Sevierville DUI Stop
Potential punishments for your charges
A Sevierville DUI stop is the first part of the arrest procedure. The officer has pulled your vehicle over to determine if you are driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. He or she will have you perform a variety of field sobriety tests, and, depending on your performance, may arrest and take you into custody to perform a blood alcohol content (BAC) test.
Ultimately, the outcome of your formal charges is contingent on your BAC result—if your BAC is .08 or higher, you will typically be charged with a DUI. The potential penalties for your charge are based on your previous DUI charges or convictions.
Sevierville DUI First Offense
A first offense is typically considered a misdemeanor offense. Generally, first-time offenders face the standard legal punishments of fines, jail time, and loss of license. There are certain circumstances, though, when East Tennessee courts may seek stricter punishments:
- An accident occurred
- A minor child was a passenger in the vehicle
- There was a serious injury or death
- The driver left the scene of the accident
In these circumstances, you will want a strong criminal defender at your side to make sure the court hears your side of the story and to protect your rights.
Repeat Sevierville DUI offenders
The penalties for repeat Sevierville DUI offenders grow in severity with each offense—4th-time offenders can face felony charges and lose their license for up to 10 years. You can protect yourself from these consequences by seeking legal help.
An experienced attorney can make strong arguments in your best interest:
- Alcohol and substance abuse counseling in lieu of jail time
- Extended community service to reduce fines
- Request for restricted license privileges
Do not give up hope just because you are a repeat Sevierville DUI offender. Burton & McKinnish, PLLC can help you explore any existing legal alternatives. We will aggressively defend your rights and interests and use all available resources to strengthen your defense.
