured either as a percentage by mass, or by mass per volume, depending on where you are. In the United States BAC is measured by mass per volume.
What are the consequences of a DUI?
Consequences not only vary from State to State, but they can also vary from County to County. Your potential consequeces can depend upon whether or not it is your first offense (see our offense table), or if any of the enhancements below apply to you.
There are several things that can enhance your punishment.
prior convicions
having a child in the car with you
being under 21
speeding above a certain level
an accident, property damage or injury
refusing to submit to a chemical test of blood, breath or urine
a BAC that is .20% or greater.