Knoxville DUI Lawyer
Tennessee DUI Laws
Arrested for driving under the influence? At the Law Office of Joseph A.
Fanduzz, we represent individuals who are facing charges for drunk driving.
A DUI offense should not be taken lightly, because a conviction could
result in the suspension of your driver's license, increased insurance
rates, and heavy fines. Our Knoxville DUI lawyer has plenty of experience
handling drunk driving cases, and we know what it takes to build a defense
that is strong enough to get a client's charges reduced or even dropped.
Effective Negotiation & Litigation for DUI Charges
Over the years, we have become known for our ability to
effectively negotiate and litigate on behalf of our clients, regardless of how complicated the situation
may be. We understand that a client may find themselves in a sticky situation
at any given moment, which is why we make sure our services are available
24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Why you need our DUI Attorney in Knoxville on your side:
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We are
available 24/7
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Our firm offers
free consultations
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We are skilled in
negotiation and litigation
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We have an
elite trial lawyer on our side
Tennessee DUI Penalties
Under Tennessee DUI laws, penalties for a DUI may include:
- Jail time
- Suspension of a driver's license
- Increased insurance rates
- Heavy fines
- Community Service
- Mandatory enrollment in an alcohol education class
A DUI conviction has the potential to result in a
variety of penalties. The severity of penalties will depend on the specific situation, such
as if this was the defendant's
first offense DUI,
if they were underage, or if there were
enhancing factors that made it a felony.
Should I Refuse a Breathalyzer Test?
If an officer accuses someone of driving while under the influence (DUI),
it’s only a matter of time until he or she asks the suspect to take a
breathalyzer test. While many assume they have to comply with the officer’s request,
the reality is that they don’t have to. In fact, in some circumstances,
refusing the test may in the accused’s best interest.
Breathalyzers & Implied Consent
Under Tennessee DUI laws, anyone with a driver’s license gives their
“implied consent” to take a breathalyzer test when asked by
police. Implied consent means any driver under suspicion of a DUI must
take a breathalyzer or
face an automatic one-year license suspension. Therefore, if you’re sure you’re under the legal limit, you
should take the breathalyzer test to save your license.
However, what if you are potentially over the legal limit? Well, it may
be a good idea to refuse.
Implied consent scares people into taking breathalyzer tests, but here
are some other facts to consider:
- A first-time DUI conviction will result in a one-year license suspension,
so taking a breathalyzer while intoxicated could result in a license suspension anyway.
- You may qualify for a restricted driver’s license which lets you
drive despite refusing a breathalyzer test.
- It’s easier to defend a DUI case when there is no hard proof of intoxication.
Therefore, refusing a breathalyzer takes away evidence from the prosecution.
Based on these facts, it’s important to weigh your options when asked
to take a breathalyzer.
Challenge Your DUI Conviction!
Oftentimes, many individuals simply accept their charges and allow for
a DUI to go on their driving record. However, there are ways to challenge
a DUI. Our Knoxville DUI attorney is not afraid to fight on our clients'
behalves to protect their license, driving record, and insurance rates.
We will not hesitate to argue against the methods used by the arresting
officer, or to contest the evidence brought forth by the prosecution.
Guidance Every Step of the Way
At our firm, our DUI attorney Knoxville TN can provide you with the legal
guidance you need throughout each step of your case. Attorney Fanduzz
is devoted to finding the most promising outcome by using the most advantageous
routes, whether that involves court litigation or settlement negotiation.
Learn more about Tennessee DUI laws by scheduling a
free case evaluation with our dedicated Knoxville DUI lawyer.