10 Ways to Beat a Tennessee DUI

Strengthen Your Defense With Our Knoxville DUI Attorney

Being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Tennessee can have serious consequences, including fines, driver's license suspension, mandatory alcohol treatment programs, and even jail time. However, it is important to remember that an arrest does not guarantee a conviction. With the help of an experienced DUI defense lawyer from Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, you can build a strong defense strategy to fight against the charges and increase your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome. Some strategies you may be able to use include:

1. Challenge the Traffic Stop

The first step in fighting a DUI charge is examining whether the traffic stop was conducted lawfully. If there was no valid reason for pulling you over or if your rights were violated during the stop, it may be possible to suppress evidence or even have the case dismissed.

2. Dispute Field Sobriety Tests

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has established specific guidelines for administering field sobriety tests (FSTs). There are only three standardized field sobriety tests, and they include the walk-and-turn, test, the one-leg stand test, and tests in which an officer asks a person to track an object with their eyes. These tests are subjective, and they may be prone to errors due to factors such as poor weather conditions or medical conditions that can affect a person's performance. A skilled attorney can challenge the accuracy and reliability of FSTs.

3. Investigate Breathalyzer Accuracy

If you were arrested and charged with DUI based on chemical breath testing results, your attorney can investigate whether the breathalyzer device was properly calibrated and maintained according to state regulations. Any deviations from required protocols could lead to inaccurate readings, which may undermine the prosecution's case against you.

4. Question Blood Test Results

If blood samples were taken following your arrest for testing purposes, your lawyer can examine whether the proper procedures were followed throughout this process—including collection, storage, transportation, and analysis—to ensure accurate results. Issues related to the chain of custody, the calibration of equipment, or the timing of a blood draw may be considered to determine whether the results of these tests were accurate.

5. Lack of Probable Cause

In Tennessee, law enforcement officers must have probable cause to make a DUI arrest. If your attorney can demonstrate that there was not sufficient evidence to perform an arrest or that an officer did not have a reasonable suspicion that you were intoxicated at the time you were operating a vehicle, this could potentially lead to a dismissal of the charges against you.

6. Illegal Search

Under the Fourth Amendment, you have protections against unreasonable searches and seizures by police officers. If police searched your vehicle without your consent, any evidence they obtained (such as an open container of alcohol) may be inadmissible during your case.

7. Necessity Defense

In some cases, you may be able to argue that you had no choice but to drive under the influence due to an emergency situation—such as avoiding serious harm or seeking medical assistance. For this argument to be successful, compelling evidence supporting your claims will usually need to be provided.

8. Fatigue Defense

Fatigue can have similar symptoms as intoxication. While driving while fatigued or drowsy is unsafe, and it may lead to traffic violations such as reckless driving, the charges will be less serious than those that would apply if you were convicted of DUI. If you can present evidence showing that fatigue—not alcohol or drugs—was responsible for your actions, you may be able to avoid a DUI conviction.

9. Violations of Miranda Rights

If you were not properly informed of your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney when you were arrested, this may impact the admissibility of statements made during questioning. Your lawyer can evaluate whether your rights were violated, and if so, this may be beneficial to your case.

10. Negotiate a Plea Bargain

In some situations, it might be in your best interest to negotiate an agreement with prosecutors in which you will plead guilty to certain charges in order to avoid the penalties that you may face if you are found guilty in a criminal trial. Your attorney can assess the strength of the prosecution's case and help you negotiate an agreement that will minimize the penalties you may face.

Contact Our Knoxville DUI Defense Lawyer

If you are facing a DUI charge in Tennessee, it is crucial to seek legal help immediately. At Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, we have substantial experience defending clients against DUI charges, and we will provide you with dedicated representation and help you determine the ideal defense strategies. We understand the consequences you may face if you are convicted of DUI, and will fight to protect your rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome to your case. Contact us today at 865-281-1000 for a free, confidential consultation.