DUI & Traffic Crimes in Tennessee
Nashville DUI & Traffic Defense Lawyers
DUI and traffic-related criminal charges in Tennessee range from high-volume misdemeanors to serious felony offenses carrying jail or prison time, license revocation, and long-term consequences. While some traffic charges may seem minor at first, many quickly escalate—especially when alcohol, drugs, prior convictions, or commercial driver’s licenses are involved.
Tennessee prosecutors aggressively pursue DUI and serious traffic offenses, particularly when allegations involve accidents, injuries, prior offenses, or commercial vehicles. A single traffic stop can result in multiple charges, administrative license suspension, and immediate impacts on employment and mobility.
Below is an overview of common DUI & Traffic Crimes in Tennessee, including the applicable statutes and a brief explanation of each offense.
DUI and Alcohol-Related Offenses
Driving Under the Influence (DUI):
TCA § 55-10-401
Driving under the influence involves operating or being in physical control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances, or while having a blood alcohol concentration at or above the legal limit. DUI cases often involve breath tests, blood draws, field sobriety tests, and complex procedural rules that can create strong defense opportunities.
License and Driving Status Offenses
Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License:
TCA § 55-50-504
Driving on a suspended or revoked license occurs when a person operates a vehicle while their driving privileges are suspended, revoked, or canceled. These charges frequently arise after DUI arrests, unpaid tickets, or missed court dates and can lead to jail time and extended license consequences.
Dangerous and Reckless Driving Offenses
Reckless Driving:
TCA § 55-10-205
Reckless driving involves operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. These charges often stem from high-speed driving, aggressive maneuvers, or traffic incidents and may overlap with DUI or vehicular assault allegations.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Hit and Run):
TCA § 55-10-101
Hit and run charges apply when a driver leaves the scene of an accident involving property damage, injury, or death without fulfilling statutory duties. Penalties escalate significantly when injuries or fatalities are involved, and these cases often involve intense investigation and forensic analysis.
Commercial and High-Volume Traffic Offenses
Traffic Violations / CDL Defense:
Multiple Statutes
Traffic violations range from speeding and failure to maintain lane to more serious offenses affecting commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). CDL holders face stricter standards, harsher penalties, and career-threatening consequences for even minor traffic or alcohol-related violations.
Why DUI & Traffic Charges Require Immediate Legal Attention
DUI and traffic cases often involve:
Immediate Driver’s License Suspension
Breath, Blood, or Urine Testing Issues
Field Sobriety Test Reliability Disputes
Video and Body-Camera Evidence
Administrative Hearings Separate from Criminal Court
Enhanced Penalties for Prior Offenses or CDL Holders
Early involvement by a criminal defense attorney can help challenge unlawful stops, suppress improperly obtained evidence, protect driving privileges, and prevent misdemeanor charges from escalating into felony convictions.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI & Traffic Crimes
Is DUI always a misdemeanor in Tennessee?
No. While first-time DUIs are typically misdemeanors, repeat offenses, accidents involving injury, or vehicular assault or homicide allegations can result in felony charges.
Can I lose my license before being convicted?
Yes. DUI and certain traffic charges trigger administrative license suspensions separate from the criminal case.
Can traffic charges affect my CDL even if I wasn’t driving a commercial vehicle?
Yes. CDL holders can face disqualification for offenses committed in a personal vehicle.
Are traffic charges negotiable?
Many are—but outcomes depend on the facts, driving history, and how quickly a defense strategy is implemented.
Speak With a Nashville DUI & Traffic Defense Attorney
If you are facing DUI, license suspension, reckless driving, or other serious traffic charges in Tennessee, the consequences can affect your freedom, finances, and livelihood. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can help protect your license, challenge the evidence, and work to limit long-term damage.
Call Freeman & Fuson at (615) 298-7272 or contact us online for a confidential consultation.