Second Offense DUI in Franklin
Repeat DUI Defense Informed by Former Prosecutorial Experience
A second or subsequent DUI arrest can put your liberty and driving privileges at risk. Our criminal-defense attorneys handle multiple DUI offenses and examine how your prior record, the current evidence, license issues, and Tennessee sentencing rules interact.
The offense level isn’t determined by the arrest label alone. The prosecution must rely on legally recognized prior convictions, while the current charge still depends on the traffic stop, testing, officer observations, and other evidence.
Call (615) 933-2366 to discuss your current charge, prior DUI history, court obligations, and license concerns with our attorneys.
Tennessee Penalties for a Second or Subsequent DUI
Tennessee DUI penalties become more severe with each qualifying conviction. The precise exposure can depend on the recognized prior record, the facts of the current case, sentencing decisions, and the law in effect when the offense occurred.
Potential consequences under Tennessee’s current penalty structure include:
- Second offense: A conviction carries 45 days to 11 months and 29 days in jail, fines from $600 to $3,500, and a two-year license revocation. The vehicle may also be subject to seizure and forfeiture.
- Third offense: A conviction carries 120 days to 11 months and 29 days in jail, fines from $1,100 to $10,000, and a multi-year license revocation.
- Fourth or subsequent offense: A conviction is a Class E felony and carries at least 150 days of incarceration under the state penalty summary.
Repeat convictions may also require alcohol or drug assessment and treatment. Some drivers may need to use an ignition interlock device and comply with the state’s monitoring requirements.
What We Examine in a Repeat DUI Case
We review both the new allegations and the records used to establish the prior offense. We can also explain the applicable sentencing structure and help you evaluate any plea offer from the prosecution.
Important areas for review may include:
- The traffic stop: Whether the officer had a lawful basis to stop the vehicle and extend the encounter.
- Field sobriety tests: How the tests were administered, demonstrated, observed, and interpreted.
- Blood and breath testing: How a sample was collected, handled, analyzed, and documented.
- Implied-consent issues: Whether the rules governing requested chemical testing and the consequences of an alleged refusal were properly applied.
- Prior convictions: Which records the prosecution relies on and whether they legally support the alleged offense level.
- Recorded evidence: What body-camera footage, dashboard video, reports, and witness accounts show about the encounter.
An alleged refusal or a license-related proceeding may raise issues separate from the criminal prosecution. We evaluate those concerns alongside the pending charge rather than treating the case as a single court date.
What to Expect After a Repeat DUI Arrest in Franklin
Many local criminal cases begin in Williamson County General Sessions Court, which conducts hearings, issues warrants, sets bonds, and handles traffic matters. Depending on the charge and procedural posture, the case may involve bond conditions, arraignment, negotiations, motions, hearings, sentencing, or trial preparation. We also track related license deadlines and testing notices that may require separate action.
Former Prosecutorial Experience for Your Defense
Attorney Mark L. Puryear III has more than 31 years of legal experience and previously served as an Assistant District Attorney in Tennessee’s 21st Judicial District. He has handled jury trials involving DUI and other criminal charges, and his private practice is devoted entirely to criminal law.
Our firm has served clients in Franklin, Nashville, and throughout Middle Tennessee since 1997. Across our practice areas, our attorneys bring more than 100 years of combined legal experience and provide professional, ethical, and client-focused representation.
Discuss Your Second Offense DUI With Our Attorneys
Bring your arrest date, charging documents, prior DUI information, upcoming court date, and any notice involving your license or chemical testing. We can review how your record and the current evidence affect the charge, then explain the legal options available at this stage.
Contact Puryear, Newman & Morton, PLLC by calling (615) 933-2366 or using our online contact form to discuss your case.
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At least one spouse must have lived in Tennessee for at least 6 months prior to filing for divorce.
