If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Chattanooga, TN, you may be unsure about what steps to take next. A DUI charge can carry severe consequences, but a skilled DUI attorney in Chattanooga, TN, can help you understand your options and work to protect your future. Houston & Underwood, PLLC, with extensive experience defending DUI cases in Chattanooga, is here to provide the guidance you need. In this blog, we’ll explain the potential penalties of a DUI conviction, common defense strategies, and why having an experienced DUI lawyer in Chattanooga, TN, can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Let’s explore what you need to know to navigate this challenging legal situation.

Understanding the Legal Penalties of a DUI Conviction

If you are convicted of DUI in Chattanooga, the consequences can be severe. The state of Tennessee imposes strict penalties on individuals found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Some of the potential penalties include:

• License Suspension: A DUI conviction can result in the suspension of your driver’s license for some time. In some cases, a restricted license may be issued, but this often comes with conditions.
• Fines and Court Fees: DUI offenders are typically required to pay hefty fines, which can increase with repeat offenses.
• Jail Time: In certain cases, a DUI conviction can result in jail time, particularly if the offense is not the first or if aggravating factors exist, such as a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or the involvement of an accident.
• Alcohol Education Classes: You may be ordered to attend mandatory alcohol or drug treatment programs.

Common DUI Defenses That Can Reduce or Dismiss Charges

While a DUI conviction carries serious consequences, there are several defense strategies a DUI attorney in Chattanooga, TN, might use to challenge the charges against you. Some of the most common defenses include:

• Improper Traffic Stop: The officer must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over. If the stop was made without proper cause, the evidence may be inadmissible.
• Faulty Breathalyzer Tests: Breathalyzer machines need to be properly calibrated, and the test must be administered correctly. If there’s a mistake in this process, the results could be inaccurate.
• Field Sobriety Test Errors: These tests can be influenced by factors such as weather, physical limitations, or improper administration.
• Medical Conditions or Medications: Certain medical conditions or medications can impact the results of breathalyzer or sobriety tests, leading to inaccurate readings or conclusions.

A skilled DUI lawyer in Chattanooga, TN, will carefully examine the circumstances of your arrest, look for potential errors in the process, and work to have the charges reduced or dropped.

Why You Should Act Quickly After a DUI Arrest

If you’ve been arrested for DUI, it’s important to act quickly. There are time limits for challenging the charges and requesting hearings, especially for things like license suspension. The sooner you consult with a DUI lawyer in Chattanooga, TN, the better your chances of building a strong defense and protecting your rights. Delaying your response could hurt your case and make it more difficult to achieve a favorable outcome.

Contact Houston & Underwood, PLLC for Legal Assistance

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Chattanooga, TN, you need a skilled DUI attorney in Chattanooga, TN, to protect your rights. At Houston & Underwood, PLLC, our experienced team is committed to fighting for the best possible outcome in your case. Don’t face this challenging time alone; contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you with your DUI case.