Chattanooga DUI Lawyers

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that can have long-lasting consequences. Not only can it result in jail time, hefty fines, and license suspension, but the stress of an arrest and charges can be overwhelming. You may not understand your rights, what to do, or how to defend yourself in these cases. Many drivers believe they have little hope of prevailing against the evidence and the criminal justice system in these cases. However, any case can be defended, and, with the right attorney, challenges can be made that could result in reduced charges, dismissals, or acquittals in court. 

At Cavett, Abbott & Weiss, our criminal defense lawyers are dedicated to helping those facing DUI charges. Our team of experienced attorneys is knowledgeable in the latest laws and regulations regarding driving under the influence and can provide you with sound legal advice. We understand how daunting it can be to face a DUI charge, which is why we work hard to ensure that you receive personalized attention and skilled representation. With years of experience working on behalf of clients throughout Chattanooga and surrounding areas, we can help build your defense strategy for any DUI case.

Reach out to Cavett, Abbott & Weiss to schedule a free case evaluation with a Chattanooga DUI attorney. We can be reached online or at (423) 264-2206. 

DUI in Tennessee

DUI in Tennessee is based on the following scenarios:

• Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measured .08 percent or higher. If you were driving a commercial vehicle, it measured .04 percent or higher.
• You were under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs; under the influence means you were impaired to such an extent that your ability to drive safely was affected. 

In the second scenario, you can be arrested and charged regardless of what your BAC measured. Furthermore, the law states you can be charged with DUI for being in actual physical control of your car; this means you did not necessarily have to be driving the vehicle down the road. If you had the keys in the ignition without moving forward, you are in physical control. 

Penalties for DUI in Tennessee

How you are penalized for a DUI conviction will depend on whether you have had prior DUI convictions within the last 10 years. 

A first offense can result in:

• 48 hours up to a year in jail
• Fines of $350 up to $1,500
• A license suspension of one year
• Participation in an alcohol/drug treatment program

If your BAC measured .20 percent or higher, you would generally face a seven-day minimum of jail time. Once any minimum jail time is served, you may avoid further jail time through probation. Probation generally comes with a set of conditions to which you must comply. You may be able to obtain a restricted license during your license suspension that allows you to drive to necessary locations, such as work, school, or alcohol/drug education or treatment programs. To do this, you may be ordered to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. 

You will also likely face increased auto insurance premiums as a result of a DUI conviction. For second and subsequent offenses, the penalties will increase. For example, on a second DUI conviction, fines may increase as high as $3,500 and your license suspension will be for two years. 

Turn to Our Dedicated DUI Defenders in Chattanooga

At Cavett, Abbott & Weiss, we understand how overwhelming a DUI charge can be and want to help you get through this difficult time. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in the laws surrounding DUI cases and can advise you on your best course of action. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation and start building your defense strategy. 

DUI Court Process in Tennessee

In Tennessee, the DUI court procedure is a well-defined legal process that details the stages from arrest to the conclusion of a DUI case. Grasping this process is essential if you're confronting DUI charges in Tennessee.

1. Arrest and Booking: The DUI process starts with the arrest of a driver by law enforcement officers who suspect the individual is operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. After the arrest, the individual is typically taken to the police station for booking, which includes fingerprinting, mug shots, and a breath or blood test to determine blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

2. Arraignment: The first court appearance following a DUI arrest is the arraignment, where the defendant is formally charged with the DUI offense and advised of their rights. At this stage, the defendant can enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

3. Pre-Trial Proceedings: During this phase, the defense and prosecution share evidence, submit motions, and discuss potential plea agreements to potentially resolve the case without proceeding to trial.

4. Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, it includes jury selection, opening statements, presentation of evidence, witness testimony, closing arguments, and the jury's verdict.

5. Sentencing: If the defendant is found guilty, the court will impose a sentence, which may include fines, probation, mandatory DUI education or treatment programs, community service, and in some cases, jail time.

6. Appeals: Following a conviction, the defendant can appeal the verdict or sentencing to a higher court if they believe there were mistakes during the trial that impacted the outcome.

It is important to note that the DUI court process in Tennessee can be complex and challenging to navigate. If you are facing DUI charges, it is crucial to consult with an experienced Chattanooga DUI attorney who can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Experienced Legal Representation for Your Personal Injury Case

If you have been injured due to someone else's negligence, it is important to seek legal representation to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. At Cavett, Abbott & Weiss, we have a team of experienced personal injury attorneys who are dedicated to helping clients in Chattanooga, TN and the surrounding areas.

Why choose us for your personal injury case?

• Extensive experience: Our attorneys have years of experience handling personal injury cases and have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations that apply.
• Proven track record: We have a successful track record of obtaining favorable outcomes for our clients, including significant settlements and jury verdicts.
• Personalized approach: We understand that every case is unique, and we take the time to listen to your story, gather evidence, and develop a personalized strategy to maximize your chances of success.
• Strong negotiation skills: Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and will work tirelessly to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
• Compassionate support: We understand that going through a personal injury case can be overwhelming, and we are here to provide you with the support and guidance you need every step of the way.

Don't wait to seek legal help for your personal injury case. Contact Cavett, Abbott & Weiss today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.