Tennessee Fourth And Subsequent Offense DUI
If you have been convicted of three DUI offenses in the state of Tennessee, your fourth DUI conviction—and any subsequent DUI convictions thereafter—will be considered a Class E felony. Aside from carrying much stiffer penalties than misdemeanor DUI charges, a felony charge can have unalterable consequences that will follow you for the rest of your life.
Penalties Of Felony DUI
As with the second and third convictions, Tennessee law mandates increased minimum jail times, fines and additional penalties for felony DUI convictions. If you are found guilty of a fourth DUI in Tennessee, you will be fined a minimum of $3,000, and could be fined as much as $15,000.
The minimum jail sentence for a felony DUI charge is one year, 150 days of which must be served consecutively. Five months in jail is enough to substantially impact anyone’s professional and personal life. Under some circumstances, you could face as many as 6 years in prison.
Along with these penalties, you will be required to attend DUI School, and you will also be evaluated for drug and alcohol treatment. With a criminal record of multiple DUI offenses, you could also be labeled a Tennessee Habitual Motor Offender, which could leave you susceptible to further felony charges if you are caught operating a motor vehicle under any circumstances.
License-Related Penalties
With four or more DUI convictions, you can also expect to lose your license for eight years. You also may be subject to vehicle seizure, and a judge may order you to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. You will be responsible for any fees associated with the installation of the ignition interlock device.
It is important to note that the minimum penalties listed here are just that—minimum. A felony DUI conviction in Tennessee carries a maximum jail sentence of six years, a maximum fine of $15,000 and the possibility of losing your license for eight years or more.
Give Yourself A Fighting Chance
Aside from the severe fines and penalties associated with multiple DUI convictions, the stigma that comes with a felony charge can be debilitating. Carrying a felony conviction on your permanent record can cost you job opportunities and compromise your options in the future.
The Garza Law Firm understands the severity of a felony DUI conviction. If you are facing a DUI charge in Tennessee, call us today at (888) 680-7554 to schedule a free case consultation.
