Tennessee Criminal Lawyer Blog

Knoxville DUI attorneys understand the significance of a DUI charge in Tennessee. DUI laws in Tennessee and across the U.S. are constantly changing and everyone is vulnerable. When George W. Bush was thirty years old, he pleading guilty to a driving offense involving alcohol in Kennebunkport, Maine. In September of 1976, a police officer pulled Bush's car to the side of the road because Bush was driving too slowly after consuming a number of beers. His blood-alcohol content was determined to be 0.10, the legal limit at the time.

Bush simply paid a $150.00 fine and his driving privileges were suspended for one month in Maine. If the most powerful man in the western free-world got into trouble with drinking and driving, then so can your average American. Often, these crimes do not involve malice and are not of moral turpitude. Usually, the standard American simply makes a costly mistake. However, DUI penalties are very stiff in Tennessee and across the nation today.

The laws have changed significantly since the mid 1970’s. Special interests groups like M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) have successfully lobbied and harsher punishments have been enumerated for alcohol-related driving offenses. Publicly elected lawmakers are not likely to turn down legislation maintaining the safety of Tennessee’s roads. This is especially true considering who the legislation would be protecting if legislation is indeed turned down.

In spite of the harsh penalties and negativity associated with drunk drivers, there are ways one charged with an alcohol-related driving offense can fight back. If you are facing a charge of Driving Under the Influence in the Knoxville, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, or Gatlinburg area, it’s important for you to understand the long-term implications of a conviction. A Tennessee DUI Attorney can help you deal with your legal options and bring your situation to the best resolution possible for you and your family.