Aggressive Seymour Lawyers Contest Drunk Driving Charges

Fighting for acquittals in DUI federal and state cases

Frequently Asked Questions about DUI in TennesseeDriving under the influence (DUI) of drugs and alcohol is a serious offense with serious consequences. If convicted, a driver can be required to spend a lengthy amount of time in jail, lose their driving privileges, face increased insurance premiums, and have to pay fines and penalties. Convictions for second and third offenders carry even stiffer penalties. If someone was injured, then the conviction may lead to a civil lawsuit for damages.

At Delius & McKenzie, PLLC, our Seymour DWI/DUI lawyers have the experience, skills, and resources to fight these criminal charges. We have helped numerous clients during the last two decades get justice either by getting the charges dropped or reduced. Our legal team works closely with you to develop a personalized strategy that can help you through the legal process.

What happens when a police officer suspects a driver is intoxicated

Common reasons for police stopping a vehicle include when a driver violates a traffic laws such as exceeding the speed limit, or even something as simple as have an outdated inspection sticker. If the police officer has reason to suspect the driver has been drinking, he or she will usually demand that the driver submit to a breath test at the site or a blood test at a nearby hospital. These chemical tests examine the blood alcohol content (BAC) of the driver. If the amount registers .08 percent or more, then the driver will almost always be charged with a DUI. Blood tests are used to determine the driver’s drug content, as well as their BAC.

In addition to chemical tests, the police officer may request that the driver submit to field sobriety tests. These are physical tests that indicate if the driver is intoxicated. Sample tests include asking the driver to walk a straight line and to touch his or her nose. The officer will smell the driver’s breath. Additionally, the officer may search the vehicle for signs of alcoholic beverages.

If you have been pulled over and accused of drunk driving, turn to our firm for a solid defense. Our Seymour DUI defense attorneys use various defense strategies, including seeking to show that the officer did not have proper grounds to stop the driver. We may also challenge the chemical test itself, arguing that there was a legitimate explanation for failing field tests such as a physical impairment.

When is a DUI considered a federal charge?

The elements of a state or federal DUI charge are similar. Drivers who are driving while intoxicated on US interstates and other federal roads are normally charged with a federal offense. Drunk drivers on country and state roads are charged with state offenses. The penalties and jail time for each type of conviction can also differ. The way in which evidence is introduced is not identical. Juries in federal cases are drawn from different jury pools than state juries. To learn more about the differences between federal and state DUI cases, speak to one of our Seymour criminal defense attorneys today.

Additional DUI considerations

Our attorneys understand the full range of legal issues related to DUI charges. Some additional items we review with our clients are:

  • Drivers give an implied consent to be tested if they are rightfully stopped for a DUI test. Failure to take the test can be an automatic suspension of your driver’s licenses.
  • Convicted drunk drivers may be required to install an interlock ignition device on their vehicle. This device tests the driver’s BAC before the car can be operated.
  • The DUI laws apply to drivers of trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles such as ATVs, as well as to auto drivers.
  • Drivers who are napping or sleeping in a parked car when the police see them can still be charged with a DUI.
  • In some cases, even passengers who were aware the driver was intoxicated and still got in the car can be charged.

Let us use our vast knowledge of Tennessee DUI laws to benefit your case.

Learn more about DUI defense in East Tennessee

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Misdemeanor Charges in Tennessee

Make an appointment with a Seymour DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible

The Seymour DUI lawyers at Delius & McKenzie, PLLC have been helping the accused for more than 20 years. We understand how frightening these charges are, which is why we guide our clients through the legal process by answering their questions, explaining their options, and asserting all possible defenses. If you have been charged with a DUI, call us today at 865-428-8780 or fill out our contact form to learn more. We represent clients in Seymour and across Tennessee.