Brentwood is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, but Williamson County takes DUI enforcement seriously, and Tennessee ranks among the stricter states for DUI penalties. In 2024, over 19,000 people were arrested for DUI in the Volunteer State.
And if you plead guilty or are convicted, the penalties you'll face are stringent, even for a first offense:
First offense (Misdemeanor)
- Jail time: You'll spend at least 48 hours in jail with a maximum of 11 months, 29 days (Seven-day minimum if BAC ≥ 0.15%)
- Probation: Any part of the 11 months and 29 days not spent in jail will be spent on probation
- Driver's license suspension: Your license will be revoked for one year (a restricted license may be available)
- Fine: You'll have to pay between $350 and $1,500
- DUI school: The court may require alcohol/drug treatment
- An Ignition Interlock Device (IID) may be required
Second DUI (Misdemeanor)
- Jail time: You'll spend a minimum of 45 days in jail with a maximum of 11 months and 29 days
- Probation: Any part of the 11 months and 29 days not spent in jail will be spent on probation
- Driver's license suspension: Your license will be revoked for two years (a restricted license may be available)
- Fine: You'll pay between $600 and $3,500
- DUI school: Alcohol/drug treatment is required
- An IID is required for six months after reinstatement
- Possible vehicle seizure and restitution
Third DUI (Misdemeanor)
- Jail time: You'll spend a minimum of 120 days in jail with a maximum of 11 months, 29 days
- Probation: Any part of the 11 months and 29 days not spent in jail will be spent on probation
- Driver's license suspension: Your license will be revoked for six years (a restricted license may be available)
- Fine: You'll pay between $1,100 and $10,000
- DUI school: Alcohol/drug treatment is required
- An IID is required for six months after reinstatement
- Possible vehicle seizure and restitution
Fourth and Subsequent DUIs (Class E Felony)
- Jail time: You'll spend a minimum of 150 consecutive days in jail, with a maximum sentence of six years behind bars
- Driver's license suspension: Your license will be revoked for eight years (a restricted license may be available)
- Fine: You'll pay between $3,000 and $15,000
- DUI school: Alcohol/drug treatment is required
- An IID is required for six months after reinstatement
- Possible vehicle seizure and restitution
Aggravating Factors in Brentwood DUI Cases
Some circumstances will increase your charges or penalties:
Refusing to Submit to a Chemical Test
- First-time offenders: Your driver's license will be revoked for one additional year
- Second offenses: Your license will be revoked for two additional years
- DUI crash involving an injury: Your license will be revoked for two years
- DUI crash with death: Your license will be revoked for five years
Vehicular Assault
- If your DUI causes a "reckless" injury, the charge will be elevated to a Class D felony. Penalties include 2 to 12 years in jail, and a driver's license revocation of 1 to 5 years
DUI with Child Passenger (Under 18)
- This is a Class D felony charge if it involves a serious injury
- It is a Class B felony if someone is killed
- Alcohol/drug treatment will be required
Vehicular Homicide
- If someone dies due to your DUI, the charge is upgraded to a Class B felony. Penalties include between 8 and 30 years in prison, and your driver's license will be suspended for three to 10 years.
Aggravated Vehicular Assault with DUI
- This is a Class A felony. Penalties include prison time of 15 to 60 years, and your driver's license will be suspended for three to 10 years.
How We Beat DUIs in Brentwood
We aren't your typical law firm. We offer white-glove, hands-on service. We treat each client like family.
- Our senior attorneys will personally handle all critical aspects of your case
- Prompt, personalized communication
- Aggressive defense strategies tailored to your case
- Focus on mitigating penalties or securing dismissals
Our Brentwood team knows the nuances of Williamson County DUI enforcement. We leave no stone unturned, reviewing:
- Traffic stop legality
- Officer conduct and evidence handling
- Field sobriety and chemical test results
- Arrest video and dashcam footage
- Medical conditions, medications, or environmental factors that could impact sobriety assessments
We also prepare mitigation packages when necessary, including proof of employment, character references, and rehabilitation efforts, to persuade prosecutors toward reduced charges or diversion programs.
