Chattanooga Multiple DUI Attorneys

Aggressively Advocating for You in Hamilton County

Being arrested for your first DUI in Tennessee is a serious matter. If you are convicted, you will face significant penalties and a permanent criminal record. If you are arrested for a second, third, or subsequent DUI, the penalties and consequences become even more severe.

At Cavett, Abbott & Weiss, our Chattanooga multiple DUI defense attorneys have more than 60 years of combined experience. We understand the stakes in these cases. Our team works diligently to build the strongest possible defense for our clients, with the goal of getting their charges reduced or dropped entirely. If your case goes to court, we are prepared to aggressively advocate for you before a judge and jury.

For a consultation with an experienced Chattanooga multiple DUI attorney, call us at (423) 264-2206 or contact us online today. We are ready to fight for you.

What Is a Multiple DUI?

Under Tennessee law, a multiple DUI refers to a second, third, or subsequent DUI committed within a specific time frame. The time frame for multiple DUIs is defined as 10 years. This means that if you are arrested for a second DUI, and your first DUI was less than 10 years ago, you will be charged with a multiple DUI. The same is true if you are arrested for a third or subsequent DUI within 10 years of your most recent DUI conviction.

It is important to note that the 10-year look-back period is based on the dates of your arrests, not the dates of your convictions. This means that even if you are convicted of your first DUI more than 10 years after your arrest, it will still count as a prior DUI for purposes of a subsequent DUI charge.

Penalties for Multiple DUI Convictions

The penalties for multiple DUI convictions in Tennessee are severe. In addition to the potential criminal penalties, you will face other consequences, such as higher insurance premiums and a mandatory ignition interlock device.

The criminal penalties for a multiple DUI in Tennessee are as follows:

• Second DUI: 45 days to 1 year in jail, up to $3,500 in fines, 2-year driver's license suspension, mandatory ignition interlock device, alcohol/drug education program, and vehicle seizure/forfeiture
• Third DUI: 120 days to 1 year in jail, up to $10,000 in fines, 6-year driver's license suspension, mandatory ignition interlock device, alcohol/drug education program, and vehicle seizure/forfeiture
• Fourth or Subsequent DUI: 150 days to 6 years in jail, up to $15,000 in fines, 8-year driver's license suspension, mandatory ignition interlock device, and vehicle seizure/forfeiture

In addition to these penalties, you will be required to have SR-22 insurance, which is a type of high-risk insurance for people who have been convicted of a DUI. This can make your insurance premiums significantly higher. You will also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle at your own expense. This device requires you to submit a breath test before you can start your vehicle. If any alcohol is detected, your vehicle will not start.

How to Fight a Multiple DUI Charge

If you are charged with a multiple DUI, it is important to take the situation seriously. As with any DUI case, the prosecutor will have the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a high burden, and it is often possible to raise a reasonable doubt about the state's evidence.

When you retain our Chattanooga multiple DUI attorneys, we will immediately begin investigating your case. We will review the police report, any video evidence, and other available materials. We will interview witnesses and take other steps to gather as much evidence as possible. If we find that your rights were violated or that the state's evidence is weak, we can file a pretrial motion to have the evidence suppressed or even get your charges dropped.

Some of the most common defenses to a multiple DUI charge include:

• Unlawful stop or arrest
• Inaccurate or unreliable field sobriety test results
• Inaccurate or unreliable breathalyzer or blood test results
• Failure to properly inform you of your rights
• Violation of your constitutional rights

How Our Chattanooga Multiple DUI Attorneys Can Help

Being charged with a multiple DUI can be overwhelming. You are likely feeling stressed and unsure of what to do next. At Cavett, Abbott & Weiss, we are here to help. Our team is available to answer your questions and address your concerns. We will provide you with the personalized legal representation you need and deserve.

Whether you are facing a second, third, or subsequent DUI, we can fight for you. We know the law, and we know the tactics and strategies that work. Our Chattanooga multiple DUI defense lawyers will put our extensive experience and track record of success to work for you. We are prepared to do whatever it takes to help you secure a favorable outcome.

For a consultation with an experienced Chattanooga multiple DUI attorney, call us at (423) 264-2206 or contact us online today. We are ready to fight for you.