Author: Summers, Rufolo & Rodgers
First-time Tennessee DUI offenders face lifetime of consequences
A recent opinion piece in The Tennessean expressed frustration about the severity of Tennessee’s treatment of first-time DUI offenders. The concerns expressed are likely shared by many in the state who feel people deserve a second chance after making a mistake. The piece started out by criticizing a supposed deal cut by a Tennessee Congressman facing DUI
Tennessee Safety Commissioner Said DUI Laws Need Streamlining
This past Tuesday, Tennessee Safety Commissioner Bill Gibbons advocated for streamlining the state’s lengthy DUI laws. He explained that since lawmakers have routinely added to the laws throughout the past years, the result has been an overly complex patchwork of laws pertaining to Tennessee DUI offenses. “What we’re looking at is trying to possibly streamline
Do I Have to Take Standard Field Sobriety Tests?
Most people have probably heard about, seen or experienced the variety of tests police give to suspected drunk drivers to try to determine if individuals are impaired. These tests are collectively referred to as standard field sobriety tests (SFST). Many people may be surprised to learn that they may refuse an officer’s request to take
Feds Push for More Ignition Interlocks in DUI Cases
Several months ago, we discuss how an insurance group was advocating for wider use of ignition interlocks in DUI cases. Now federal officials have gotten involved in the issue, and are trying to entice states to adopt laws requiring even first-time drunk driving offenders to install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles. The administrator of
Tennessee’s DUI Law: More Than Automobiles and Alcohol
When most people think of a DUI they think of a person driving a car under the influence of alcohol. Tennessee’s DUI law, however, encompasses many more activities besides driving an automobile after drinking. A Tennessee man recently learned this the hard way. The 48-year-old man was charged with drunk driving after a deputy saw
“Scarlet Letter” Plates Becoming Popular DUI Punishment in Some States
Imagine that you have been convicted of a DUI. You serve a short jail sentence, pay a large fine, and your license is suspended. You have paid for your mistake and you are ready to move on with your life. But wait-you are now told that you must put a special license plate on your
Tennessee Police Start Enforcing “No Refusal” Law
Police began implementing a new impaired driving law over the holiday weekend. If a person is arrested for driving under the influence, the “No Refusal” law now permits police to obtain a search warrant for a blood sample upon showing probable cause. It is important to note law enforcement officers are still required to follow
Preliminary Hearing Not Important?
In previous articles, Summers and Wyatt have emphasized the absolute requirement of not waiving a preliminary hearing in General Sessions Court except in the most extraordinary circumstances. This is often inconvenient for the attorneys because the prosecutors usually try to get rid of all other cases before they have a hearing. For this reason, many
Advocates Call for Rehabilitation for Tennessee DUI Offenders
When a person is convicted of a crime some people feel the focus should be on punishing that person through fines and jail time. While sometimes this may be appropriate, many times treatment and rehabilitation are needed to get at the root cause of the problem, particularly with drug and alcohol offenses. With regard to DUI
Distracted Driving: Widespread Problem in Tennessee and Nationwide
The issue of distracted driving has been gaining a lot of attention recently. Despite increased awareness, however, numerous drivers continue to engage in this dangerous behavior. This has prompted actions by lawmakers and federal officials. Earlier this month Ray LaHood, the U.S. Transportation Secretary, released a proposal for addressing the problem of drivers using cell