Labor Day weekend is almost upon us, bringing the summer season to a close with one last celebration. Many of us are likely looking forward to the long weekend, hoping to party and have a good time with friends and family, but it is important to be careful since this is also one of the most dangerous times to hit the road. In fact, according to a Tennessee Highway Patrol Announcement, the THP put extra time, officers, and money into ensuring traveling is safer during the long holiday weekend, which will also increase the likelihood of getting stopped for a DUI.
Additionally, this year, the THP initiated the “Sober Up TN” program, which was awarded $600,000 in grant money to help implement it. The program has a number of goals, including:
- An increase in the number of sobriety checkpoints
- Enforce DUI and alcohol-related offenses
- Reduce the number of alcohol-related fatalities
- Facilitate community meetings in order to solicit citizen attendance and involve local agencies, District Attorney Generals, school and court officials and associated stakeholders
As a result of these measures, if you were to be charged with drunk or drugged driving, you would ultimately face tougher challenges in court. This is why it is imperative to hire a skilled criminal defense attorney who can protect your rights and give you the best possible chance of beating these charges.
How a DUI Defense Attorney Can Help
There are many different strategies for fighting a DUI charge in the state of Tennessee. In recent years, blood tests for alcohol and drugs have been determined unconstitutional. Your attorney will also be able to determine if the stop was legal to begin with and if the tests administered were done so properly and with functioning equipment. For example, officers must be trained in how to appropriately use breathalyzers, which also need to be regularly calibrated to ensure accurate results. If it is determined that there were errors in testing or the stop was not legal, evidence could be thrown out entirely.
That said, this Labor Day weekend, if you do plan on traveling, make sure you do so sober or that you travel with a sober friend or use a ridesharing service if you plan on drinking.
DUI Attorney in Clarksville
At Patton | Pittman Attorneys in Clarksville, our Clarksville criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to fighting to protect the rights of every client we serve to ensure their future and freedom are not in jeopardy. If you are facing DUI charges, you need to reach out to our legal team for the experienced and knowledgeable representation you need to obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Get started today and contact our law office at (931) 361-4477 to request your free initial case evaluation with one of our DUI criminal defense attorneys to discuss your case.