Can You Get A DUI For Sleeping In Your Car?
Imagine this: you’ve had a few too many drinks during a night out with friends, and you make the responsible decision not to drive home. Instead, you decide to sleep in your car, thinking it’s a safe way to avoid a DUI. To your surprise, you wake up to a knock on your window from […]
Cinco de Mayo and DUI Charges in Tennessee: Celebrate Responsibly
Cinco de Mayo is a time to celebrate culture, community, and history—but it’s also become one of the biggest days of the year for alcohol-related arrests, especially DUIs. Across Tennessee, law enforcement agencies increase patrols, set up sobriety checkpoints, and stay on high alert for impaired drivers. At Barnes & Fersten, we want you to […]
How to Get a DUI Dismissed in Tennessee
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a criminal offense with far-reaching consequences. Understandably, then, you’re probably feeling stressed and worried if you’re facing charges. But did you know that it’s absolutely possible to challenge the accusations? Don’t just accept DUI charges, even if you fail a fail sobriety test or had a high BAC. Even […]
What to Do If You’re Pulled Over for DUI in Tennessee
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, fines, and license suspension. Knowing what to do if you’re pulled over for DUI in Tennessee is crucial to protecting your rights and potentially reducing the impact on your life. In this blog, we’ll walk you through […]
DUI While on Vacation in Tennessee: What Out-of-State Visitors Need to Know
Every year, millions of tourists are drawn to Tennessee’s captivating destinations, such as the charming mountain town of Gatlinburg, the vibrant attractions of Pigeon Forge, and exhilarating University of Tennessee football games. While most visitors enjoy their time in the Volunteer State, some may unexpectedly face legal challenges, such as a DUI charge. In this […]
Federal DUI vs. State DUI: Differences and Consequences
Imagine a picturesque vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you and your friends enjoy a day of exploration and relaxation. The day comes to an end, and you decide to drive back to your lodging, unaware that the drinks you had earlier have put you over the legal limit. Before you know […]
What To Do After a DUI Arrest in Knoxville, Tennessee
The flashing lights in your rearview mirror have led to a DUI arrest, and now you’re left wondering how to navigate the legal system. Your mind races with questions about what comes next and how to handle the situation. Fear not–we’ve got you covered. In this blog, we outline the essential steps to take after […]
Personal Contact and the Importance of Challenging Evidence
After discussing the first phase of DUI investigations – the “vehicle in motion” phase – in our previous blog post, it’s time to delve into the second phase: the “personal contact” phase. In this phase, the police officer makes face-to-face contact with the driver to gather further evidence of impairment. This is a critical stage […]
3 Exceptions to Reasonable Suspicion for DUI Traffic Stops
Last week’s blog discussed how an officer generally needs reasonable suspicion to conduct a traffic stop in a DUI case. Without reasonable suspicion that the motorist committed a traffic offense, a police officer usually does not have a legal justification for a traffic stop. However, there are a few exceptions to the reasonable suspicion requirement […]
DUI Investigations: The Vehicle In Motion Phase
When it comes to DUI investigations, the first aspect that law enforcement officers focus on is called the “vehicle in motion” phase. This occurs while an officer is observing a driver on the road that they suspect of driving impaired, and involves looking for signs of intoxication such as weaving, swerving, or driving at inconsistent […]
