With DUI arrests increasing, it is important to know your rights

Driving under the influence, also known as DUI, is one of the most common types of criminal defense cases that many people face. Recent statistics indicate that DUI cases are on the rise. According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, there were 29,544 DUI arrests in 2014 alone. That number is up from 28,905 in 2013. City police departments and the Tennessee Highway Patrol have shifted their focus to finding impaired drivers at locations known for drunk driving accidents and alcohol-related fatalities. There is also an increased law enforcement presence at establishments that serve alcohol. Despite a high number of arrests, only 8% of cases progress through the entire court system with 88% of those cases culminating in a conviction or guilty plea.

With this increase in DUI enforcement, it is important to understand Tennessee's DUI laws and know how to protect your rights. Each DUI case is different and is highly dependent on your previous DUI history. Penalties are enhanced for multiple DUI offenses. In general, DUI charges result if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08% or higher. However, this standard is different for drivers under the age of 21 and commercial drivers. Underage drivers are prohibited from having a BAC of .02% or higher and commercial drivers are subject to a .04% threshold. Depending on how many prior DUI convictions you have, penalties include jail time, significant fines, community service, participation in court-ordered substance abuse programs and license suspension or revocation.

Being arrested for DUI does not mean that your life is over. There are many defenses available depending on the specific circumstances of your case. For example, your DUI case may be dismissed if law enforcement acted without probable cause in pulling you over, failed to properly administer field sobriety tests or failed to thoroughly investigate other causes of your seeming impairment such as a medical condition.

The Tennessee DUI attorneys at Dotson & Taylor take the time to thoroughly investigate each case and do not concede unless there is absolutely no other defense available. If you're one of the thousands of people arrested for DUI in Tennessee, your best chance of protecting your personal and professional interests is the advice and representation of one of the accomplished Murfreesboro DUI defense attorneys at Dotson & Taylor. Call their Murfreesboro office at 615-890-1982 or send an email to schedule a free initial consultation today.