Is My License Taken Away After One DUI?
Your driver’s license can be taken away after one DUI in Tennessee. If you are convicted of a first-offense DUI in Tennessee (or a violation of the implied consent law for refusing a breath or blood test), your license will be revoked for one year. You can, however, apply for a temporary restricted license after you receive a DUI conviction. A restricted license will enable you to drive normally as long as you maintain an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
The state prosecutes DUI offenses aggressively. If convicted, you will also face other severe penalties aside from losing your license for a year.
What Are The Penalties for a First Offense DUI?
The penalties for a DUI in Tennessee will vary in each case based on the incident’s specific circumstances and facts. In general, you can expect the following penalties for a first-offense DUI conviction:
- Jail time of 48 hours up to 11 months plus 29 days, but the minimum jail time is seven days if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .20% or greater.
- Probation of 11 months plus 29 days minus the time you spent in jail (if applicable)
- A mandatory fine of $350
- Paying restitution to anyone you injured during the DUI incident.
- Participating in an alcohol or drug program.
- Aside from the mandatory fine, you may also need to pay for bail, towing, court costs, legal fees, license reinstatement fees, ignition interlock device (IID) installation, higher auto insurance rates, and alcohol or drug classes that can add up to about $5,000.
- Installing an IID is mandatory when you have a restricted license unless the judge orders otherwise. An IID is a device used for testing your BAC before driving. You may be required to have an IID for one year or during the license revocation period, whichever is longer. You must breathe into the device to submit your breath sample and stop your car from starting if it detects alcohol in the breath sample. You will pay for the IID installation and maintenance costs. On average, the cost to install and maintain an IID for a year can be around $1,000.
It is also crucial to note that if you had a .20% BAC or greater at the time of your arrest, you may face harsher penalties. In addition, refusing to undergo a breath test will also lead to an automatic one-year license revocation under the implied consent law.
A DUI conviction, even if it’s your first offense, can easily wreak havoc on your life. But with guidance from an experienced Davidson County DUI attorney, you increase your chances of keeping your driver’s license and your freedom. Likewise, depending on the circumstances of your DUI offense, your attorney may be able to have your charges dropped or reduce the potential penalties of a conviction.
Speak to an Experienced Davidson County DUI Attorney Today
Regardless of the complexity of your case, the Davidson County DUI attorney at Raybin & Weissman can thoroughly investigate it to determine the best possible defense strategy for you. Schedule your free case review with our Davidson County DUI attorney by calling 615-256-6666 or sending us a message online.