Felony DUI Attorney in Nashville, Tennessee 

In 2022, according to statistics from the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, there were about 73,479 known-alcohol-related traffic crashes statewide. In Tennessee, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs may result in a DUI charge. Also, these charges can be upgraded to a felony if the defendant is a habitual offender or there are aggravating circumstances, such as having minor passengers during the arrest or causing severe injuries or death of another person. 

If you have been arrested and charged with a felony DUI in your area, hiring a seasoned Tennessee criminal defense attorney is imperative for reliable advocacy. At Moreland Law Firm, we're committed to handling criminal cases and protecting individuals charged with felony DUI from the worst possible punishments. Using our extensive knowledge, we will fight vigorously for your rights and help you achieve the best available outcome for your unique circumstances. 

Moreland Law Firm proudly serves clients across Nashville, Tennessee, and throughout all of Dickson, Franklin, Columbia, Murfreesboro, and Lebanon. 

DUI Charges in Tennessee

Under Tennessee law, motorists are prohibited from driving or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle: 

• While under the influence of any intoxicant, drug, marijuana, controlled substance, or any substance which significantly affects the central nervous system. 

• While having a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08% or more. 

Depending on the surrounding circumstances, a DUI offense may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. A reliable criminal defense attorney can analyze your case and help you understand the nature of your charges. 

What Makes a DUI a Felony

In most cases, a DUI is a misdemeanor in the state of Tennessee. However, there are certain aggravating circumstances that can make a drunk driving offense to be charged as a felony. These include: 

4th and Subsequent DUI 

A 4th and subsequent DUI conviction in Tennessee will be charged as a Class E felony. The defendant may face significant fines, lengthy imprisonment in state prison, and license revocation for eight years. The offender must attend mandatory alcohol and drug treatment programs. In extreme situations, the defendant's vehicle may be seized or forfeited.  

DUIs Involving Injuries or Death

Additionally, a drunk driving offense may also be upgraded to a felony charge if it leads to an accident that causes an injury to or the death of another person. You would then be charged with vehicular assault, a Class D Felony. In addition to facing vehicular assault or felony charges, the defendant (at-fault) party will also be held liable for injuries, damages, and accident-related losses sustained by the victim. 

DUIs With Children in the Car

A defendant may face felony DUI charges and severe penalties if they were arrested for drinking and driving while having their child or a minor passenger in the vehicle. The Tennessee Department of Children's Services may get involved, and you may be facing child endangerment charges. In such child endangerment cases, the DCS may carry out an investigation. If they believe that your child is in potential danger, they may remove your child from your care or home. 

Penalties of Felony DUIs

Some possible penalties and consequences of a Felony DUI in the state of Tennessee include: 

• Massive fines and court fees 

• Imprisonment in state prison 

• License suspension or revocation 

• Restitution to the victim (vehicular assault) 

• Community service 

• DUI probation 

• Mandatory ignition interlock device 

• Hardship license 

• Mandatory attendance at substance abuse or alcohol treatment program 

• Increased auto insurance premiums 

• A criminal record/history 

• Increased difficulty in getting public benefits 

• Loss of your rights to carry, own, or possess firearms 

• Loss of scholarships or university acceptance 

• Increased difficulty in getting accommodation or a new job 

• Loss of parental privileges and child custody rights 

• Ineligibility to obtain certain financial loans 

• Loss of voting rights 

• Deterioration of personal and professional relationships 

A reliable Tennessee felony DUI defense attorney can fight vigorously for your rights and help you avoid the far-reaching punishments of a conviction. 

Fight for Your Rights

Trying to defend your felony DUI charges or navigate the criminal justice system on your own is never advisable. If convicted of a felony DUI, you may face lengthy incarceration, hefty fines, a criminal record, license revocation, and other devastating life-altering consequences. Therefore, when facing felony DUI charges, you need to hire a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to help build your case. 

At Moreland Law Firm, we have the expertise and resources to represent and defend clients in their felony DUI cases. Using our broad legal understanding, we can help you navigate the Tennessee criminal justice system. Above all, our dedicated attorney will represent you vigorously at every stage of the legal process and do the best to prevent allegations that could ruin your life. 

Felony DUI Defense Attorney Serving Nashville, Tennessee 

Getting effective legal representation is crucial when facing felony DUI accusations. Contact us at Moreland Law Firm today to schedule a simple case assessment. Our skilled lawyer has the aggressive representation and reliable legal counsel you need to fight your charges. We're proud to serve clients throughout Nashville, Dickson, Franklin, Columbia, Murfreesboro, and Lebanon, Tennessee.