Driving under the influence (DUI) is an illegal offense that relies on many factors to determine the legal consequences. One factor the courts consider is how many times a person has committed the same offense in the past.

BAC Limit

In Tennessee, the BAC of a driver must not exceed .08. If a person’s BAC is .20 or more, they can face enhanced penalties.

For people under the legal drinking age, a BAC of just .02 can result in a DUI. Furthermore, if a youth under the legal drinking age is found guilty of driving under the influence they may have their license revoked for 1 year, be responsible for paying a fine of $250, and sometimes commit to community service.

2^nd DUI Offense

If a person is found guilty of a DUI for the second time, they face more severe punishments than the first.

These punishments are:

1. jail sentence that ranges from 45 days to 11 months and 29 days;
2. fine between $600 and $3,500;
3. driver’s license revocation for 2 years;
4. possible vehicle seizure;
5. mandatory enrollment in an alcohol or drug treatment program;
6. ignition interlock device installed in vehicle; if this is a person’s second conviction in 5 years, the ignition interlock device will be required for 6 months; or
7. restitution payment for any pain and suffering the DUI may have caused.

3^rd DUI Offense

The penalties increase with a third DUI offense. For instance, a person could face:

1. jail sentence ranging from 120 days to 11 months and 29 days;
2. fine between $1,100 and $10,000;
3. driver’s license revocation for 6 years;
4. possible vehicle seizure;
5. mandatory enrollment in an alcohol or drug treatment program;
6. ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle; if this is a person’s second conviction in 5 years, the ignition interlock device will be required for 6 months.

4^th DUI Offense

If a person is charged with a DUI 4 or more times, it becomes a Class E felony; the penalties for which include:

1. 1-year jail sentence (with a minimum of 150 consecutive days served);
2. fine between $3,000 and $15,000;
3. driver’s license revocation for 8 years;
4. possible vehicle seizure;
5. mandatory enrollment in an alcohol or drug treatment program;
6. ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle; if this is a person’s second conviction in 5 years, the ignition interlock device will be required for 6 months.

Patton | Pittman Is on Your Side

Our DUI attorneys are skilled and experienced in criminal defense. We will work with you to create a solid defense and aggressively advocate for your rights.

Call our firm today at (931) 361-4477 or contact us online for your complimentary initial consultation.