Murfreesboro Felony DUI Defense Team
A felony DUI charge carries jail time and expensive fines
In Tennessee, a DUI charge is classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances leading to the arrest. The first three times a driver is charged with DUI will be classified as misdemeanor charges. However, with a fourth charge, or in situations where injuries occur, the charge is upgraded to a felony. At Taylor Law Group, our felony DUI defense team have the experience and expertise needed to protect your legal rights after you have been charged.
Felony classifications
In Tennessee, felonies fall into five different classes: A, B, C, D, and E. Felonies are punishable by at least one year in prison. Class A felonies are the most serious felonies, and Class E felonies are the least serious.
Felony DUI in Tennessee
- A fourth offense: Under the laws of Tennessee, a fourth or subsequent DUI offense is a Class E felony. The charge carries hefty penalties with it, including a year of jail time with a minimum of 150 consecutive days served and up to a $15,000 fine. In addition, the offender's license may be revoked for up to eight years, and the offender may have to complete an alcohol and drug treatment program and install an Ignition Interlock Device on his or her vehicle.
- Vehicular assault: A charge of vehicular assault results when a person driving under the influence causes serious injury to another individual. It is a Class D felony. Depending on the number of prior DUI offenses a driver may have, the driver's license may be revoked for a period of between one and five years. Jail time of two to twelve years is also possible. A charge of vehicular assault may be appropriate where a passenger was severely injured, or individuals in another vehicle were hurt due to the driver being under the influence.
- Aggravated vehicular assault while driving intoxicated: Aggravated vehicular assault while driving intoxicated is a Class A felony. It is appropriate if a driver has two or more prior DUI convictions or vehicular assault convictions, or any combination of the two. It is also appropriate if the driver has a prior vehicular homicide conviction. Finally, if the driver has a blood alcohol level of .20 or greater and has a prior DUI or vehicular assault conviction, a charge of aggravated vehicular assault while driving intoxicated may be appropriate.
- Child endangerment: If a driver is arrested for driving under the influence with a passenger under eighteen years of age in the vehicle, he or she may be charged with child endangerment, which is a Class D felony if the child suffers a serious injury. If a child is killed, it is a Class B felony. This charge carries a jail sentence of two to twelve years if a child is injured, and eight to thirty years if a child is killed. The driver's license will be revoked as well.
- Vehicular homicide: Vehicular homicide is a Class B felony. A driver is charged with vehicular homicide if he or she causes a fatal crash while driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 or more. The driver's license will be revoked for a period of between three and ten years.
Do not delay in seeking legal protection from our skilled Murfreesboro DUI defense team after a felony DUI charge
After a felony DUI charge, every minute that passes without legal representation can cause serious harm to your case and your defense. At Taylor Law Group, our Murfreesboro DUI defense team is skilled in acting quickly to protect your rights after you have been charged. We offer a free consultation so that we may discuss your legal rights with you. To set up your free consultation, call us at 615-890-1982 or contact us online.