DUI Lawyers in Clarksville

Helping You Fight Drunk Driving Charges

You’re on your way home after a night with friends, and you see the dreaded blue lights in your rearview mirror. The instant anxiety that happens when you’re being pulled over can be even worse if you know you’ve been drinking — even if you don’t think you’ve been drinking too much. Being arrested and charged with driving under the influence is stressful, and it’s important to take these charges seriously. Find out how a DUI attorney can help you and what else you need to know below.

Make sure you have solid legal counsel when you are facing criminal charges. The law firm of Hibbeler & Associates has the experience you want out of your attorney when your freedom and future are on the line. Call us today to find out 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 being able to decide on the right defense strategy. DUI charges are criminal cases, and they can often be accompanied by other charges, such as reckless driving. Keep reading to learn more about DUI charges and the possible penalties.

What Are DUI Charges?

DUI stands for driving under the influence, and this could be drunk driving or driving while taking illicit or prescription drugs. A DUI arrest often happens after field sobriety testing is done if 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 was above the legal limit.

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.

What Are the Penalties for DUI Charges?

The penalties for a DUI conviction can include jail time, fines, revocation of your driving privileges, and having to have an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. A misdemeanor offense carries less than a year of jail time, but if you are facing felony charges, this sentence can be much longer.

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 didn’t have cause to stop you and that you were wrongfully arrested. You can fight the evidence — which is usually a failed field sobriety test — by challenging whether the equipment was being properly maintained, calibrated, and utilized. It may also be in your best interests to try to work out a plea deal. There may be the option of going to a diversion program. Talk to your attorney about the available options to find out which one may be best suited for your case.

What Benefits Do DUI Attorneys Offer?

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. An attorney knows how to evaluate the evidence and see if there are any holes or issues that can be used to her advantage. A DUI attorney can also help you negotiate a deal, such as going to an alcohol treatment program instead of having to serve jail time.

Do Criminal Defense Attorneys Provide Free Consultation?

When you are looking to hire legal counsel to represent you in criminal court, you want to make sure that the relationship is a good fit and that your criminal defense attorney has experience and knowledge in this area. Scheduling a consultation with a prospective attorney can give you a chance to explain your case and what happened and find out what the attorney would recommend and how they can help. Many attorneys, such as those at Hibbeler & Associates, do offer free consultations.

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