Cookeville DUI Lawyers
Defending clients throughout Putnam County who are charged with DUI/DWI
Tennessee has some of the most draconian laws in the country, when it comes to DUI/DWI. Law enforcement is encouraged to be aggressive in its pursuit of those whom they believe have broken the law, and the penalties and fines are designed to be especially burdensome. If you have been charged with driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you want an aggressive Cookeville DUI defense lawyer on your side from the start.
At Lowery, Lowery & Cherry, PLLC, we provide our Putnam County clients with thorough and assertive defense strategies designed to uphold their rights and protect their futures. We ensure that due process is followed, that the arresting officer followed the correct protocols, and that you are treated with respect and dignity.
What are DUI laws in Tennessee?
Generally speaking, it is illegal to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Most people believe that, so long as their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is below a .08, that they cannot be arrested or charged with DUI. This is categorically untrue. If a police officer or other member of a law enforcement agency believes you are driving recklessly or erratically, and reaches a conclusion that this behavior is due to drugs or alcohol, you can still be arrested.
This is because of Tennessee’s implied consent law, which states that by driving in the state, you automatically consent to be tested for intoxicants by a member of law enforcement who has reasonable grounds to suspect you. Refusing the test – which is well within your rights to do – means an automatic suspension of your license for 12 months.
What are the penalties and fines for DUIs?
Every DUI conviction – whether it is your first or your fourth – will lead to fines, mandatory jail time, and the suspension of your license. You may also be subject to:
- Community service
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
- Mandatory drug or alcohol counseling
- Vehicle forfeiture or seizure
- Permanent revocation of your license
You can learn more about the state’s DUI laws and penalties here.
The trouble with field sobriety tests
When you are pulled over under the suspicion of DUI, the officer will likely ask you to step out of the car to perform a series of field sobriety tests. There are three that are typically used, and you may be asked to complete all three of them:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), which tests the involuntary movement of your eyeballs.
- One Leg Stand (OLS), which measures your balance.
- Walk and Turn (WAT), which measures your balance, your ability to multi-task, and your ability to listen to directions.
You are allowed to refuse these tests as well. The officer who pulled you over will not tell you this, but you do not have to take these tests. You can refuse them as you refuse a chemical test.
If you are facing DUI charges in Cookeville, the right lawyer can make all the difference. Our attorneys review all evidence during the pre-trial discovery phase of your case, carefully reviewing how FSTs were performed, whether or not you were subjected to a legal stop, and what the corroborating evidence and witnesses claim. We build a case based off of our findings, and will fight on your behalf to ensure that your rights to a happy and healthy future are secure.
Charged with DUI in Cookeville? Call us now.
Lowery, Lowery & Cherry, PLLC takes an aggressive and proactive approach to the law. If you have been charged with DUI in Putnam County, we will fight for you. To schedule a consultation with an experienced Cookeville DUI defense attorney, please call 615-444-7222, or complete our contact form.