Jonathan W. Turner, Attorney

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Put Proven Results On Your Side

Dickson County Criminal Defense DUI Lawyer Defending Your Future

A DUI charge in Dickson County can swiftly threaten to dismantle your life. It puts your livelihood at risk and jeopardizes your freedom to enjoy the rural spaces and natural beauty of our area. This charge is a serious threat, and your defense must be as tenacious as the history of iron production that built this community.

Jonathan W. Turner, Attorney, provides that essential defense. As a former prosecutor with nearly two decades of experience, Mr. Turner has already seen just about every move the state will make. He utilizes this unique advantage to become a relentless fighter for your future.

Navigating Driver Status And License Suspension

A DUI arrest immediately triggers two separate legal battles: the criminal case and the administrative license action. The important thing is for you to speak with a Dickson County criminal defense and DUI lawyer right away.

The state can move to suspend your driving privileges immediately if you refused a chemical test, due to Tennessee’s Implied Consent law. Mr. Turner can request an Administrative License Hearing on your behalf, but this request must be made within 10 business days of the arrest or notice of suspension to avoid waiving your right to challenge the suspension. This is a crucial opportunity to challenge the proposed suspension and protect your driving privilege while the criminal case is pending.

Tennessee law allows the judge to impose driving restrictions while your case is ongoing. Mr. Turner moves quickly to determine your eligibility for a restricted license, filing all necessary paperwork and advocating before the court to ensure any restrictions are as minimal as legally possible. This action aims to keep you on the road for work and essential needs.

The Escalating Consequences Of A DUI Conviction

Tennessee treats DUI offenses with escalating severity, imposing mandatory jail time and long-term license loss. Beyond the immediate court penalties, a conviction creates substantial financial burdens and could damage your professional reputation.

A first DUI conviction in Tennessee is generally not eligible for expungement, with a few exceptions, such as if the charges are reduced to lesser offenses (like reckless driving); also, a first conviction may be expunged after 20 years if the defendant has no other criminal convictions. A first DUI has mandated minimum penalties, including:

  • Mandatory jail time: A minimum of 48 hours, under the BAC threshold (below 0.15%)
  • Fines: Ranging from $350 to $1,500
  • License suspension: One year
  • Treatment: Required completion of an alcohol or drug treatment program.
  • Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Mandated installation on your vehicle for at least one year from the date of license reinstatement for most first DUI offenders found with BAC of 0.08% or higher or as ordered by the court; costs and maintenance is the responsibility of the driver
  • Aggravated BAC penalty: Minimum jail time increases to seven consecutive days if the blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.15% or higher (formerly 0.20% or higher).

Repeat offenders face drastically escalated and potentially life-altering consequences. A second conviction requires a minimum of 45 days in jail and a two-year license suspension. Fines can also reach up to $3,500, and the IID requirement can be extended up to at least one year.

A third conviction is even more severe. It escalates to a minimum of 120 days in jail, a six-year license suspension and fines reaching $10,000. Subsequent offenses are often charged as a Class E felony. This results in mandatory prison time and long-term loss of rights.

All convicted individuals will also face dramatically increased vehicle insurance rates.

Relentless Defense In The Charlotte Courthouse

Mr. Turner is prepared to challenge every piece of prosecution evidence – from the initial traffic stop to the chemical test – to fight for the dismissal or reduction you deserve. This includes meticulously reviewing the police report for indicators that the officer lacked reasonable suspicion to initiate the stop. Mr. Turner also looks for errors, such as whether field sobriety tests were conducted on improper surfaces or under confusing instructions.

When you choose Jonathan W. Turner, Attorney, as your DUI lawyer, you gain an advocate prepared to negotiate aggressively and, if necessary, take your case to trial. Choose a Dickson County criminal defense attorney whose record speaks for itself.

Start Your Dickson County DUI Defense

The stakes are too high to risk on an inexperienced attorney. Call 615-678-0029 or email the office of Mr. Turner to schedule your free initial consultation today.