DUI Lawyer Clarksville TN: Defending Your Rights After a DUI Charge

Helping You Fight Drunk Driving Charges

You are on your way home after a night with friends and see the dreaded blue lights in your rearview mirror. The instant anxiety that happens when you are being pulled over can be even worse if you know you have been drinking, even if you do not think you have been drinking too much. Being arrested and charged with driving under the influence is stressful, and it is essential to take these charges seriously.

A DUI conviction may result in jail time, steep fines, and a driver’s license suspension. It will also result in a criminal record, limiting one’s ability to find gainful employment, secure housing, or obtain student financial aid. Finally, depending on the circumstances, a DUI can negatively impact military personnel and, in the worst scenario, result in a court-martial.

For these reasons, you must ensure you have solid legal counsel when facing DUI criminal charges. The Law Office of Hibbeler & Associates has the experience and skill you need from your attorney when your freedom and future are on the line. Call us today to schedule a free 30-minute case evaluation and learn more about our firm and how we can help you fight DUI charges.

What Should I Know About DUI Charges?

Understanding your charges is the first step toward deciding on the right defense strategy. DUIs are criminal cases, and other charges, such as reckless driving, can often accompany them.

DUI stands for driving under the influence. An individual may be charged with DUI for drunk driving or driving while taking illicit or prescription drugs. A DUI arrest often happens after field sobriety testing is performed and the defendant fails the test. However, even if you refuse a field sobriety test, you could still be charged with a DUI if a blood test shows your blood alcohol concentration BAC) was above the legal limit.

In Tennessee, the legal limit for drivers 21 and older is .08, but only .04 for those with a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Finally, the legal limit for drivers under 21 is .02.

What Is the Difference Between Misdemeanor and Felony DUI Charges?

Tennessee DUI laws allow DUI charges to be either misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the situation. A first-offense DUI conviction is generally a misdemeanor. A second DUI offense is also normally charged as a misdemeanor. Once you hit your third DUI, the charges are upgraded to felony charges. A first or second-offense DUI can also be a felony if you caused an accident and injured or killed another person.

However, the most significant difference between a misdemeanor and a felony DUI in Tennessee is the length of jail time a defendant may be ordered to serve. Misdemeanors typically result in being sentenced to serve time in county jail, while those convicted of felony DUI must serve their time in state prison.

What Are the Penalties for DUI Charges?

The penalties for a DUI conviction can lead to serious consequences, including jail time, fines, revocation of your driving privileges, and having to have an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. A misdemeanor DUI may result in up to $2,500 in fines plus an additional $350 for court costs. A misdemeanor offense carries less than a year of jail time, but if you are facing felony charges, this sentence can be much longer.

A felony conviction for DUI can result in being sentenced to at least one year or more in state prison. Fines can range anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000, with your vehicle potentially being seized by authorities. A felony DUI conviction will also most likely result in an eight-year driver’s license suspension and your being court-ordered to participate in a drug and alcohol treatment program.

DUI penalties can have long-term negative consequences and may prevent you from being able to achieve your goals and objectives. For this reason, it is always best to hire a DUI attorney who will fight to protect your freedom and future.

What Are My DUI Defense Options?

When it comes to DUI defense, there are several strategies defendants may be able to use depending on the circumstances of the case. For example, you could argue that the police officer did not have probable cause to stop you and that you were wrongfully arrested. You can fight the evidence, usually a failed field sobriety test, by challenging whether the equipment was properly maintained, calibrated, and utilized.

Finally, negotiating a plea deal may also be in your best interests. Your defense attorney may also be able to argue that you should be allowed to participate in a diversion program. However, regardless of your attorney’s defense strategy, their ultimate goal should always be to help you avoid a conviction. Under Tennessee law, a DUI conviction is permanent and is not eligible to be sealed or expunged.

The Law Office of Hibbeler & Associates has Clarksville DUI lawyers who can professionally analyze your case and determine what defense strategies may suit your needs. Contact our law office today to learn more.

What are the Benefits of Hiring a DUI Lawyer?

A DUI lawyer can help you avoid a DUI conviction by ensuring that you have proper legal representation throughout the process and that someone is looking out for your rights and interests. When you hire an attorney, they can explain how Tennessee DUI laws work and what to expect as your case moves through the criminal justice system.

An attorney knows how to evaluate the prosecution’s case, determine the evidence’s strengths and weaknesses, and see how it can be used to your advantage. A Clarksville DUI lawyer can also help protect your driving privileges by acting as your legal advocate at the administrative hearing to contest a license suspension.

Additionally, an attorney has the resources to conduct an independent investigation that disproves the state’s case, including filing motions to exclude evidence and utilizing expert testimony. Lastly, a skilled DUI attorney can also help you negotiate a deal, such as going to an alcohol treatment program instead of having to serve jail time. Our Clarksville DUI lawyers have extensive experience and know what it takes to get results.

Why Should I Consider Hiring Your Criminal Defense Attorney to Handle My DUI Case?

When you are looking to hire legal counsel to represent you in criminal court, you want to ensure that the relationship is a good fit and that your criminal defense attorney has sufficient knowledge and experience.

The Law Office of Hibbeler & Associates is passionately committed to helping clients obtain favorable outcomes for their DUI cases. Our attorneys realize that often, clients make choices that result in them having to deal with criminal charges. A DUI charge is a serious offense that can change your life, and we are committed to helping you resolve your legal issues so you can resume your life.

Our Clarksville attorneys strive to help clients receive the fair treatment they deserve as we fight to dismiss or reduce their charges.

If you are looking for a DUI lawyer in Montgomery County, call 931-236-2711 to speak with our team and schedule a free initial consultation. We can help you understand your charges and determine your options.