In Tennessee, law enforcement officers cannot pull over a vehicle based on a simple hunch. State and federal constitutional protections require an officer to have reasonable suspicion before initiating a traffic stop. Grounds for initiating a DUI traffic stop A DUI...
A DUI arrest can be confusing when a driver believes they were not impaired. In Tennessee, DUI law covers driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, controlled substances, drugs or other substances that impair the ability to safely operate a vehicle. A breath...
Being stopped on suspicion of impaired driving can be a stressful experience. During these encounters, law enforcement officers often rely on field sobriety tests as part of their investigation. Many drivers are surprised to learn that these tests are not always as...
Facing a repeat driving under the influence (DUI) charge in Tennessee is a serious step beyond your first offense. The stakes are considerably higher and the repercussions can be far-reaching. Thus, understanding where you stand and knowing your rights is the first...
Yes, DUI checkpoints are legal in Tennessee. These are also often referred to as sobriety checkpoints. These differ substantially from traditional DUI traffic stops. In a normal stop, the police officer needs to have reasonable suspicion to pull over the car. Officers...
People accused of drunk driving may be arrested after causing crashes or swerving dangerously on a busy road. Others may face driving under the influence (DUI) charges when a traffic stop that began for a different reason leads to questions about alcohol consumption...
A traffic stop in Memphis, Tennessee can turn stressful when an officer asks you to perform field sobriety tests. These roadside tests feel informal, yet they play a major role in drunk driving charges. Understanding how they work helps explain why challenges arise...
Most people assume they cannot get a DUI if they are not driving. However, in Tennessee, that is not always the case. Under the state’s actual physical control (APC) doctrine (also used in most U.S. states), the police can charge you even if your car is not moving....
A driver in Tennessee is considered to be driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol when their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or more. This is the law for most drivers aged 21 years and above. The BAC limit for a driver under 21 years is 0.02%....
A person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is often the main factor considered in a DUI case in Tennessee. Technically, officers can arrest someone if they’re impaired, even if they’re under the legal limit, or if they are impaired by drugs, prescription medications...
