FAQ

Answers to Questions about DUI in Murfreesboro

What penalties do I face for a DUI arrest?

Anyone who is convicted for driving under the influence in Tennessee will automatically have their driver’s license suspended for one year. State law imposes a minimum mandatory jail term of 48 hours, and depending on the circumstances of the incident, you could be held in jail for up to a year. The court will base your sentence on factors such as whether you have had a prior conviction for

DUI or if you were involved in an accident that caused any property damage. If you are convicted, you will likely also have to attend alcohol classes, perform community service and have an ignition interlock device installed in your car.

My license has been suspended, but I didn’t take a test for alcohol—why is this?

When you receive your license, you are subject to an "implied consent" law, meaning that you have agreed to submit to a test or tests for the purpose of determining the alcoholic or drug content of your blood whenever requested to do so by a law enforcement officer.

Violation of implied consent may cost you the privilege to drive for up to a year. It is often possible to prevent this suspension, depending how well a Murfreesboro DUI attorney is able to argue your case.

I tested at over 0.08% blood alcohol content, but can I still avoid a conviction?

There are several approaches for challenging a DUI arrest. One of the first questions to ask is whether the police officer who pulled you over had reasonable suspicion to believe you were committing or about to commit an offense which in turn may lead to probable cause for the arrest. The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution protects you against unreasonable searches and seizures. It is also important to investigate whether your

blood & breath tests were incorrectly administered, which could make it possible to invalidate the evidence against you. Each case is unique, and when you receive a consultation with your attorney you can determine the best strategy for your defense.

DUI Lawyer in Murfreesboro

Being arrested for drunk driving and facing criminal charges can be a stressful and embarrassing experience. When you need defense, come to the office of Attorney Thomas Parkerson. He will personally discuss every detail of your situation with you, so that he can discover the most effective way to resolve your case. Depending on your priorities and the evidence against you, you may choose either to seek a plea bargain and a softer penalty than you would face if found guilty, or you might want to fight the case and try to have the charges dropped or going to a jury trial with the possibility of acquittal. Mr. Parkerson will advise you of the advantages of all your options, and provide you with aggressive defense when negotiating with the prosecution and representing you in court.

Contact a Murfreesboro DUI attorneyfor answers to all your questions regarding Tennessee drunk driving laws and how they will impact your unique case.