Nashville is famous for its vibrant nightlife and party atmosphere. From Broadway’s honky-tonks to massive concerts at Bridgestone Arena, Titans games, and the endless parade of bachelor and bachelorette parties, the city knows how to entertain.
For both locals and visitors, it’s easy to enjoy one too many drinks while soaking in the city’s energy. Unfortunately, this sometimes leads to a night ending with flashing lights in your rearview mirror.
If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Nashville, you’re probably overwhelmed, scared, and unsure of what to do next. Here’s how to handle the situation, protect your rights, and minimize the damage.
- Stay Calm and Cooperate
The moments following a DUI stop are critical. The way you handle yourself can significantly impact your case. Remain calm, be polite, and cooperate with the officer. This doesn’t mean incriminating yourself; you have the right to remain silent, and you can politely decline to answer questions beyond providing basic identification.
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If the officer asks you to perform field sobriety tests or take a breathalyzer, know that Tennessee has implied consent laws. Refusing a breath or blood test could result in an automatic license suspension, even if you’re later acquitted of DUI charges. However, it’s always smart to consult an attorney about the specifics of your situation.
- Contact an Experienced DUI Attorney
After your arrest, your first call should be to a skilled DUI attorney. Nashville has no shortage of lawyers, but you need someone experienced in Tennessee DUI law who understands the local court system. A good attorney will evaluate the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and help you understand your options.
Avoid the mistake of automatically pleading guilty without considering the long-term consequences.
“I cannot tell you how many people I represent on a second or multiple DUI who just pled guilty to their first DUI,” says DUI attorney Andrew C. Beasley. “Either they thought it was only a weekend in jail, or they paid a small fee to a young lawyer who told them to plead guilty at the first court date, or they thought their case was hopeless so they pled guilty.”
An attorney can help you avoid these mistakes and give you a chance to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
- Know the Consequences of a DUI in Tennessee
Tennessee has strict DUI laws, and the penalties can be quite severe. Even a first offense can lead to:
- Jail time (a minimum of 48 hours and up to 11 months and 29 days)
- Fines ranging from $350 to $1,500
- License suspension for up to a year
- Mandatory participation in a DUI education program
Subsequent offenses come with harsher penalties, including longer jail sentences, higher fines, and longer license suspensions. Additionally, you’ll face the financial burden of increased insurance rates, court costs, and potentially, the installation of an ignition interlock device.
- Avoid Automatically Pleading Guilty
It’s easy to feel hopeless after a DUI charge, but don’t assume that pleading guilty is your only option. DUI cases are often more complex than they appear. Law enforcement may have made mistakes during your stop or arrest, such as improperly administering sobriety tests or lacking probable cause.
Your attorney will thoroughly examine the evidence, including police reports, body camera footage, and breathalyzer calibration records, to determine whether the prosecution has a strong case. In some situations, charges can be reduced or even dismissed entirely.
- Take the Charges Seriously
Some people underestimate the long-term impact of a DUI conviction, especially if it’s their first offense. A DUI goes on your permanent record and can affect your employment, housing opportunities, and even professional licenses.
If you’re visiting Nashville and live out of state, the consequences may follow you home. Tennessee participates in the Interstate Driver’s License Compact, meaning your home state will likely be notified of your DUI charge and enforce penalties accordingly.
- Stay Off Social Media
It’s extremely tempting to vent about your experience or post about your situation on Instagram or Facebook. But here’s the best piece of advice we can give you: don’t. Anything you say or share online can be used against you in court. This includes innocent comments, photos, or videos that could be interpreted as evidence of your behavior before the arrest. Let your attorney handle all communications and focus on preparing your defense.
- Learn from the Experience
Whether you’re a Nashville local or a visitor who came to party, getting charged with a DUI can be a wake-up call. While you should fight the charges to protect your future, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on your choices. Taking responsibility for your actions doesn’t mean pleading guilty – it means working to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
Consider attending a DUI education program or seeking counseling if alcohol played a role in your arrest. Judges often view these proactive steps favorably, and they can help you make better decisions in the future.
Looking Ahead
A DUI charge often represents someone’s lowest point. It’s scary, frustrating, and costly (in more ways than one). But the great thing about a low point is that things can only go up from there. It’s important that you understand the severity of what you’re facing and make positive changes to move forward with your life. Hiring (and cooperating with) a good DUI attorney is the first step.
