‘DUI Defense’ Archives
Top Five Ways to Avoid a DUI Conviction
Keep in mind, we're not talking about an arrest. We're talking about victory when the dust settles and you have your day in court. Here's what you need to remember (of course, it goes without saying don't drink then drive. That's what we call "water under the bridge" when you've been arrested, booked, bonded, and told when to come back to [...]
Penalties for a DUI
There are a variety of penalties for a DUI in Tennessee. Your past record, level of intoxication and circumstances of your arrest all carry with them various factors related to your potential punishment. This is a brief overview of what you can expect if you are found guilty of a DUI within the State of Tennessee. Even for a first offender, the [...]
Defending Yourself Against a DUI
Driving under the influence is one of the most common crimes in the country. No other crime so regularly affects individuals from all social strata. Millionaires and public housing residents are both routinely charged with a DUI. As differently situated in life as they are, their defenses, and how they should handle their cases, should be the [...]
The Tragedy of Steve McNair
In what now clearly seems to be a murder/suicide, former Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair has been killed by his 20 year old girlfriend, Sahel Kazemi. Just three days ago on July 2nd, Kazemi was pulled over with McNair and charged with a DUI (underage). The Sahel Kazemi arrest warrant offers a few details, and in my DUI experience, [...]
DUI Reduced to Reckless Driving in Sumner County
State v. J.H., June 17, 2009, General Sessions Court in Sumner County, Tennessee Client was arrested for driving slowly and straddling the line of two lanes on I-65 near Hendersonville, Tennessee. The officer noted in the arrest warrant that his speech was slurred and his eyes appeared blood shot. As I always advise, my client refused the [...]
DUI Arrest, What Should I Do?
If you are pulled over for a potential DUI, there are some things you should certainly remember. Be courteous to the officer. Remember, he is just doing his job. The more pleasant you are, the more pleasant a potential unpleasant experience will be. Keep communication to a minimum. Answer questions directly and clearly. If you have been [...]
Recent Successes: Potential 2nd DUI Reduced to Reckless Driving
State v. M.M., February 17, 2009 Charges: DUI 2nd, Driving on a Suspended License, Failure to Submit to Breath Test On December 15, 2008, M.M. was pulled over for speeding - going 110 mph in a 70 mph zone. Officers reported he was unsteady on his feet, smelled of an alcoholic beverage, and could not perform any FSTs (field sobriety [...]
Interlocks for All?
There is a neo-prohibitionist movement afoot in America, and its ultimate goal is the implementation of interlock alcohol detection devices in every new car produced in the United States under the innocuous guise of DADSS (the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety). Under the standards that would have to be implemented for national [...]
DUI Reduced to Reckless Driving
State v. C.G. October 14, 2008 C.G. was stopped on Hermitage Avenue in Nashville by an officer who said he saw C.G. swerve over the dividing yellow line. Upon seizure, the officer noted he detected a smell of alcohol on C.G.'s breath. No blood tests were performed. Negotiations with the state resulted in a reduced charge, only 6 months [...]
DUI Defense in Tennessee – Know Your Fifth Amendment Rights
It is particularly easy to get oneself convicted of a DUI nowadays. A 0.08 BAC, which is now the law, takes very little alcholic intake to achieve. But, one should never forget, the only way the state can get that particular bit of evidence against you is for you to allow them to get it. In short, DUI's are significantly easier to defend if you [...]
