Tennessee Adopts Two New DUI Laws in 2014

12 Aug Tennessee Adopts Two New DUI Laws in 2014

Driving under the influence of alcohol is serious business in Tennessee. Not only are those who are behind the wheel affected. Their families are often affected as well because individuals can serve significant time in jail for DUI offenses.

With this in mind, legal representation is key when it comes to DUI matters, as there are several offenses for which people can be charged.

DUI offenses range from Violation of Implied Consent and Refusal to Submit to Blood Alcohol Information, which are misdemeanors, to four-time repeat offenders, whose conviction would be considered a Class E Felony and may contain up to one year of jail time.

More serious DUI offenses also include Child Endangerment, Vehicular Homicide, and Aggravated Vehicular Assault, all of which may occur while driving intoxicated.

In the state of Tennessee, two new laws were adopted this summer that involve the aforementioned topics.

Amelia’s Law
The first new DUI law in Tennessee is named after Maryville’s Amelia Keown, who was killed in a collision by a repeat DUI offender. Under this law, it is possible for any drug/alcohol offender to be monitored daily with a transdermal monitoring device.

DUI Recidivism Reduction Act
The second new DUI law in Tennessee gives the court power to sentence second and third time DUI offenders to substance abuse treatment after serving a designated period of time in jail. This law could ease the overcrowding in jails as drunk drivers are sometimes grouped in the “non-violent” class.

While there are many scenarios that pertain to DUI law, the one constant that remains the same is that sound representation is crucial to all parties involved in a DUI case.