Will I be Able to Drive After My First DUI?

Tennessee is known for having the harshest penalties for first-time DUIs in the country. Unlike most other states, a first DUI comes with a one-year loss of driving privileges. But you probably still need to get to work or school, doctor’s appointments, or just the grocery store. There are legal options for retaining at least limited driving privileges after one DUI. You will need a knowledgeable attorney to represent you and help you retain your driving privileges in Tennessee. If you have been charged with a first DUI, getting a good attorney should be a high priority for you. 

What is a Restricted License? 

A restricted license allows you to keep your driving privileges, but with restrictions. In Tennessee, this means you may only be allowed to drive to certain places and at certain times. For example, you may not be allowed to drive after a certain time in the evening, or you may only be permitted to drive to school and back home. The level and type of restrictions can vary quite a bit depending on the circumstances of your DUI and what terms your lawyer is able to negotiate. 

The purpose of a restricted license is to prevent any further impaired driving - someone who has committed one DUI is not likely to be drunk while driving to work at 8:30 am on a Tuesday, nor is he likely to be drunk while driving home from work later that day. A restricted license, however, would prevent that first-time offender from stopping at a bar after work, or driving to a party on the weekend, thus, in theory, preventing him from driving drunk again. 

First-time offenders may or may not be eligible for a restricted license depending on the nature of their initial arrest and other factors. 

Are There Other Options? 

An ignition interlock device is the only other option available to first-time DUI offenders who wish to retain their driving privileges. This device requires you to submit to a breath test before starting your car, and periodically while driving. Modern devices use cameras, so a drunk driver cannot simply get a sober person to blow for them. An interlock device is a requirement for DUI offenders whose BAC was higher than 0.08% when they were initially arrested before any driving privileges will be restored. 

Call a Knoxville First DUI Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a first DUI, you will need an experienced Anderson County DUI defense attorney to maximize your chances of avoiding Tennessee’s harsh penalties. The sooner you contact The Law Office of William F. Evans, the sooner we can begin working on your defense. Call 423-449-7980 for a free consultation and see how we can help you get back on the road. 

Sources: 

https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/safety/publicsafety/duioutline.html#duifirst

https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/docs/sf-0680_restricted_order_-_august_2018.pdf