In the state of Tennessee, you are considered legally intoxicated if your blood alcohol level is .08% or higher. If you are under the age of 21, you could be charged with DUI if your blood alcohol level is .02% or higher. The penalties for driving while under the influence of alcohol increase each time that you are convicted of this crime.
The penalties for a second DUI conviction
A second DUI conviction will come with a jail sentence of at least 45 days. However, you may be required to spend up to a year in state custody. Furthermore, you will pay a fine of between $600 and $3,500. Finally, your license will be revoked for at least two years, and your driving privileges will be restricted for a period of time after you get your license back. During this restriction period, it may be necessary to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle.
The penalties for a third DUI conviction
If you are convicted of DUI for a third time, you will spend at least 120 days in jail. You will also pay a fine of up to $10,000, lose your license for up to a decade and face the possibility of having your vehicle confiscated by the court. During the revocation period, you will not be eligible for a restricted license, which means that you won’t be able to drive to work, school or a substance abuse treatment program.
Enhanced penalties may be imposed
Enhanced penalties may be imposed if your blood alcohol content was .20% or higher at the time a chemical test was conducted. The same may be true if you caused an accident resulting in bodily injury or death. A criminal law attorney may help you avoid some or all of those penalties.
A drunk driving conviction may have a significant impact on your life. Therefore, it’s generally in your best interest to hire an attorney to help you obtain an acquittal or plea deal in your case.