If you were arrested for a DUI, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you need to take immediate action to protect your rights and your future. DUI charges are extremely serious, and if you are convicted, you could wind up dealing with severe, lasting repercussions. Most people associate DUI charges with alcohol consumption, but drivers can also be charged for driving while under the influence of drugs, even legal ones. If you are facing DUI charges for drugs, make sure you know your options and find out how the state handles cases like yours.
Tennessee DUI Laws
In Tennessee, anyone found driving under the influence of an “intoxicant” can be charged with a DUI. This includes any type of motor vehicle, from cars to semi-trucks. Anyone behind the wheel is considered to have consented to any DUI tests administered by an officer, including field tests, blood tests, and breathalyzer tests. DUI charges vary in severity depending on whether or not the driver is a repeat offender, if there were children in the vehicle, if the driver’s BAC was excessively high, and if anyone was harmed by the driver. If convicted, potential penalties include probation, costly fines, jail, mandatory community service, and driver’s license revocation. Additionally, DUI convictions could make you less employable and could raise your car insurance rates significantly.
Defining an “Intoxicant”
Any substance that impairs your ability to operate a motor vehicle can be considered an intoxicant.
Examples of intoxicants include:
- Prescription drugs
- Marijuana
- Narcotic drugs
- Alcohol
Even if the individual has a valid prescription for the drug in question, they could still be charged and convicted for operating a vehicle while impaired.
What Now?
If you were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs, contact an attorney immediately. Too many people plead guilty because they think they have no other options, but our experienced lawyers at Patton | Pittman Attorneys can assess your situation and help you build a solid case in your defense.
To get started today, contact Patton | Pittman Attorneysand ask for a free consultation with our Clarksville criminal defense attorneys.