Drunk Driving - reasons to hire a lawyer for defense

Accused of and arrested for a drunk driving chargeaddiction fee ($100), and others as may be ordered by
may have serious consequences for you. How is athe court.
DUI charge defined according to the laws of the stateFor the third offense – jail term (120 days-11 months
of Tennessee? This is the first thing you need toand 29 days), fines ($1,100-$10,000), vehicle forfeiture,
know. Driving a motor vehicle while under the influencealcohol rehabilitation program, license revocation (3-10
of alcohol or drug is a punishable offense in the state.years), addiction fee ($100), and others as deemed
Tennessee Driving Under Influence charge can beright by the court.
proved on the basis of the four tenets:For the fourth offense – jail term (150 days-6
• The accused was in chargeyears), fines ($3,000-$15,000), vehicle forfeiture, alcohol
• He/she was operating a motor vehiclerehabilitation program, license revocation (at least 5
• He/she was operating it within a public areayears), addiction fee ($100), and others as ordered by
• He/she was under the influence of alcohol orthe court.
drugs or had a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or moreIn such a situation you may have understood that it is
Your drunk driving lawyer would be able to tell younecessary to put up a strong case to defend yourself.
what category your crime falls under. Most DUIThis is why you need to hire a competent drunk driving
offenses classify as misdemeanors but it may belawyer for the case. They have a good idea about
considered as a felony in certain circumstances.how to present you in a favorable light before a court
If your offense is proved at a court of law, you mayof law and thus prevent you from being penalized, or
face serious penalties that adversely affect yourat least, minimize the penalties.
personal as well as professional life. The details of theIt is essential to have an initial consultation with a good
penalties for such offenses are discussed below.drunk driving lawyer of Tennessee. He/she would be
For the first offense – jail term (48 hours-11 monthsable to assess the case, let you know about the
and 29 days), fines ($350-$1,500), admission to DUIposition of the case, provide you with a clear idea
School, license revocation (for 1 year), addiction feeabout your rights and limitations, and take care of all
($100), and others as may be considered right by thesuch details.
court.A drunk driving lawyer proficient in the state laws
For the second offense – jail term (45 hours-11would also know which points to highlight and what
months and 29 days), fines ($600-$3,500), alcoholstrategy to follow. This is extremely important as a DUI
rehabilitation program, license revocation (for 2 years),conviction detail stays on your criminal record for life.