Multiple DUI Attorney in Nashville

Being charged with a first DUI is nerve-wracking, but a second or third DUI raises the stakes significantly. In Tennessee, DUI penalties are already strict. If you are convicted of a repeat offense, the chances of receiving lesser consequences decrease. You may even face a felony conviction.

A charge for multiple DUIs should never be taken lightly. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence for the first, second, third, or even fourth time, you must take steps to get your case under control as soon as possible. Retain the strong legal representation you need to protect your rights and your future. At the Law Office of Lucas B. Willoughby, we are prepared to advocate for you in Nashville-Davidson and the surrounding communities.

Contact us at the Law Office of Lucas B. Willoughby at (615) 745-3434 today to schedule a free case evaluation with our multiple DUI attorney in Nashville-Davidson.

Penalties of Repeated DUI Convictions in TN

In Tennessee, a DUI is defined as operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or driving while under the influence of drugs. Tennessee law imposes harsh consequences for DUI convictions, and penalties increase substantially for repeat offenders.

The courts in Nashville-Davidson, including those at the Davidson County Courthouse, actively enforce DUI laws. Police and prosecutors in the region pursue these cases aggressively, making local knowledge and preparation crucial for anyone facing multiple DUI charges here. Repeat offenses are tracked within the county, and convictions from other Tennessee counties can impact sentencing in Nashville-Davidson.

These are the penalties for first, second, and third DUI offenses in Tennessee:

First DUI Offense

• Must serve a minimum sentence of 48 hours (less with a vehicle restricted ignition interlock device) – up to 11 months in jail
• License revocation for 1 year
• $350 to $1,500 in fines
• Attend DUI school

Second DUI Offense

• Must serve a minimum sentence of 45 days (may be less with a vehicle restricted ignition interlock device) – up to 11 months in jail
• License revocation for 2 years
• Community service for at least 24 hours
• $600 to $3,500 in fines
• Attend DUI school

Third DUI Offense

• Must serve a minimum sentence of 120 days (may be less with a vehicle restricted ignition interlock device) – up to 11 months in jail
• License revocation for 3 years
• Community service for at least 24 hours
• $1,100 to $10,000 in fines
• Attend DUI school

What To Do After a Multiple DUI Arrest in Nashville-Davidson

When Nashville-Davidson police arrest you for a second or multiple DUI, each step you take after your arrest can impact your case. Stay calm, respectful, and cooperative with law enforcement to help preserve your rights and avoid further charges. 

Provide only the required information and avoid offering explanations beyond what is necessary. If officers ask for a breath or blood test, remember that Tennessee’s implied consent laws mean refusing a test may result in automatic license suspension and complicate your defense significantly.

After the arrest, request legal representation as soon as you can. Early action with a multiple DUI attorney in Nashville-Davidson sets a positive tone for your defense. The local legal system moves quickly with DUI cases, and you may need to appear in Davidson County General Sessions Court soon after your arrest. 

Prepare your citation, alcohol assessment paperwork, and bond information for your legal team to review and use in planning your next steps. Courts may set bail, restrict your driving, and require an ignition interlock device before your case concludes.

The Legal Process for Multiple DUIs in Nashville

Facing multiple DUI charges in Nashville triggers a structured and increasingly strict legal process. Courts and prosecutors treat repeat offenses seriously, imposing harsher penalties and limiting negotiation options. From the moment of arrest through potential trial, each stage carries important deadlines and requirements that can significantly affect the outcome. 

A Nashville DUI attorney can help protect your rights, challenge evidence, and guide you through every step.

1. Arrest, booking, and chemical testing are completed before release on bond.
2. Arraignment follows shortly, where charges are read and a plea is entered.
3. Discovery allows your attorney to review police reports, videos, and chemical test procedures.
4. Administrative hearings with the Tennessee Department of Safety address license suspension.
5. Pretrial negotiations may occur, though options shrink with additional prior DUIs.
6. Motions hearings challenge issues like unlawful stops, improper testing, or rights violations.
7. If unresolved, the case proceeds to trial for a judge or jury decision.
8. Repeat offenses involve mandatory minimum jail time, longer license revocations, ignition interlock devices, and possible vehicle forfeiture.

Defending Against a Second or Multiple DUI Charge

Facing a second or subsequent DUI charge in Nashville-Davidson requires a strategic and detailed approach. Judges in Davidson County have a reputation for enforcing firm penalties, but every case brings unique circumstances that can shape the legal outcome. Working with a multiple DUI lawyer in Nashville-Davidson who knows the local courts allows you to build a more effective defense.

