Allegations of driving under the influence (DUI) in Tennessee come with numerous possible penalties. A DUI could easily mean that someone has to serve jail time or pay significant fines to the state. However, the mandatory suspension or revocation of your driver’s license is also a likely penalty.
Losing your license could mean significant hardship. You may need to take public transportation or use rideshare services just to get to work. You could be at risk of losing your job if you can’t find a reliable way to get there on time every day.
How long might you need to go without a license after a DUI charge in Tennessee?
More previous offenses will mean bigger consequences
As with many other criminal charges, the penalties let someone faces for a DUI will increase when they have more infractions on their record. All of the penalties, including the period of revocation for your license, will increase with the number of DUI charges on your record.
A first offense will mean losing your license for a year, although there is an option for a restricted license during that suspension period. A second DUI doubles that penalty, meaning you would go without your license for two years. When you do get it back, Tennessee will require that you install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle for six months afterward.
A third DUI charge will mean the revocation of your license for six years. Anyone convicted of a fourth or subsequent DUI will face eight years of license revocation as a penalty. Repeat offenses also mean that the state could potentially seize your vehicle through asset forfeiture proceedings.
How do you regain your driving privileges?
Those subject to the revocation of their license for a DUI charge can potentially apply for a restricted license that allows them to drive. Often the restrictions may include the individual installing an IID in any vehicle they will drive. Other times, restrictions might include limiting when or where you can drive, such as to and from work.
Learning about the penalties that come from a DUI charge could be the incentive you need to defend yourself in court.
