subject: Drunk Driving, Reasons To Hire A Lawyer For Defense [print this page] Accused of and arrested for a drunk driving charge may have serious consequences for you. How is a DUI charge defined according to the laws of the state of Tennessee? This is the first thing you need to know. Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drug is a punishable offense in the state.
Tennessee Driving Under Influence charge can be proved on the basis of the four tenets:
"The accused was in charge
"He/she was operating a motor vehicle
"He/she was operating it within a public area
"He/she was under the influence of alcohol or drugs or had a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or more
Your drunk driving lawyer would be able to tell you what category your crime falls under. Most DUI offenses classify as misdemeanors but it may be considered as a felony in certain circumstances.
If your offense is proved at a court of law, you may face serious penalties that adversely affect your personal as well as professional life. The details of the penalties for such offenses are discussed below.
For the first offense "" jail term (48 hours-11 months and 29 days), fines ($350-$1,500), admission to DUI School, license revocation (for 1 year), addiction fee ($100), and others as may be considered right by the court.
For the second offense "" jail term (45 hours-11 months and 29 days), fines ($600-$3,500), alcohol rehabilitation program, license revocation (for 2 years), addiction fee ($100), and others as may be ordered by the court.
For the third offense "" jail term (120 days-11 months and 29 days), fines ($1,100-$10,000), vehicle forfeiture, alcohol rehabilitation program, license revocation (3-10 years), addiction fee ($100), and others as deemed right by the court.
For the fourth offense "" jail term (150 days-6 years), fines ($3,000-$15,000), vehicle forfeiture, alcohol rehabilitation program, license revocation (at least 5 years), addiction fee ($100), and others as ordered by the court.
In such a situation you may have understood that it is necessary to put up a strong case to defend yourself. This is why you need to hire a competent drunk driving lawyer for the case. They have a good idea about how to present you in a favorable light before a court of law and thus prevent you from being penalized, or at least, minimize the penalties.
It is essential to have an initial consultation with a good drunk driving lawyer of Tennessee. He/she would be able to assess the case, let you know about the position of the case, provide you with a clear idea about your rights and limitations, and take care of all such details.
A drunk driving lawyer proficient in the state laws would also know which points to highlight and what strategy to follow. This is extremely important as a DUI conviction detail stays on your criminal record for life.
by: Steve Johnson
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