If you've been arrested for DUI in Nashville, you may be worried about losing your license, going to jail, or having a criminal conviction on your record. A DUI charge doesn't automatically mean you'll be convicted, and there may be ways to challenge the evidence or negotiate a resolution with the prosecution.
At The Law Offices of Amanda J. Gentry, we represent people facing DUI charges in Nashville, Davidson County, and surrounding Tennessee communities. Attorney Amanda J. Gentry reviews the circumstances of each arrest, explains the potential penalties, and works with clients to determine how to approach their defense.
Attorney Gentry was also named among Nashville's best DUI attorneys in the Nashville Scene's 2026 Best of Nashville Readers' Poll. You can read more about her recognition as one of Nashville's best DUI lawyers and what this honor means to our firm.
If you're facing a first-time DUI or have previous convictions, our team can review your charges and discuss what comes next. Schedule a confidential consultation or call to speak with our office about your case.
What Constitutes a DUI in Tennessee?
Under Tennessee Code § 55-10-401, you can be charged with driving under the influence if you're driving or in physical control of a vehicle in a location covered by the law while:
- Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, or 0.04% or higher when operating a commercial motor vehicle.
- You're under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, controlled substances, certain medications, or other intoxicating substances to the point that your ability to drive safely is impaired.
You don't necessarily have to be driving when the police approach you to face DUI charges. Tennessee law also addresses actual physical control of a vehicle, which means the circumstances of an arrest involving a parked vehicle can matter.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Tennessee?
A DUI conviction in Tennessee can result in mandatory jail time, fines, loss of driving privileges, and other requirements. The penalties generally increase with prior DUI convictions, and certain circumstances can lead to additional consequences.
First-Offense DUI in Tennessee
A first DUI conviction can result in:
- Jail: 48 hours to 11 months and 29 days, with a seven-day minimum for a BAC of 0.15% or higher.
- Fines: $350 to $1,500.
- License revocation: Generally one year.
- Other requirements: Possible ignition interlock requirements, substance abuse assessments, and other court-ordered conditions.
Even if you've never been arrested before, a first DUI conviction carries mandatory penalties. Our office can review the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, breath or blood test results, and other evidence to determine what defenses may be available.
Second-Offense DUI in Tennessee
A second DUI conviction carries more serious penalties, including:
- Jail: 45 days to 11 months and 29 days.
- Fines: $600 to $3,500.
- License revocation: Generally two years.
- Additional consequences: Possible vehicle forfeiture, ignition interlock requirements, and treatment-related conditions.
Third-Offense DUI in Tennessee
A third DUI conviction can result in:
- Jail: 120 days to 11 months and 29 days.
- Fines: $1,100 to $10,000.
- License revocation: A longer period determined by applicable Tennessee law and prior convictions.
- Additional requirements: Possible vehicle forfeiture, monitoring, and treatment conditions.
The number and timing of prior convictions can affect how a new DUI charge is handled. At The Law Offices of Amanda J. Gentry, we can review your criminal history alongside the current allegations to assess the penalties you're facing.
Is a DUI a Felony in Tennessee?
Most first, second, and third DUI offenses are misdemeanors, but a fourth DUI offense is generally charged as a felony. Fifth and subsequent DUI offenses can carry even more serious felony penalties.
Certain circumstances, including serious injuries or deaths connected to impaired driving, may also result in separate felony charges. If you're facing a felony DUI or related charge, our team can review the allegations and discuss how we can defend your case.
Can You Get a Restricted License After a DUI in Tennessee?
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a restricted driver's license after a DUI-related revocation. A restricted license may allow certain driving privileges while you complete the requirements imposed by the court and Tennessee law.
You may need to install an ignition interlock device and meet other eligibility requirements before driving. Our office can review your license situation and discuss whether a restricted license is available in your case.
What Is Tennessee's Implied Consent Law?
Tennessee's implied consent law addresses chemical testing when someone is lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusing a legally required breath or blood test can result in separate consequences for your driving privileges, even if you're not ultimately convicted of DUI.
Whether a test was legally requested, whether a warrant was required, and the circumstances of the refusal can all matter. If you refused testing during your arrest, we can review what happened and discuss the potential consequences.
Can DUI Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed in Nashville?
Some DUI cases may be resolved through reduced charges, dismissal, or negotiations with the district attorney's office. The available options depend on the evidence, your prior record, and the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
When reviewing a DUI case, our firm may examine:
- Whether the officer had a lawful reason to stop your vehicle.
- How field sobriety tests were administered.
- Whether breath or blood testing procedures were followed.
- Whether there are issues with the evidence or arrest procedures.
- Whether negotiations with the prosecution may be appropriate.
Not every DUI charge can be reduced or dismissed, and Tennessee law places restrictions on certain plea agreements. We'll discuss what the evidence shows and what options may be available before you make decisions about your case.
What Should You Do After a DUI Arrest in Nashville?
After a DUI arrest, you may have paperwork listing court dates, release conditions, or instructions related to your driving privileges. Missing a court appearance or failing to follow a condition of release can create additional issues.
Before your court date, you should:
- Keep all paperwork from your arrest and release.
- Write down what you remember about the traffic stop and testing.
- Save any photographs, messages, or other potentially relevant evidence.
- Follow the conditions of your release.
- Contact our office to discuss the charges and upcoming court proceedings.
You may also be wondering whether to complete an alcohol assessment or begin treatment before court. We can discuss whether taking those steps makes sense for your case rather than having you enroll in a program without knowing how it may affect your defense.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Amanda J. Gentry for DUI Defense?
When you work with The Law Offices of Amanda J. Gentry, our focus is on the specific circumstances of your arrest and the consequences you're facing. We can review the prosecution's evidence, identify potential defenses, communicate with prosecutors, and represent you throughout the court process.
We also recognize that clients have different priorities. Some are most concerned about jail time, while others are worried about losing their jobs, maintaining driving privileges, or the effect of a conviction on their records. We'll discuss those concerns as we evaluate how to approach your case.
Speak With Our Nashville DUI Lawyer About Your Case
If you've been arrested for DUI in Nashville or Davidson County, our team can review the charges, explain the potential penalties, and discuss your defense options. Whether this is your first offense or you're facing a repeat DUI charge, we can help you prepare for the next steps in the legal process.
Contact The Law Offices of Amanda J. Gentry or call to schedule a confidential consultation about your DUI case.
