About
dui first
charges, convictions & defenses
DUI convictions have severe punishments and life-altering consequences.
A DUI First conviction is not expungeable – meaning it will remain with you for a lifetime. It is paramount to hire the right attorney to defend these charges, keep the punishments to a minimum and prevent these convictions from being on your record.
Collins Legal’s DUI defense team is well-versed in this field. We help our clients be part of the statistic that learns from their mistake and never reoffends. A better tomorrow is a safer tomorrow.
DUI Information Portal
dui first
IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO KNOW
Having a DUI on your record can have implications on your life that reach far past jail time. When purchasing a home or applying for jobs, schools or loans, DUIs show up on background checks.
→ Minimum jail time: 48 hours
→ Minimum jail time for .20% BAC [or higher]: 7 consecutive days
→ Maximum jail time: 11 months, 29 days
→ Minimum fine: $350.00
→ Maximum fine: $1,500.00
→ Minimum driver’s license suspension: 1 year
→ Restricted driver’s license eligibility: May be immediately considered if qualifications are met.
→ If an offender receives 2 DUI convictions within a 5 year period, an Ignition Interlock Device is required for 6 months after license reinstatement [cost to be paid by offender].
→ Complete 24 hours of roadside litter pick-up.
→ Complete the state-required Alcohol Safety [DUI] School.
→ Complete a state-approved Drug & Alcohol Treatment Program [at Court’s discretion].
→ Install a state-approved Ignition Interlock Device [cost to be paid by offender].
→ If offender receives 2 DUI convictions within a 5 year period, an Ignition Interlock Device is required for 6 months after license reinstatement [cost to be paid by offender].
→ Towing & Impound Fees [discretionary]
→ Bail Bond Fees [discretionary]
→ State Fines [mandatory]
→ Ignition Interlock Device Fees [mandatory]
→ Alcohol Safety [DUI] School Fees [mandatory]
→ Court Costs [mandatory]
→ Probation Fees [mandatory]
→ License Reinstatement Fees [mandatory]
* Restitution must be paid to any injured party(ies) for physical injury or personal loss.
While the penalties carried by a DUI First are financially and personally burdensome, it is important to understand that the imposed penalties are heavily influenced by prior criminal convictions.
* All penalties stated herein are mandatory as set by Tennessee state law.
Our defense strategy is formulated based on the events, facts and evidence surrounding the DUI arrest.
→ We look into the arresting officer’s conduct and determine if the said officer followed proper protocol. MORE
→ We look at whether the blood test and/or breath test were obtained in a constitutional manner. MORE
→ We investigate the blood test and/or breath test results chain of custody. MORE
→ More information about our DUI Defense Strategies HERE.
DUI Defense quick links
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE
Find more DUI & Criminal Defense information on the blog.
what to expect
Being charged with a DUI is life-altering. It is a set-back that no one can afford to take lightly.
Collins Legal’s DUI defense team has two priorities for all DUI clients.
- Dispose of the charge.
- Give clients the confidence to move forward with life.
With a decade of experience, our DUI defense team knows the prosecutions’ arguments, the requisite procedures officers should follow, and the law. The lead DUI defense attorney served as a DUI prosecutor for five years – in two separate District Attorney’s offices. Under his leadership, the DUI defense team ensures Collins Legal’s DUI clients are well taken care of.
If you are interested in becoming a Collins Legal client, please see our New Client Information. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
