What Your Third DUI Means in Tennessee

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Tennessee can mean complicated legal battles, negotiation with authorities, and even some mandatory punishments. If you’ve had previous DUIs, you know there are associated fines, other penalties, and mandatory jail time (the length of which can depend on your blood alcohol content at the time of arrest). DUI offenses stay on your record in Tennessee for 10 years, meaning if you get your third DUI almost ten years after your second, you will still be subject to the mandatory correctional minimums.

For your third DUI in Tennessee, you will:

• Serve jail time: 120 days (six months) is the mandatory minimum. 11 months and 29 days (almost one year) is the maximum jail time for your third DUI.
• Serve probation: 11 months and 29 days is standard, less your time in jail.
• Pay fines: Anywhere from $1,100 to $10,000 is standard in Tennessee.
• Take a DUI assessment: This includes another fee of $100, which goes toward your mandatory drug and alcohol addiction fee.
• Go to rehab: You will have to serve a mandatory amount of time in a rehabilitation program. These can be inpatient or outpatient, which the court will decide.
• Go to DUI School: Much like defensive driving, but geared toward alcohol offenders, Tennessee drivers must attend DUI School in order to regain their driver’s licenses.
• Do community service: This can be court ordered, depending on the circumstances.
• Lose your license: Your Tennessee driver’s license will be revoked for six years. If you opt for an ignition lock, you may be eligible for restricted driving access, especially if you can prove hardship.
• Have an ignition interlock device on your car: This is mandatory in Tennessee when you get your license back, and will be on your car if you’ve had a conviction within five years.
• Lose your car: You could lose your vehicle if you get three DUIs – Vehicle Forfeiture is authorized in the state.

Getting your license back

Your third DUI offense in Tennessee comes with extremely harsh punishments. Your Columbia DUI lawyer helps guide you through the arduous process. It is possible that you’ll be eligible for reinstatement of your driver’s license after your mandatory jail time, but this will come at a price. Most applying for reinstatement, even when represented by legal counsel, must consent to a clinical evaluation of drug and alcohol dependency, as well as a mandatory ignition interlocking system to prevent any further instances of intoxicated driving.

A third DUI offense does not mean you’re a bad person, and a compassionate and adept Columbia DUI attorney will be able to help you get and stay on track, should you also commit to doing the necessary work. Although some people admit that multiple DUI offences have ruined their life and employability, others call this difficult time a turning point in their lives. If you have a problematic relationship with intoxicants, this could be the final wake up call you need to ask for help.

If you are looking for a skilled Franklin DUI attorney who approaches their work with grace and compassion, the Law Offices of Adrian H. Altshuler & Associates has a keen interest in advocating for you in court. Call us at 615-977-9370 or contact us online to start a conversation about your options after your third DUI. Time is of the essence – don’t hesitate to call us today! We have offices in Franklin, Brentwood and Columbia to serve you.