Articles Posted in DUI Defense

Introduction You’ve been pulled over, put through a series of stressful roadside tests, and placed in handcuffs for suspicion of DUI. As the officer drives you to the police station or county jail, they hand you a laminated sheet of paper filled with dense legal fine print and say: “I need you to sign this…

Introduction You’ve had a few drinks at a restaurant or bar. Knowing you aren’t in shape to drive, you make what feels like the most responsible choice possible: you walk out to your car, climb into the seat, turn on the heater or radio, and decide to sleep it off until morning. An hour later,…

Introduction You’ve had a few drinks with friends on Broadway in Nashville, Beale Street in Memphis, or near Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. You know better than to drive, so you do the responsible thing: you call an Uber, walk, or sit quietly on a bench waiting for a ride. Suddenly, an officer approaches you, asks…

Introduction You’ve been pulled over late at night. After asking for your driver’s license and registration, the officer leans into your window, looks you in the eye, and says: “I need you to step out of the car and perform a few quick agility tests for me.” Your stomach drops. You know that performing acrobatic balance…

Introduction You’re driving home late on a weekend night, round a curve, and suddenly see a sea of flashing blue lights, orange cones, and reflective vests. It’s a police roadblock. Your first thought is probably: “Wait a minute. How is this legal? Under the Fourth Amendment, don’t police need a reason to pull me over?” It’s a…

Introduction You’re driving home late on a weekend night, round a curve, and suddenly see a sea of flashing blue lights, orange cones, and reflective vests. It’s a police roadblock. Your first thought is probably: Wait a minute. How is this legal? Under the Fourth Amendment, don’t police need a reason to pull me over?…

Introduction We’ve all seen it in the movies: a group of friends heading out for a night on the town, cracking open beers in the backseat while one responsible designated driver handles the wheel. If you tried that in states like California, Florida, or New York, everyone in the car would get hit with an…

Introduction For years, drivers pulled over under suspicion of a DUI in Tennessee had a strategic choice. If an officer asked for a blood sample, you could refuse. Sure, you would violate the “Implied Consent” law and lose your license for a year, but it kept the ultimate piece of evidence—your actual blood alcohol level—out…

Introduction You see the flashing blue lights in your rearview mirror. Your heart drops. After a few standard questions, the officer asks you to step out of the car and says, “I need you to blow into this tube.” Panic sets in. If you refuse, do you automatically lose your license? If you agree, are…

Introduction You’re pulled over. The officer asks you to take a breath test. What happens if you refuse? Many people believe refusing a breathalyzer protects them. In Tennessee, that decision comes with serious consequences — and recent changes have made it even more important to understand. The Short Answer If you refuse a breath test…