Murfreesboro DUI Lawyer

Murfreesboro DUI Attorney

Facing a DUI charge can be a frightening experience. It can be filled with confusion and uncertainty about your future. Fortunately, you don’t have to handle the legal process by yourself. A Murfreesboro DUI lawyer at The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez can help you protect your rights and your record.

Why Choose the Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez?

The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez takes pride in our strong community roots within Murfreesboro. Our firm possesses thorough knowledge of the local legal landscape, which includes the specific practices of the Rutherford County General Sessions Court and the prosecution approach adopted by the District Attorney’s office.

Through our routine presence at the Murfreesboro courthouse, we have gained the experience necessary to customize defenses that meet the expectations of local judges and prosecutors.

We aim to assist you in overcoming this challenging phase while ensuring you can resume your life with minimal disturbance. We can work relentlessly to defend your personal freedom and maintain your reputation while preserving your peace of mind.

Understanding Tennessee DUI Laws

In Tennessee, as well as the rest of the United States, it is against the law to drive while under the influence of alcohol. A driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) level must not be 0.08% or higher. However, a driver may also be arrested and charged if impairment has affected their ability to drive, even if their BAC level is low. When someone is charged with a DUI, they may face severe consequences.

According to the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, there were 73,011 total alcohol-related crashes from 2013-2024. Rutherford County, where Murfreesboro is located, saw a total of 4,331 in this timeframe, with 248 in 2024.

A DUI charge can escalate, depending on the circumstances. Tennessee operates under implied consent. This means that you can receive an automatic license suspension if you decline a breath, blood, or urine test, regardless of whether you are convicted of a DUI or not.

Refusing a test for the first time results in a one-year license suspension. However, if you have multiple refusals or caused a crash that caused severe injury or death, it can result in greater penalties and longer suspensions.

Penalties for a DUI

When someone is convicted of a DUI, the penalties can be steep. Even a first-time DUI carries minimum penalties, such as:

• 48 hours to 11 months and 29 days in jail
• $350 to $1,500 in fines
• Mandatory attendance at a DUI education class
• License revocation for one year
• Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

Additional factors can increase the severity of penalties, such as driving with an abnormally high BAC level (typically more than twice the legal limit), causing an accident that results in injury or death, or driving with minors in the vehicle (especially very young children).

There are also collateral consequences of a DUI. Beyond the immediate and criminal penalties, there are other long-term and social consequences that affect a person’s life. Those with a criminal record are at risk of having difficulty securing housing, employment, professional licenses, and educational opportunities.

A DUI conviction can remain on your criminal record for the rest of your life. Typically, in Tennessee, there is no possibility of expungement unless the charge is dismissed or reduced. This is why having a strong defense is so vital.

If you must install an IID on your vehicle, this can be costly, as the driver usually must pay for its maintenance. This impacts a person’s finances and life.

Reduced Penalties

Due to the long-term nature of potential penalties for a DUI, building a strong defense as soon as possible is extremely important. Your criminal defense lawyer in Murfreesboro may try to fight for reduced penalties or a complete dismissal of your case. Some strategies they may pursue include:

• Disputing the traffic stop and its legality
• Proving medical conditions that can appear like intoxication
• Fighting for a “wet reckless” instead of a DUI conviction
• Seeking alternative sentencing, such as participation in the Rutherford County DUI Court Program

The Judicial Diversion Program in Tennessee lets first-time offenders maintain a clean record after they finish their probation period. Residents of Murfreesboro find diversion programs essential to maintain their jobs and reputations.

Contact The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez Today

If you have been charged with a DUI, do not delay in seeking legal assistance. It can make a major difference in your case. Contact The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez to begin fighting for your rights.