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Do you know the real consequences of a DUI in Tennessee?
On behalf of Shults Law Office • May 2, 2019
If the police charge you with a DUI in Tennessee, do you know what will happen? Every state penalizes DUIs in similar but individual ways. If you are unaware of the consequences, you might be unpleasantly surprised.
What are the penalties for a DUI?
Your penalties will depend on the charges against you. For example, if someone is hurt or you are underage, you will face harsher penalties than a person of legal age at a routine traffic stop. The following are typical penalties for a DUI offense.
- After your first DUI offense with a BAC under .20, you face mandatory 48-hours in jail. With a BAC over .20, it is a mandatory seven days in jail. After that, you could face up to a $1,500 fine, almost 12 months in jail and an alcohol treatment program.
- After your second DUI offense, you face a minimum of 45 days and up to one year in jail, up to a $3,500 fine, your license revoked for two years, an ignition interlock device (installed at your expense) or restricted license and even vehicle confiscation.
- After your third DUI offense, you face a minimum of 120 days and up to one year in jail, up to $10,000 in fines, your license revoked for six to ten years, no possibility of obtaining a restricted license and possible vehicle confiscation.
Additional DUI offenses only climb higher and higher in fees and jail time. Any damage that happens because of you drinking and driving could add criminal or civil charges as well as additional fines.
What other fees can you expect?
Other than your fines associated with the crime, a DUI has plenty of hidden costs. The following are other fines and fees associated with a DUI:
- Towing fees
- Increase in insurance premiums
- Court fees, attorney fees
- License reinstatement fees
- Damages or medical bills for injured parties
- Losing job or position at school
- Transportation fees to alcohol treatment program
Before you get behind the wheel, think seriously about your choice to drink. DUIs cost far more than you may realize, and can hurt for far longer than any bruises or broken bones.
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