Knoxville DUI Attorney

Drunk Driving Lawyer in Knoxville, TN

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.

Arrested for DUI? You only have 10 days to act! Contact our Knoxville DUI lawyers online or by calling (865) 896-9971 set up your free consultation.

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  • Aggravated Rape Reduced Charge
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    What Is the Penalty for First Time DUI in Tennessee?

    For a first time DUI in Tennessee, you can face a fine of $350 to $1,500 as well as 48 hours to 11 months and 29 days in jail. You may also have a minimum sentence of 7 days in jail if your blood alcohol content (BAC) was .20% or more.

    Can You Avoid Jail Time for First DUI in Tennessee?

    If you've been arrested for a first DUI offense in Tennessee, it's natural to worry about the possibility of spending time behind bars. However, depending on the circumstances of your case, there are many alternatives to jail time that could be available to you.

    In some cases, a first-time DUI offender may be able to avoid jail by accepting probation, which allows individuals convicted of an offense to remain free in their community under the supervision of a probation officer who will monitor compliance with court-ordered terms such as alcohol counseling or drug testing. If all requirements are met within the allotted period of time, the probationary period will end and the charge may be dismissed.

    In other cases, a judge might grant community service as an alternative to jail time. This involves performing unpaid labor for a non-profit or public agency in lieu of incarceration.

    Lastly, a lawyer can help you negotiate a plea agreement, which is an arrangement between you and the prosecutor that involves admitting guilt or entering a “no contest” plea in exchange for lighter penalties than what could result from a conviction. Therefore, a plea deal could potentially result in lesser penalties, which includes avoiding serving any jail time, or even dropped charges.

    Effective Litigation for Tennessee DUI Charges

    Over the years, our Knoxville DUI Lawyers 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 Knoxville DUI Lawyers on Your Side:

    • We are available 24/7
    • Our firm offers free consultations
    • We are skilled in negotiation and litigation
    • 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.

    You May Lose Other Licenses

    It is a commonly held belief that DUI convicts only get their driver’s license revoked. While this is partially true, those guilty of a DUI could also lose professional licenses needed to sustain a career. Without both a driver’s license and professional license, your life could be impacted dramatically.

    Numerous professions may revoke your license following a DUI conviction, including but not limited to:

    • Doctors
    • Nurses
    • Insurance agents
    • Real estate agents
    • Driving services
    • At-will employees

    Misdemeanor vs. Felony DUI

    It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or .04% if you are a commercial driver. If you are pulled over on suspicion of DUI, you will be told to take a breathalyzer test and/or field sobriety test. If you fail any of these tests, you may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony, even if you only had one drink before driving.

    Tennessee penalizes DUI offenders based on the frequency and level of the alleged offense:

    1st time DUI offender

    • Misdemeanor
    • 48 hours to 11 months and 29 days in jail, and at least 7 days in jail for a .20 BAC
    • License revocation for 1 year
    • $350 to $1,500 fine
    • Restitution to any person suffering physical injury or personal loss
    • Participation in a drug and alcohol treatment program
    • Ignition Interlock Device installed at your expense

    2nd time DUI offender

    • Misdemeanor
    • 45 days to 11 months and 29 days in jail
    • License revocation for 2 years
    • $600 to $3,500 fine
    • Restitution to any person suffering physical injury or personal loss
    • Participation in a drug and alcohol treatment program
    • Ignition Interlock Device installed at your expense
      • If you commit two DUIs in 5 years, an Ignition Interlock Device is required for 6 months after reinstatement, at your expense
    • Subject to vehicle seizure/forfeiture

    3rd time DUI offender

    • Misdemeanor
    • 120 days to 11 months and 29 days in jail
    • License revocation for 6 years
    • $1,100 to $10,000 in fines
    • Participation in a drug and alcohol treatment program
    • Ignition Interlock Device installed at your expense
      • If you commit two DUIs in 5 years, an Ignition Interlock Device is required for 6 months after reinstatement, at your expense
    • Subject to vehicle seizure/forfeiture

    4th and subsequent DUI offender

    • Class E felony
    • 150 days to 1 year in jail
    • License revocation for 8 years
    • $3,000 to $15,000 in fines
    • Participation in a drug and alcohol treatment program
    • Ignition Interlock Device installed at your expense
      • If you commit two DUIs in 5 years, an Ignition Interlock Device is required for 6 months after reinstatement, at your expense
    • Subject to vehicle seizure/forfeiture

    Child endangerment: DUI with passenger under 18 years old

    • Class D felony if a child suffers serious injury
      • 2 to 12 years in jail
      • License revocation
    • Class B felony if child death is involved
      • 8 to 30 years in jail
      • License revocation

    No license, no job. Do not gamble your financial stability following a DUI charge. Instead, contact our experienced Knoxville DUI lawyers at (865) 896-9971 as soon as you’ve been accused.


     

    Proven Defense

    Why Hire Joseph A. Fanduzz?

    • Been a member of the National Criminal Defense College (NCDC) since 2012.
    • 14 years of legal experience, creating customized strategies & individualized client attention.
    • Highly skilled in the areas of litigation & negotiation when seeking results.
    • Available to help you & answer your questions 24/7.
    • You can start your case today with a free initial case evaluation.

    Trust Our Tennessee DUI Attorneys

    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 in Tennessee

    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.

    Let Our Knoxville DUI Lawyers 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 attorneys are 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.

    Providing Skillful Legal 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 attorney at (865) 896-9971.

    • “You can count on Mr. Fanduzz to do what he says he can do.”

      - Cynthia Lowrance
    • “For any legal guidance, Joe Fanduzz is my first call.”

      - Jordan K
    • “Joe saved my job.”

      - Josh B.
    • “The best Criminal lawyer ever”

      - Jack Sinbelian
    • “I’m always bragging about how he helped our family.”

      - Patti F.

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