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DUI in Nashvile, Now What?

Being charged with a DUI is a scary and stress situation that can leave you with many questions about where to go and what to expect. First, it is import to seek professional legal advice from a lawyer. The penalties for a DUI are stiff and a lawyer can help you get a lighter punishment or even get your case dismissed.

Of all the people charged with a DUI in Nashville each year, only 15 make it all the way to trail to have their case decided. Many cases are settled in a few months of the charge, while only a fourth to a third make it to court. The cases that make it to criminal court may take a year to be settled.
Your first court appearance is about a month after you have been charged. You first court appearance is called the Settlement Docket. On this day, up to 100 other defendants are appearing for court. This is when the court sorts through all the cases, settle some, and schedule others for their next court date. Many DUI's will move on to the next court date.

The next court date is your actual trail. Most DUI trails are settled at this point. If you do not have a skilled DUI lawyer at this point, you should consider getting one. Your trail will either be settled here or sent over to the Grand Jury.

In Nashville, less than 10 percent of cases make it criminal court on their first offense. Those receiving their second offense have a 25 percent chance of making it to criminal court. If sent to criminal court, it may take several months before the trail.

Those convicted of can receive harsh punishments. Those with their first offense may receive 25 hours in jail, the loss of your license for up to a year, probation, a fine, and safety school. You may also have to perform community service picking up garbage, and you will have to wear a vest that states you are a DUI offender.

Those receiving their second offense will have to spend 45 days in year, loss their driving privileges for two years, probation, a larger find, and safety school. The third offense gets even harsher. You would spend 120 days in jail, loss of license for 3 years, an even large fine, safety school, and treatment.

The best way to bet a DUI is simply to not drink and drive in Nashville, TN (or anywhere). It is dangerous and if caught, the punishment can be harsh. If you are charged with a DUI, it is advised that you receive legal counsel from a DUI lawyer in Nashville who understands the local laws.

About the Author

Nashville DUI Guide provides advice for those charged with a DUI in Nashville TN. Advice include information on laws and Nashville DUI lawyers.

Author Profile: seoonion

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