If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, the stakes are high. The effect of a conviction on your finances, your career and your family life can be devastating.
At Breeding Carter, we provide a strong defense for people who face DUI charges.
Consequences Of A DUI Conviction
Even for a first offense, DUI penalties include jail time, heavy fines and loss of your driver’s license for at least one year. While you may be able to obtain a restricted license, you face three years of high-risk insurance (called SR-22 insurance). The judge also can order you to install a vehicle ignition interlock device at a minimum cost of at least $800. If you have even a single DUI conviction on your record, a judge may deny bond if you are arrested in the future for suspicion of DUI. When you consider court costs, DUI school costs and driver’s license reinstatement fees, the cost of a DUI conviction can be thousands of dollars.
Many employers look unfavorably on DUI convictions. If you need to drive for your employment, you could lose your job or be prevented from obtaining a job for which you have applied.
Is There A Defense To DUI Charges?
When you consider the cost of a DUI conviction, it makes sense to talk to a lawyer about possible defenses. Even if you think you are guilty of driving under the influence, there are many things an experienced lawyer can do to mitigate the charges.
- Challenging the stop: Did police have probable cause to stop you? If the police did not have probable cause that you committed a crime, the stop can be challenged and all evidence gathered after the stop may be suppressed.
- Challenging the field sobriety test: Police need additional probable cause that you were driving impaired by drugs or alcohol before they can administer or require you to take the field sobriety test.
- Challenging the breathalyzer or blood test: Police or other personnel can make mistakes in administering the breathalyzer or blood test and preserving the chain of evidence, which can lead to a suppression of blood alcohol content results.
The prosecution must establish every element of the offense before they can convict you of drunk driving. If any element of the state’s case is weak, we can seek a dismissal of charges or a reduction of charges to reckless driving or similar offense.
Contact Our Attorneys
Let our experienced attorneys and a former prosecutor and police officer protect your rights. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call our Knoxville, Tennessee, office at 865-670-8535 or fill out our contact form.