Alcoa DUI Defense Attorney

Experienced DUI Defense Attorney Advocating for Clients in Alcoa, TN

If you find yourself facing driving under the influence (DUI) charges, an Alcoa DUI defense attorney from Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney could make the difference between facing severe punishment or a dismissal or reduction of the charges against you. Our lawyers can help you protect your right to drive while working to resolve your case successfully.

Our attorneys have extensive experience advocating for clients charged with all levels of DUI, including first-time offenses, second and subsequent charges, marijuana DUI, and CDL DUI. Three special factors need to be examined in a DUI case:

• There are multiple potential legal defenses based on constitutional law, Tennessee legal statutes, and administrative law that can be used compared to other types of criminal charges.
• There are intricate medical and scientific issues involving breath and chemical testing procedures, including device use, the chain of custody of the evidence, and any potential medical conditions of the defendant that could impact test results.
• DUI charges carry stringent and long-term penalties, even for first-offense convictions. Penalties involve mandatory loss of driving privileges, mandatory substance abuse treatment program participation, the use of an ignition interlock device (IID) once driving privileges are reinstated, significant fines, and even mandatory jail time in some cases. An experienced DUI defense attorney understands these penalties, takes them seriously, and fights to protect clients from them.

What Does Tennessee Consider Legally Intoxicated?

Under Tennessee law, the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) for a driver who is 21 years of age or older is 0.08 percent. The legal BAC limit for drivers who are under the age of 21 is 0.02 percent. If you are a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder, the legal BAC limit is 0.04 percent.

Tennessee does not limit DUI charges to drivers of vehicles. If you are a boat operator, and your BAC exceeds the legal limit, you can be charged with boating under the influence (BUI). Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney has successfully represented multiple clients who were out enjoying the day on Greenbelt Lake or another of the area's waterways, only to find themselves handcuffed and facing criminal charges.

You can also be charged with drug DUI if you test positive for THC (marijuana) or other controlled substances.

Penalties for Convictions

The consequences of a DUI conviction can be far-reaching. Not only are there immediate consequences, but many penalties may last multiple years after the case against you is resolved.

• First Offense DUI: A first DUI conviction will result in a mandatory one-year license suspension, a minimum sentence of 48 hours and a maximum sentence of one year in jail, a mandatory substance abuse assessment, fines of $350 to $1,500, and IID requirements.
• Second Offense DUI: A second DUI will lead to a mandatory two-year license suspension, a minimum sentence of 45 days and a maximum sentence of one year in jail, mandatory substance abuse treatment, fines of $600 to $3,500, and IID requirements.
• Third Offense DUI: A third DUI conviction will result in a mandatory loss of license for six years, a minimum of 120 days and a maximum sentence of one year in jail, mandatory substance abuse treatment, fines of $1,100 to $10,000, and IID requirements.
• Subsequent DUI Offenses: Unlike prior DUI offenses, which are charged as misdemeanors, fourth and subsequent DUI arrests are charged as Class E felonies. A conviction will result in a mandatory eight-year license suspension, a minimum jail sentence of one year, mandatory substance abuse treatment, fines of $3,000 to $15,000, and IID requirements.

Other Consequences of DUI Convictions

A DUI conviction means you now have a criminal record. This can have a significant impact on other areas of your life. In addition to the above penalties, the conviction can cause difficulties in your professional life. If you hold a professional license, the state board that oversees your license may take steps to suspend or revoke your license. If you are involved in any family law issues, a DUI conviction could impact the results of a child custody case. A criminal record can also interfere with your ability to be hired in other jobs or find appropriate housing.

Contact Our Alcoa, TN DUI Defense Attorneys

If you are facing DUI charges, you may be feeling overwhelmed and stressed, and you may have resigned yourself to a fate that involves a conviction and all of the penalties that go along with it. That does not have to be the way your case is resolved. You may have multiple options as you take steps to defend against a conviction. Contact Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney today at 865-281-1000 for a free consultation where you can discuss your case with our Alcoa DUI defense attorneys and find out what legal options you may have to defend against these charges.