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Serving Middle Tennessee, the Franklin DUI defense attorney, Lee Ofman knows the laws and procedures for DUI charges in Tennessee. Having an experienced and knowledgeable Tennessee DUI lawyer can help you understand and navigate the criminal justice system.
A DUI offense can carry significant penalties that effect your criminal record and life for years to come. Working with a Franklin criminal defense lawyer experienced in DUI defense may help lessen the consequences of a DUI charge and achieve the most optimal outcome possible. At the Law Office of Lee Ofman, Mr. Ofman has the knowledge and experience to help you through every step of the legal process. He can provide you with an aggressive defense against your DUI charges.
Driving Under the Influence of drugs or alcohol, known as DUI, is a legal offense. When someone drives a car while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is a crime. Tennessee’s particular legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. However, it’s important to know that you can be using legally prescribed medication and be convicted of a DUI in Tennessee. If your medication affects your central nervous system (and thereby your driving), then using it when behind the wheel is illegal.
DUI is a serious offense that may result in harsh punishments, including fines, license suspension or revocation, and jail time. DUI can have negative personal and social effects in addition to legal ones. These can include harm to one’s reputation, strain on relationships, and difficulties getting a job.
In Tennessee, there are different types of DUI offenses, including:
It is important to note that the legal consequences for these offenses can vary based on the severity of the offense, the driver’s criminal history, and other factors.
There are a number of crucial actions you should take after a DUI arrest:
It is crucial to speak with a DUI attorney as soon as you can if you have been charged with DUI in Franklin, or any county in Middle Tennessee. He can help you learn about your legal choices and viable defense.
The purpose of the initial DUI hearing, or arraignment, is to announce the official charges being held against you and allow you to plead guilty or not guilty to the court.
If the defendant pleads not guilty, the case will move forward to a grand jury. A grand jury is a group of citizens who review the evidence presented by the prosecutor to determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial.
The grand jury’s decision is not a verdict of guilt or innocence but rather a determination of whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime was committed and that the defendant was the one who committed it. Depending on the jury’s decision, you may or may not move to criminal court.
Following a conviction, the court will continue to sentence the offender. In Tennessee, a DUI conviction can result in the following:
It is crucial to remember that the particulars of a DUI hearing may vary. The exact process of your proceedings will be based on the facts of the case, the court where it is being handled, and the experience of your attorney.
Based on the circumstances of the case and the defendant’s criminal history, the sentencing for a DUI in Tennessee can vary.
In Tennessee, the following are the possible punishments for a first-time DUI:
The sentencing for a DUI in Tennessee becomes more severe for subsequent offenses. The penalties for a second, third, or subsequent DUI offense in Tennessee can include installing an interlock ignition device and attending DUI school, the same as for a first offense. It can also include the following:
Additionally, the penalties might be more severe if the DUI crime had additional factors such as:
If you are in Tennessee and have been charged with DUI, a DUI attorney may assist you in several ways. The following are some ways a DUI lawyer might help you:
Overall, a DUI lawyer may offer crucial legal knowledge, assistance, and direction throughout the whole DUI procedure. Mr. Ofman will work to get the most optimal result for your case and defend your rights.
In Tennessee, the mandatory minimum sentence for a first DUI offense is 48 hours in jail time.
A DUI conviction in Tennessee stays on a person’s driving record for life. However, there is a look-back period for repeat DUI offenses and this applies for 10 years. This can be a hindrance for any activity that needs a background check. This might affect a person’s ability to receive particular insurance policies or certain housing. It can even limit one’s employment opportunities.
In Tennessee, the lookback period for DUI offenses is ten years. This means that if an individual has a prior DUI conviction within the past ten years, this will be considered a subsequent offense. However, in some DUI cases, this may be extended to 20 years. This can result in more severe penalties. For example, the mandatory minimum jail sentence for a second DUI offense in Tennessee is 45 days. This is compared to the mandatory minimum sentence of 48 hours for a first offense.
If you have been charged with drunk driving or have received a DUI-related charge in Middle Tennessee, you need a fierce, loyal, and experienced DUI attorney to fight for you in the courtroom. Contact the Law Office of Lee Ofman in Franklin, TN to find out how you can protect your record and your future.