The Most Frequent DUI Penalties

What does the law in your state say about DUI driving and DUI penalties.  Click on each state to learn the law in that particular state.

Driving under the influence is one of the most common reasons for arrest and court appearances. If you are convicted, there are many common DUI penalties you should expect. Most of these penalties will not be handed down by a judge.

First of all, there are a number of DUI penalties written into law. These are the consequences you would typically be aware of. First-time DUIs usually result in a fine and license suspension. In most states, your license will be taken at the time of arrest by the arresting officer. Expect to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for the fine and the cost of getting your license back. A number of states have jail sentences included for first-time convictions but most of the time, you will be put on probation instead. If you are a repeat offender, expect harsher fines, a longer license suspension, and a jail sentence. Depending on the number of repeat offenses, you may end up losing your license permanently.

Secondly, there are financial DUI penalties besides the levied fines and the fees associated with getting your license back. When you get your license back and need to have your insurance reinstated, expect to see a large jump in your premiums, from $100 to $600 a month or more. The increase will depend on the insurance company, the state you live in, and the number of DUI convictions on your record. Some insurance companies will drop your coverage completely. In these cases, you may need to seek out a company specializing in high-risk drivers that charges high premiums.

Thirdly, your job or job search will have a number of DUI penalties, some expected and some not. Most employers require background checks or, at the very least, disclosure of arrests or convictions in your past. A potential boss is not going to be impressed with a DUI on your record. In some cases, depending on the employer and the job’s duties, you may lose your chance to be hired. If you are already employed, you will be dependent on someone else to get you to work and you may not be able to carry out your usual duties until your license is reinstated. In some cases, such as jobs that require driving, you may end up losing your job.

Finally, your personal life is going to have some changes. These DUI penalties are the ones least thought about before you get behind the wheel. Friday nights will no longer be a night to go to the bar with your friends. Thanks to your DUI, you will not be allowed to enter a drinking establishment. If you have kids, you will not be able to take them anywhere without a driver until your license is reinstated. This will not be as difficult if you’re married, but your spouse will not be happy about having to take on additional responsibilities. If you are divorced with children, your ex-spouse may choose to take you to court to remove or reduce your parental rights.

Tennessee DUI Penalties: An Overview

Driving under the influence is one of the most common reasons for arrest and court appearances. If you are convicted, there are many common DUI penalties you should expect. Most of these penalties will not be handed down by a judge.

First of all, there are a number of DUI penalties written into law. These are the consequences you would typically be aware of. First-time DUIs usually result in a fine and license suspension. In most states, your license will be taken at the time of arrest by the arresting officer. Expect to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for the fine and the cost of getting your license back. A number of states have jail sentences included for first-time convictions but most of the time, you will be put on probation instead. If you are a repeat offender, expect harsher fines, a longer license suspension, and a jail sentence. Depending on the number of repeat offenses, you may end up losing your license permanently.

Secondly, there are financial DUI penalties besides the levied fines and the fees associated with getting your license back. When you get your license back and need to have your insurance reinstated, expect to see a large jump in your premiums, from $100 to $600 a month or more. The increase will depend on the insurance company, the state you live in, and the number of DUI convictions on your record. Some insurance companies will drop your coverage completely. In these cases, you may need to seek out a company specializing in high-risk drivers that charges high premiums.

Thirdly, your job or job search will have a number of DUI penalties, some expected and some not. Most employers require background checks or, at the very least, disclosure of arrests or convictions in your past. A potential boss is not going to be impressed with a DUI on your record. In some cases, depending on the employer and the job’s duties, you may lose your chance to be hired. If you are already employed, you will be dependent on someone else to get you to work and you may not be able to carry out your usual duties until your license is reinstated. In some cases, such as jobs that require driving, you may end up losing your job.

Finally, your personal life is going to have some changes. These DUI penalties are the ones least thought about before you get behind the wheel. Friday nights will no longer be a night to go to the bar with your friends. Thanks to your DUI, you will not be allowed to enter a drinking establishment. If you have kids, you will not be able to take them anywhere without a driver until your license is reinstated. This will not be as difficult if you’re married, but your spouse will not be happy about having to take on additional responsibilities. If you are divorced with children, your ex-spouse may choose to take you to court to remove or reduce your parental rights.

As per the DUI law of Tennessee, drunk driving or driving while intoxicated is a punishable offence. If you are driving on any public road, freeway or street alley with a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of 0.8% or more the police can arrest you for misdemeanor. This is because you are disobeying the “Tennessee per se law” if you are operating a vehicle with BAC of .08% or more.

You can be convicted for multiple offenses if any similar charge has been brought against you within the past 10 years. Before deciding which number of offense you should be charged with, “The State of Tennessee” will check whether you have any prior convictions of DUI? Those who have been convicted of any additional DUI offenses within the last 10 years it will result in multiple offense. For example if you have been convicted for DUI offence twice within 10 years the latter will be known as DUI Second Offense.

The Tennessee Dui Penalties you can expect for DUI Offense include the following.

DUI First Offense in Tennessee
•    Fines:  $350 – $1,500
•    Jail Time:  Minimum 48 hours
•    1 year of driving license suspension (But the convicted one is entitled to restricted driving rights if being convicted for first offense)
•    Attending DUI School for alcohol evaluation and related treatment

DUI Second Offense in Tennessee
•    Fines:  $600 – $3,500
•    Jail Time:  Minimum 45 days and maximum 11 months 29 days
•    1 year of driving license suspension (the convicted will not be entitled to restricted driving rights)
•    Attending DUI School for alcohol evaluation and related treatment

DUI Third Offense in Tennessee
•    Fines:  $600 – $10,000
•    Jail Time:  Minimum 120 days and maximum 11 months 29 days.
•    Driving License Suspension for minimum 3 year and maximum 10 years (the convicted will not be entitled to restricted driving rights)
•    Ignition interlock system
•    Attending DUI School for alcohol evaluation and related treatment

Whether you are convicted for DUI first offense, second offense or third offense it is crucial to hire a DUI lawyer to deal with your case. Your attorney will not only handle the legalities but also negotiate with your insurance company. After a DUI conviction you need a SR-22 insurance which is classified as ‘high risk’ insurance. This kind of insurance is expensive since the insurance company is taking on more risk.

It is obvious that they will be interested to pay you as low as possible. Now handling such issues is not your cup of tea. You need an experienced lawyer to negotiate with them so that you can get the exact amount of compensation you are entitled to. But you can stay away from all these hassles by being a little careful and avoiding driving while intoxicated.

2 Responses to “DUI Penalties”