Those who are convicted of drunk driving in Tennessee know how steep the penalties can be. Drunk driving is a serious offense that can lead to prison time, an ignition interlock device, license revocation, and high fines.
This past Thursday, the Tennessee Supreme Court made two rulings that will make it easier to arrest and convict those who are suspected of driving drunk. The Supreme Court made it legal for police to pull over a motorist who has crossed the roadway markings, no matter how briefly. In one case a woman was pulled over after her two right tires crossed the right white line. In the second case a man was pulled over after his car crossed a double yellow line on a curvy road.
Police are always on the lookout for those who choose to drive after drinking. If a person has been arrested for drunk driving, they may want to speak with a legal professional skilled in criminal defense. An attorney can examine all the evidence against their client and negotiate with the prosecution. There are many nuances to a drunk driving conviction that an attorney has the experience to navigate.
With legal changes impacting how easily police can pull over a driver suspected of driving drunk, it is even more important for those arrested for drunk driving to know their legal rights. Without a valid driver’s license, keeping a job and providing for a family can become impossible.
Source: timesfreepress.com, “Tennessee Supreme Court makes it easier to arrest, convict drunk drivers“, Feb. 11, 2016