Why Do I Need An Ignition Interlock Device If I Have Not Been Convicted Of DUI?
A new law in Tennessee requires some individuals arrested for DUI to install an ignition interlock device before their case has been resolved. This new law has many people wondering what exactly it means and how it will impact their DUI case. In this blog post, we will discuss the new ignition interlock law in […]
Can You Get A DUI On Delta-8 THC And Similar Products That Contain Below .3% THC In Tennessee?
With the passage of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, commonly referred to as the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and its derivatives like delta-8 THC became federally legal. As the use of hemp-derived cannabinoids continues to increase, so does the need for information about how they pertain to existing laws. Here at Barnes and Fersten Law […]
Implied Consent Law In Tennessee: Can You Refuse A Breathalyzer Or Blood Test?
It has become more important than ever to know what your rights are when you are pulled over by law enforcement. Implied consent laws state that by driving on Tennessee roads, you have implicitly agreed to submit to a breathalyzer test or other chemical test if asked by a police officer. However, an officer cannot […]
Medical Conditions That Can Be Mistaken For DUI
In evaluating a DUI case, it is important that an attorney be familiar with several medical conditions that can mimic impairment and lead to false arrests, or provide a defense to a DUI charge. The most common of these are diabetes, hypoglycemia, sleep apnea, and heart conditions. When combined with alcohol consumption (or in some […]
Facts On Field Sobriety Tests Your Attorney Should Know
You’re at an evening social gathering, having a nice time. You’ve had a few drinks, but you still feel completely in control of your faculties. You decide to leave the party and head home in your vehicle. As you turn the corner not far from the house, you see flashing police lights coming up the […]
Helpful Tips For Your Upcoming DUI Hearings Or Court Cases
We’ve all had momentary lapses in judgement or made uncharacteristic mistakes. In most cases, we learn from these mistakes and move on with our lives without any major repercussions. This is not, however, always true, for first time DUI offenders, who may find themselves facing serious charges. Fortunately, those who find themselves in this situation […]
How Can I Get A DUI Charge Expunged In Tennessee?
In Tennessee, it is possible for those who have been charged with certain criminal offenses to have the record of those crimes erased, or expunged. While certain records, like files at the prosecutor’s office and some police records won’t be destroyed, all public records of the charge will be destroyed. Not all offenses can be […]
How Much Money Will A DUI Arrest Cost Me?
Drunk driving is a serious criminal offense in Tennessee, and there are significant costs associated as well. It could cost you your driver’s license, your freedom, and a significant amount of money. You may be wondering what you can expect to pay after a DUI arrest. At the Barnes and Fersten Law Firm, we want […]
Does It Matter If I Was Barely Over The Legal Alcohol Limit?
DUIs are among the most common criminal charges filed in Knoxville. There is no question: Authorities take drunk driving seriously. The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) reports that 114 DUI citations were issued by its officers in Knox County in 2022. Other drivers were arrested for intoxicated driving by the Knoxville Police Department or the Knox County Sheriff’s […]
What To Know About Tennessee’s DUI Vehicle Forfeiture Laws
Tennessee takes drunk driving very seriously. According to data from the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), the law enforcement agency issues approximately 7,000 DUI citations each year. Local police departments make many thousands more DUI arrests. Even a first-time drunk driving offense can lead to serious criminal penalties. If you already have prior drunk driving convictions on […]
