Mt. Juliet and Lebanon TN
DUI can be a dreaded term to hear if you are on the receiving end of one. No one ever intends to get one but making mistakes is human. DUIs are more common than most people realize. If you get one, you probably have questions as to how it will affect you.
What is a DUI? Are all DUIs the same? What are the penalties and consequences? Will getting a DUI hinder me from getting a job? What are the steps I should take after getting a DUI?
The Law Office of Yancy Belcher has provided some facts to help you better understand some of the issues of DUIs and how it affects you.
What is a DUI?
DMV.org states that DUI stands for: Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or other illegal substances. In Tennessee, the illegal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is over .08%. You may also receive DUI-type penalties for refusing to submit to the blood alcohol test when arrested on suspicion of a DUI.
Are all DUIs the same?
All situations are different. The first offense is punished much less than the fourth offense. A person that refuses a chemical test is treated and punished differently than a person that doesn’t refuse.
What are the penalties and consequences for DUI?
According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, there is a multitude of punishments for just the first DUI conviction, including:
- Incarceration of 48 hours up to 11 months and 29 days for offenders.
- A BAC of .20 or greater may result in minimum jail time of 7 consecutive days.
- License revocation for 1 year – Restricted License may be available.
- You will be ordered to participate in an alcohol and drug treatment program.
- Pay restitution to any person suffering physical injury or personal loss.
- May be required to pay a fine ranging from $350-$1,500.
- With towing, bail, attorney, high-risk insurance, court costs, driving school, and reinstatement fees, your first offense average costs could add up to $4,900 or more.
- Ignition Interlock Device installed at your expense. Minimum first-year costs could exceed $1,000.00.
- Drug and Alcohol Treatment may be required at the judge’s discretion.
Will getting a DUI hinder me from getting a job?
A DUI conviction can affect you in a variety of ways.
Here is a list of just a few consequences professionally:
- You will have your license suspended.
- Some companies have a mandatory firing policy.
- You may lose your car insurance.
- You may lose your professional license.
- You may lose financial aid at school.
A DUI conviction is more likely to affect those who are in between jobs. Employers are often legally entitled to make inquiries concerning misdemeanor and felony convictions when hiring new employees. Employers are free to order background checks from law enforcement agencies and from third-party data brokers to see if applicants have been arrested for DUI offenses.
What are the steps I should take after getting a DUI?
Stay calm, and contact experienced DUI attorney in Nashville by calling (615) 773-2889 to schedule a free consultation.
The Law Office of Yancy Belcher is proud to serve clients in Hermitage, Lebanon, and Mt. Juliet, TN.
