Tennessee DUI With Out-Of-State License

45 states across the U.S. have signed what is called the Driver’s License Compact. This document basically acts as an agreement between those states to report out-of-state DUI charges to the driver’s home state. Tennessee is NOT among those 45 states.

Although Tennessee is not a member of the Driver’s License Compact, your home state will probably still find out if you are arrested and charged with DUI while in the state of Tennessee, and vice-versa.

Can A Prior DUI That Occurred In Another State Be Used Against Me In A Tennessee DUI Case?

The short answer to this question is, yes, it can.

If you are facing a DUI charge in Tennessee and you have a prior DUI conviction from another state on your record, that conviction may be considered in your Tennessee DUI case. Although the arresting officer may not know of any prior DUI convictions, prosecuting attorneys may find out about any prior offenses and elevate the charges in your Tennessee case. However, Tennessee law does allow prior out-of-state DUI convictions to be challenged before being considered in the current case.

Penalties For DUI With An Out-Of-State License

If you are charged and convicted of DUI in Tennessee, you will face the same proceedings and penalties as any other Tennessee state license-holder. Again, just because Tennessee is not a member of the Driver’s License Compact does not mean that a Tennessee DUI conviction will not follow you home, causing further repercussions in your home state.

Although your defense attorney may handle some of the court proceedings while you are in your home state on bail, the judge will probably order you to be present for the trial, and may order your presence at the pre-trial hearings.

Although Tennessee officials may not confiscate a license from another state, they can suspend your Tennessee driving privileges—and probably will, if you are tried and convicted of DUI.

Quality DUI Representation In Tennessee

Attorney Marcos Garza exclusively practices DUI law and knows how to properly challenge any prior convictions from being considered in your Tennessee DUI case. If you have been charged with DUI in the state of Tennessee, don’t leave your case to chance—call the Garza Law Firm at (888) 680-7554 and put our experience and expertise to work for you.

Call (888) 680-7554 to schedule a free case consultation with the Garza Law Firm today.