What Are the Penalties for Multiple DUIs?
The State of Tennessee takes the matter of driving under the influence of alcohol very seriously, and as a result, DUI convictions carry serious fines, penalties, and social consequences. If you have more than one conviction on your record, however, the matter is that much more difficult. If you’re facing a DUI charge, reach out for the skilled legal guidance of an experienced Tennessee DUI defense attorney as soon as you’re able to do so.
Driving under the Influence
If your blood alcohol concentration is .08 or higher, you are over the legal limit in Tennessee, and you can face a DUI charge. The matter does not, however, end here. If your driving is determined to be impaired by alcohol – even if you aren’t over the legal limit – you can still be charged with DUI.
A First DUI
A first DUI charge in Tennessee is a Class A misdemeanor that carries fines of up to $500. You can also face jail time that spans from a minimum of 48 hours all the way to 11 months and 29 days. The court has the discretion to also mandate the following:
- An alcohol abuse treatment program
- Community service
- Installation of an ignition interlock device at your expense
- A one-year driving license suspension
A Second DUI
A second DUI is also a Class A misdemeanor, but it carries more significant fines and penalties that can include:
- From 45 days to 11 months and 29 days in jail
- Fines of from $600 to $3,500
- Installation of an ignition interlock device at your expense
- A mandated alcohol abuse treatment program and community service
- A two-year driver’s license suspension
A Third DUI
A third DUI is still a Class A misdemeanor, but the penalties are harsher, including all the following:
- Jail time from 120 days to 11 months and 29 days
- Fines of from $1,100 to $10,000
- Vehicle seizure by the court
- Installation of an ignition interlock device at your expense
- Mandated community service and an alcohol abuse treatment program
- Driver’s license suspension of from 2 to 6 years
A Fourth or Subsequent DUI
A fourth – or subsequent – DUI is a Class E felony, which carries harsher penalties still, including the following:
- From 150 days to a year in jail
- Fines of from $3,000 to $15,000
- Vehicle seizure by the court
- Mandated community service and an alcohol abuse treatment program
With a fourth DUI, your license can be suspended for up to eight years, and if you have two DUI convictions within five years, you will be required to have an ignition interlock device in your vehicle after license reinstatement for at least six months.
Turn to an Experienced Tennessee DUI Defense Attorney for the Help You Need
Josh Crain at The Law Offices of Joshua T. Crain is a skilled Tennessee DUI defense attorney who is well-positioned to fiercely advocate for your claim’s best possible resolution and will leave no stone unturned in his focused efforts to do so. For more information, please contact us online or call 615-697-6178 today.