Drunk driving fatalities have fallen over 30% in the last 30 years, but a DUI is as serious as ever. DUI accidents claim over 10,000 lives per year and cost more than $44 billion in damages. If you find yourself facing a harsh sentence for a lapse in judgment, a Jungers Law Firm attorney in Nashville is here to assist you.
If you've been charged with a felony of any kind, then you can understand that it is serious. But if you are actually convicted, the consequences of prison time are severe and you’ll have a felony record if you are able to be released from prison. The good news, is that you do have the legal right to defend yourself in court for a felony, which is why retaining a seasoned felony lawyer in Nashville is so important. The closer you obtain a felony attorney following your arrest, the better.
At Jungers Law Firm, our attorneys understand how the lives of a convicted felon are influenced. That is why our goal is to be able to rid your name, or at the very least have your charges reduced. We build a compelling case that favors you - aiming at getting you the best possible outcome.
There are 5 classes of felonies: Classes A through E. A is the most serious felony and E is the least serious one. Below, you will see more detail about the types of crimes that are associated with each felony and the penalties that are associated when convicted:
Getting charged with a Class A felony is the most serious felony in Nashville. It is imperative that you seek legal help and find an experienced criminal defense attorney in Tennessee for this classification of crime. If you are convicted, you could face life imprisonment, up to $50,000 in fines, or even a death sentence. Aggravated rape and murder are 2 examples of crimes that would be classified under a Class A felony charge.
A Class B felony charge is the second highest classification of a felony. You can go to prison for a period of eight to 30 years and you can pay up $25,000 worth of fines. Two examples of Class B felony convictions are Schedule I controlled substance charges and sexual acts involving a child.
The third worst felony is a Class C charge. The two most common examples are theft from $10k to $60k worth of property and aggravated assault. If you are convicted, you could spend three to 15 years in prison and pay up to $10k in fines.
The most common Class D felony in Nashville is the intent to distribute between ten to 70 pounds of marijuana, if it is in your possession, with the intent to sell. This type of charge will get you sent to prison for two to 12 years, and the fines will be up to $5,000.
The least severe type of felony you can be charged with is a Class E felony. Drug crimes and theft are the most common examples of a Class E felony and you could pay up to $3,000 and spend one to six years in prison, if convicted.
Contact us today to speak to an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney.
Tennessee law states that drivers must maintain a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) below 0.08 percent. Individuals under the age of 21 must have a BAC below 0.02 percent. If an officer suspects you are over the legal limit, they will pull you over, perform different tests, and detain you.
The most common test is a Standardized Field Sobriety Test. It comes in three parts: the horizontal gaze nystagmus, walking and turning, and standing on one leg. If you fail these tasks, the officer will read your rights and offer to perform a breathalyzer test.
Drunk driving leads to a loss of driving privileges. For instance, if you fail the breathalyzer, you cannot drive for at least one year because you broke Tennessee's Implied Consent Law. Other potential penalties for your first DUI include:
The penalties only get harsher for repeat offenders. The minimum jail time extends to 45 days, and the mandatory fine jumps from $600 to $3,500 for a second DUI. Individuals may also lose possession of their car and be required to pay restitution for financial loss, property damage, or personal injury.
A DUI attorney helps you navigate the legal system and avoid the harshest penalties. They walk you through each step and ensure the process goes smoothly. Their primary responsibility is preparing you for court, so you understand what to expect during your appearance.
They’ll handle all the paperwork and details, so you don't have to. That includes obtaining SR-22 auto insurance and filing documents with the local DMV. Your attorney may recommend taking an alcohol safety class or entering a treatment program to get ahead of potential penalties.
Private representation lets your DUI attorney handle most of the necessary court appearances for you. That way, you can reduce your time in court and avoid missing work. Another advantage of a DUI attorney is you get more one-on-one time receiving counsel than you would with a public defender.
While it’s tempting to defend yourself in a DUI case, it’s rarely a good idea. Let our skilled DUI attorneys in Nashville handle your case. We have the skill and legal knowledge you need. Contact us for a consultation today.