Nashville DUI Attorneys

DUI/DWI Defense in Mount Juliet, Brentwood & Franklin

Just because you were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence does not automatically mean that you are guilty. If you find yourself being charged with drunk driving, where do you turn? You probably know you need to find a DUI attorney in Nashville, but locating one who has the skill to help and is available when you call can seem like a daunting mission.

May McKinney is a name you can trust. Here are some reasons to choose our firm for your DUI:

• We will NOT automatically plead you guilty. Instead, we will fight your charges however possible.
• Rob McKinney is certified in gas chromatography by the American Chemical Society, which gives him insight into the science of DUI blood tests and analysis.
• Mr. McKinney holds both an instruction certificate and a student certificate (more than 64 hours' worth) in field sobriety testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
• Mr. McKinney organizes the annual DUI seminar for the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
• Our attorneys have spoken at continuing education seminars throughout the state.
• We have successfully tried cases involving blood alcohol content (BAC) levels of up to .20.
• Mr. McKinney is a graduate of the prestigious Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College.
• Mr. McKinney is a member of the National College of DUI Defense, a life member and president of the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Contact our Nashville DUI lawyers at (615) 265-6383 to discuss your case with our team.

Penalties for a First Offense DUI in Tennessee

If you have been arrested for a DUI and are facing first offense drunk driving charges in Tennessee, you may be wondering what penalties you may face. For a DUI first offense in Tennessee, the penalties include:

• Jail time: Between 48 hours to 11 months and 29 days
• Probation: 11 months and 29 days
• Fine: Ranging from $350 to $1100
• Rehabilitation Program
• 24 hours of trash pick up
• One year loss of your driver's license
  • You are eligible to apply for a restricted driver's license with the installation of an ignition interlock

DUI penalties are always subject to change from year to year.

Tennessee Drunk Driving Laws

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security states that there are up to four categories of penalties for DUI offenders. First, second, and third-time offenders all have their own brackets. Fourth-time offenders and every subsequent offense also have their own bracket.

All DUI convictions in Tennessee carry a fine based on the offense with which you are being charged. In most plea-bargain cases, the government offers you the minimum fine. If you go to trial, a jury must set any fine over $50. However, you can waive this and let the judge set the fine.

Here is a list of the fines for DUI offenses in Tennessee:

• Second offense: Fines up to $600
• Third offense: Fines up to $1,100
• Fourth or subsequent offense: Fines between $3,000 and $15,000.
• DUI with child under 18 years: Fines $1,000 in addition to the fine for the DUI offense

How Long Does a DUI Conviction Stay on My Record in TN?

A conviction for a DUI charge stays on your criminal record forever in Tennessee. Unlike other states, Tennessee has no diversion type of probation that allows you expunge the DUI conviction off your criminal record. Tennessee DUI charges that were dismissed, retired, or a not guilty verdict was returned are eligible to be expunged from your record.

Since a Tennessee DUI conviction is a permanent scar to your criminal record, it is very important you choose a skilled DUI attorney to represent your case. You want to explore every option you have available.

• Should you try to settle your case to a lesser charge?
• Should you file a motion to suppress the traffic stop or the evidence?
• Should you take your case to trial?

These are just the three most critical decisions in your DUI case. Before you decide to plead guilty, take time to consult with a Nashville DUI lawyer to discuss whether you might be able to avoid a DUI conviction.

Defenses for DUI Charges in TN

Failing a field sobriety test is not as uncommon as you think. These tests are notoriously unreliable and subjective. There are physical conditions that might prevent a person who is not considered to be legally intoxicated from passing these tests. Breath and blood tests might also not be as reliable as officials claim since equipment can malfunction and personnel can make mistakes.

Even before you are subjected to these and other tests, a police officer must have probable cause to make the traffic stop. If it can be proved that there was no such cause, any actions that took place thereafter might not be admissible in court. You also are not obligated to answer any of an officer's questions at the scene. This is your right, and you are entitled to exercise it.

Contact Our Nashville DUI Attorneys

May McKinney delivers experienced DUI defense representation to drivers in Nashville and across Tennessee. DUI (driving under the influence) and DWI (driving while intoxicated) are serious offenses that can carry heavy fines, license suspension, and imprisonment if you are convicted. Defense strategies are also highly technical in nature, but our team has the experience and skill to effectively counteract improperly obtained or performed field sobriety tests, breath tests, and blood tests.

When you work with our Nashville DUI lawyers, our legal team will look at your arrest, the evidence, and your charges from all angles to develop a defense strategy designed to minimize the negative consequences to you.

To put the strength of our Nashville DUI attorneys' experience on your side, please contact us online or by calling (615) 265-6383.