Chattanooga DUI Attorneys

Aggressive, Trial-Tested DUI Lawyers in Chattanooga

Like every other state, Tennessee considers people to be legally drunk if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measures .08 percent or more. This is called driving under the influence of alcohol and can lead to a DUI arrest. You can also be arrested for being under the influence of any intoxicant, marijuana, or another substance that affects your nervous system to the point where you are unable to safely operate your vehicle. “Operating your vehicle” includes being in physical control of it, even if you are not actually driving, such as sitting behind the wheel with the keys in the ignition.

Being pulled over and arrested for DUI in TN is often a humiliating and frightening experience. You are no doubt anxious about the repercussions. In Tennessee, there are many. However, all is not lost; an arrest is not a conviction.

Your priority should be to contact Speek, Turner & Newkirk PLLC for legal help. Our criminal defense team can quickly begin building a defense on your behalf by immediately investigating all of the circumstances of your arrest. We look at many factors, including why you were pulled over in the first place, how chemical tests were conducted, and more. With our 70+ years of combined experience, we understand how to meet and overcome your legal challenges.

When you reach out to us after an arrest, we take the time to explain what will happen in the General Sessions Court in Hamilton County or other local courts, what deadlines you are facing, and what choices you will need to make about your case. We know that someone searching for a DUI attorney in Chattanooga is often worried about a suspended license, possible jail time, and the long-term impact on employment, so we walk you through each of these issues in plain language. By answering your questions early, we help you make informed decisions instead of reacting out of fear.

Arrested for DUI in TN? Call us at (423) 436-8506 to speak with a Chattanooga DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible. Your initial consultation is FREE.

DUI Laws & Penalties in Tennessee

In any DUI case, the penalties—including jail time and fines—will be determined by the judge within the boundaries of the law.

A first-time DUI conviction in TN can result in the following:

• Jail time of 48 hours up to a year
• Fines of $350 up to $1,500
• Loss of your driver’s license for one year (a restricted license may be available)
• Drug or alcohol treatment program
• Installation and maintenance of an ignition interlock device
• Increased car insurance premiums
• Probation

If your BAC is measured at .20 or more, you will be subject to a minimum of seven consecutive days in jail. If you caused personal injury, you may be ordered to pay restitution to the victim. The total financial repercussions—including towing, court costs, drug or alcohol programs, license reinstatement, and more—may cost you upwards of $4,000. Enhanced penalties will apply if you are convicted of a DUI in Tennessee while driving with a minor under the age of 18, which typically results in a minimum of 30 days in jail and a minimum fine of $1,000.

Is a DUI a Felony in TN?

In Tennessee, a DUI (driving under the influence) can be charged as a felony under certain circumstances. The following are some of the factors that can determine whether a DUI is charged as a felony:

• The blood alcohol level (BAC) of the driver at the time of the arrest: A BAC of 0.08 or higher is considered drunk driving, but if the BAC is above 0.20, the charges can be more severe.
• The presence of aggravating factors: A DUI can be charged as a felony if it results in serious injury or death to another person or if the driver was transporting a child under 18 at the time of the arrest.
• Prior DUI convictions: A DUI can be charged as a felony if the individual has three or more prior DUI convictions within ten years.
• Property damage: If a DUI results in significant property damage, it could be charged as a felony.

It is essential to remember that these are the general rules, and some cases may be different, especially concerning prior convictions. So, it is important to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney. A felony conviction for DUI carries much more severe penalties, including the possibility of prison time and significant fines. If you have been charged with a DUI in Tennessee, it is essential to understand the specific charges against you and the potential consequences of a conviction. An experienced DUI attorney can help you navigate the court system and fight for your rights and best interests.

Protect Your Rights with Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers

When facing criminal charges, it is crucial to have a skilled and knowledgeable defense attorney by your side. At Speek, Turner & Newkirk PLLC, our team of dedicated criminal defense lawyers in Chattanooga, TN, is committed to protecting your rights and providing aggressive representation.

For clients charged specifically with drunk driving in the Chattanooga area, we understand how stressful it can be to appear in the City Court or Hamilton County Criminal Court for the first time. We explain how arraignments, preliminary hearings, and potential trial settings work so that you know what to expect at each step. A DUI defense attorney Chattanooga should not just stand next to you in court but should prepare you beforehand, help you gather documents, and advise you on how your case might affect your job, your family, and your ability to drive.

When you choose our firm for your criminal defense needs, you benefit from:

• Extensive experience across charges. Our attorneys have years of experience handling a wide range of criminal cases, from DUIs to drug offenses, assault, theft, and more, and we know how to build a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.
• A personalized legal approach. We believe in treating every client as an individual with unique needs and circumstances, taking the time to listen to your side of the story, investigate the evidence, and develop a defense strategy that fits your goals.
• Trial-tested, aggressive advocacy. We are known for our trial-tested approach and willingness to fight for our clients' rights in the courtroom, and our attorneys are prepared to defend you at every stage of the legal process.
• Compassionate guidance and support. We understand that facing criminal charges can be an overwhelming and stressful experience, so we keep you informed, answer your questions, and work diligently to pursue the best possible result for your case.

Don't face criminal charges alone. Contact Speek, Turner, & Newkirk PLLC today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced criminal defense lawyers.

What To Expect After a DUI Arrest in Chattanooga

After a DUI arrest in Chattanooga, most people are unsure what will happen next or how quickly they need to act. You may be taken to the Hamilton County Jail, have your vehicle towed, and be given a first court date in Chattanooga City Court or Hamilton County General Sessions Court. During this time, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and to make choices that can unintentionally harm your case, such as missing deadlines or talking about the incident with people who may later be called as witnesses.

Once you are released, the next steps usually involve an initial appearance, where the court confirms the charges and may address issues like bond and future court dates. Before that first appearance, we encourage you to gather any paperwork you received, write down your memory of what happened from the traffic stop through booking, and avoid posting about the arrest on social media. Meeting with a drunk driving lawyer in Chattanooga early allows us to review your documents, look for problems with the stop or testing, and begin protecting your driving privileges.

As your case moves forward, we investigate the stop, field sobriety tests, and breath or blood results, and we request the evidence the prosecution plans to use in court. We may file motions to challenge the legality of the stop or the way tests were administered, and we will discuss with you the pros and cons of any plea offers compared to taking your case to trial. Throughout this process, we keep you informed about what to expect at each hearing, whether in Chattanooga City Court, Hamilton County Criminal Court, or another local court, so you are never walking into the courtroom unprepared or alone.

Helpful Resources

• Tennessee Department of Safety - DUI Penalties

Know Your Rights

If you are arrested, it is important to know your rights. The primary right you have, under the Fifth Amendment, is to remain silent. If you are being charged, it is true that anything you say can and will be used against you by the prosecution. Remain calm and polite, and do not answer any questions until your lawyer is present. Professional law enforcement should respect this right. If you feel pressured to speak without representation, make sure to take note of the name of the officer and any actions they took that made you uncomfortable.

You Are Not Alone—We Are on Your Side!

No matter the circumstances regarding your DUI offense, your chances of reducing the related penalties or obtaining a case dismissal will rest on the quality of your defense. At Speek, Turner & Newkirk PLLC, you work with a team that will investigate and analyze every factor of your arrest and its surrounding circumstances. Many aspects of DUI charges in TN can be challenged, from the technical and scientific evidence to how the law was applied. Let our Chattanooga DUI defense attorneys fight for you and your future.

If you've been arrested for DUI in Tennessee, reach out to us today at (423) 436-8506 or contact us online for a free consultation.