Since Tennessee law does not permit a reduction of the DUI charge, our firm’s strategy as a Nashville multiple DUI lawyer is relentlessly focused on finding a flaw that warrants a dismissal or a "Not Guilty" verdict at trial.

• Motion to Suppress Evidence: This is our most critical maneuver. We use our knowledge of police procedure and constitutional law to prove that the stop, arrest, or chemical test was performed illegally, resulting in the suppression of the State’s primary evidence.
• Challenging the Prior Offenses: As outlined above, if we can successfully challenge the constitutional validity of one or more prior convictions, we can potentially reduce a Third DUI to a Second, or a Second DUI to a First, eliminating or dramatically lowering the mandatory jail sentence.
• Jury Trial Expertise: If we cannot negotiate a dismissal based on legal motions, our firm has the trial expertise required to present a compelling defense to a jury. We focus on highlighting the scientific uncertainties of the BAC test and the subjective nature of the officer's impairment observations.

Nashville-Davidson residents may access alternative sentencing options, such as substance abuse treatment programs and supervised probation, especially for non-violent offenders willing to address underlying problems. 

Judges can weigh participation in these programs as a positive step, sometimes reducing penalties at sentencing. By understanding Davidson County’s process and using local resources, you and your 2nd DUI lawyer in Nashville-Davidson can build a plan that fits your situation and the expectation for accountability and recovery in the community.

How a Multiple DUI Attorney in Nashville-Davidson Can Help

Hiring a multiple DUI attorney in Nashville-Davidson provides insight into local legal practices and the local criminal court system. Attorneys familiar with Nashville-Davidson know the preferences of area prosecutors, courts, and probation offices—and they can advise you on how to present your case with the right documentation and preparation. This local background is valuable for clients facing tougher sentencing and stricter rules after a second or multiple DUI convictions.

Legal representation supports you through every stage of the case, helping you understand court procedures, penalties, and how to meet requirements like ignition interlock installation, alcohol monitoring, and court-ordered assessments. Your multiple DUI lawyer in Nashville-Davidson communicates directly and regularly, so you always know your legal standing and can make decisions with confidence. Good communication and access to updates can reduce some of the stress and confusion surrounding repeat DUI cases.

A 2nd DUI attorney in Nashville-Davidson can also discuss plea agreements, sentencing alternatives, and present your background to advocate for fair treatment before a judge. By tailoring each step to your needs and local court expectations, an attorney helps you protect your livelihood and navigate the legal process in your community. Law Office of Lucas B. Willoughby remains committed to affordable, open, compassionate service for clients throughout Davidson County, especially those with multiple DUI charges.

Why Choose Law Office of Lucas B. Willoughby?

When facing the certainty of mandatory jail time, you need an attorney who is ready to act immediately and aggressively. The Law Office of Lucas B. Willoughby provides the urgent, skilled defense required for multiple DUI charges in Nashville.

Our firm is designed to support clients through this high-stress legal battle:

• 24/7 Availability: We recognize the immediate need for legal counsel following an arrest. Our phone lines are open 24/7 to ensure you receive timely, crucial advice.
• Free Consultation: We offer a free consultation to thoroughly analyze your case, including the prior convictions, and explain the mandatory penalties you face under Tennessee law.

Don't let a prior mistake result in years of lost freedom. Secure the dedicated defense of a multiple DUI attorney in Nashville who is ready to fight for you around the clock.

A multiple DUI charge requires immediate defense. Call (615) 745-3434 or reach out online now for a free consultation with a dedicated multiple DUI attorney in Nashville. Our firm is available 24/7 to take your call.

FAQs

How long does a DUI stay on my record in Tennessee?

A DUI conviction remains on your criminal record permanently in Tennessee. This can affect employment, insurance rates, and future legal matters, especially for repeat offenses in Nashville-Davidson.

Will I lose my license automatically after a second DUI arrest?

In most cases, a second DUI charge leads to a license suspension. The court can also require you to install an ignition interlock device and place restrictions on your driving privileges during the court process.

Are there diversion or alternative sentencing programs for multiple DUIs in Davidson County?

Multiple DUI convictions limit eligibility for standard diversion programs. However, some offenders in Davidson County may still access court-approved substance abuse treatment as part of alternative sentencing, if the judge approves and the circumstances support it.