Clarksville Underage DUI Attorneys

Aggressive DUI Defense in Montgomery County

In Tennessee, a DUI charge is a very serious crime to be charged with. Even having one drink too many can lead to life-changing repercussions if convicted in criminal court. For underage defendants, a DUI conviction can be terrifying for young citizens who have their whole lives ahead of them.

To avoid the harsh criminal penalties of a DUI conviction in Tennessee, securing an aggressive defense from a qualified criminal defense attorney with sufficient knowledge, experience, and training in this particular area of criminal law is imperative. Although navigating a DUI case can entail complex nuances and legal intricacies, a skilled representative can defend your rights and guide your steps carefully throughout the criminal proceedings.

At Jeff Grimes & Associates, PLLC, our fierce Clarksville advocates have over 40 years of experience defending the rights of the accused throughout Montgomery County. If you’re facing underage DUI charges in Tennessee, turn to our firm for the swift and aggressive defense you require to clear your name, defend your freedom, and restore your hard-earned reputation.

Charged with a crime in Clarksville? Call (931) 398-5308 to schedule a consultation with a skilled defense lawyer in Tennessee.

What Is an Underage DUI in Tennessee?

A DUI offense (“driving under the influence”) is a criminal offense charged when an individual operates any motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. In Tennessee, this is determined by the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level, as a reading of 0.08% or higher can result in DUI charges. However, this BAC minimum does not apply to drivers under the legal drinking age of 21.

Tennessee has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. This means that for underage drivers, any trace of alcohol in their system, often revealed through chemical tests like breathalyzers, can result in an underage DUI. As you can imagine, this can put young defendants’ futures at serious risk, so it’s imperative to consult with a qualified DUI lawyer as soon as possible. A skilled attorney can fight for a fair trial while protecting your rights throughout the legal proceedings.

Legal Penalties for Underage DUIs

Underage DUIs carry serious consequences that can impact your future if convicted. While the exact penalties will vary depending on the circumstances, underage DUIs are generally punishable by:

• Driver's license suspension: A conviction can result in a suspension of your driver’s license for up to 1 year.
• Fines: Those convicted of underage DUIs may be required to pay up to $1,000 in fines.
• Alcohol education programs: If convicted of an underage DUI, the court may order you to complete an alcohol education program at your expense.
• Probation: Underage DUI offenders may be placed on probationary periods that require regular check-ins and compliance with specific conditions outlined by the court.
• Community service: The court can require underage DUI offenders to perform a certain amount of community service hours as part of their sentence.

7 Defenses Against Underage DUI

There are numerous ways to defend against underage DUI charges in criminal courts. However, the most effective strategy for your unique situation will depend on the specific factors of your case. It’s important to consult with a trusted attorney who can advise your legal steps wisely and determine an appropriate legal approach to employ on your behalf.

Below are 7 ways to defend against underage DUIs in Tennessee:

1. Challenging the traffic stop: Your attorney may investigate the circumstances surrounding the traffic stop to ensure it was lawful and based on reasonable suspicion or probable cause.
2. Questioning the validity of field sobriety tests: Field sobriety tests are not always accurate indicators of impairment, and your attorney may challenge their validity based on factors such as improper administration or external influences.
3. Disputing breathalyzer or chemical test results: Your attorney may analyze the procedures used during the administration of breathalyzer or chemical tests to determine if there were any inaccuracies or errors that could affect the reliability of the results.
4. Establishing lack of impairment: Your attorney may present evidence that challenges the prosecution's assertion that you were impaired at the time of driving, such as testimony from witnesses or expert opinions.
5. Negotiating a plea agreement: In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecution, which could result in reduced charges or lesser penalties. This strategy depends on the specific details of your case.
6. Seeking diversion programs: Your attorney may explore the possibility of entering a diversion program, which can provide an opportunity to complete alcohol education courses and community service while avoiding a conviction on your record.
7. Examining constitutional rights violations: Your attorney will scrutinize the actions of law enforcement throughout the arrest process to determine if any constitutional rights were violated, such as unlawful search and seizure or Miranda rights violations.

Fierce Defense in Clarksville & Beyond

Our Montgomery County attorneys have a wealth of experience navigating the criminal justice system, making us well-equipped to represent clients throughout Tennessee from all diverse walks of life. From drug crimes to robbery to money laundering, our determined defense lawyers have a proven track record of providing informed and dependable representation to the accused in Clarksville and the surrounding areas. Whether you simply weren’t thinking or made an honest mistake, our firm can fight to reduce or dismiss the charges you’re facing.

If you’re facing criminal charges, aggressive representation is a must. Contact us online to consult with a seasoned defense attorney in Montgomery County.