The Different Types of DUI Charges and Penalties

You may be arrested and charged with driving under the influence if caught drunk driving. A driving under the influence (DUI) charge is a serious offense that can affect your life and future for several years. Therefore, if you are pulled over and given a DUI, you must speak with a Tennessee criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Defining Driving Under the Influence

Many people who receive a driving under the influence charge are confused about what this means. To simply explain it, this type of charge usually means that you were driving or operating a vehicle while drunk or intoxicated. The officer likely became suspicious about certain driving maneuvers you were making, leading them to pull you over and observe your behavior. As a result, they may have asked you to participate in field sobriety tests or take a breathalyzer test, which indicated that you were driving under the influence.

Penalties That Come From a DUI Conviction

There are various types of penalties that individuals may receive if convicted of a DUI, such as:

• Jail or prison time: Individuals who receive a DUI conviction are often sentenced to jail or prison. Depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding the DUI charge, a person can be sentenced to a year or longer in jail or prison. If this is your first offense, you may not be required to serve jail time. However, if you have recurring offenses, you can expect to be taken to jail for a certain period.
• Hefty fines: People convicted of a DUI will likely be required to pay hefty and expensive fines. These fines can be as little as a couple hundred dollars or as much as thousands of dollars.
• Probation: Probation is also a common penalty for a DUI conviction. This means that you must follow and obey certain rules and guidelines set in place by the court. The probation period is typically one to two years. However, it can be longer depending on the details of your case.
• License revocation or suspension: If you receive a DUI conviction, the judge will most likely suspend or revoke your license. The period that your license will be revoked or suspended will depend on the details and factors of your case.

An experienced criminal defense attorney knows the laws of Tennessee, how to build a strong defense, and can help you avoid these penalties or face lesser charges. Talk to an attorney today.

Call a Criminal Defense Attorney Today

DUI cases can become very complex and challenging. However, you should not let this type of case keep you from contacting a DUI attorney who will explain your legal rights and the possible legal options you may take. Christopher Eads of The Law Offices of Christopher Eads is an experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable lawyer. He has helped many clients with DUI charges throughout Tennessee, and he is ready and available to start helping you as well. Submit our contact form to schedule your free and confidential consultation today.