Franklin County DUI/DWI Lawyer

Last updated on March 27, 2026

A DUI charge in Tennessee carries immediate consequences for your driving privileges, criminal record and insurance rates. A DUI lawyer reviews the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, and chemical test procedures to identify weaknesses in the state’s case and protect your rights during both administrative and criminal proceedings.

At Kessler Law, I take a strategic, detail-focused approach to DUI defense. I examine whether law enforcement followed proper protocols during your stop and arrest, and I work to minimize the impact on your license and your future.

What Happens During Traffic Stops And DUI Arrests

Law enforcement must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over, such as weaving, speeding or a traffic violation. Once stopped, officers look for signs of impairment like bloodshot eyes, slurred speech or the smell of alcohol. If the officer suspects impairment, you may be asked to perform field sobriety tests or submit to a preliminary breath test.

Refusal to submit to chemical testing after arrest triggers an automatic license suspension under Tennessee’s implied consent law. A DWI defense attorney evaluates whether the stop was lawful and whether officers had probable cause to make an arrest.

Field Sobriety And Chemical Testing Procedures

Field sobriety and chemical tests form the basis of most DUI prosecutions, but these procedures are not foolproof. A breathalyzer defense attorney examines testing methods and identifies errors that can weaken the state’s case.

Testing procedures include:

• Field sobriety tests: Officers use the horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk-and-turn and one-leg stand tests to assess impairment. These tests are subjective and can be affected by medical conditions, footwear, road conditions or nervousness.
• Breathalyzer tests: Breath testing devices must be properly calibrated and maintained according to state standards. A DWI defense attorney reviews whether the officer was trained to administer the test and whether the device was functioning correctly.
• Blood and urine tests: These tests require strict chain of custody procedures. Errors in sample collection, timing, storage or laboratory analysis can make results inadmissible in court.

A drunk driving defense lawyer challenges flawed testing procedures and works to suppress unreliable evidence that does not meet legal standards.

Answering Common Questions About DUI Charges

DUI cases involve criminal penalties and administrative actions that move on separate timelines. Below are concerns drivers frequently raise after being charged.

What penalties apply to a first-time DUI conviction?

A first-time DUI conviction in Tennessee carries a minimum 48-hour jail sentence, fines up to $1,500, mandatory alcohol education and a one-year license suspension. The court may allow restricted driving privileges for work or school after a waiting period. Higher blood alcohol levels or aggravating factors like a child in the vehicle increase penalties. A DUI lawyer explores diversion programs or reduced charges to avoid these consequences.

Can DUI charges be reduced or dismissed based on evidence issues?

Yes. If the traffic stop lacked reasonable suspicion, field sobriety tests were improperly administered or chemical tests were mishandled, the evidence may be suppressed. Without reliable evidence, prosecutors may reduce charges to reckless driving or dismiss the case entirely. DUI case representation focuses on identifying procedural errors and constitutional violations that weaken the state’s case.

How does a DUI affect driver’s license suspension timelines?

Tennessee’s Department of Safety suspends your license administratively within days of arrest if you refuse testing or fail a breath test. This suspension is separate from any criminal court action. You have a limited time to request a hearing to challenge the suspension. A DUI lawyer files the necessary paperwork and represents you at the administrative hearing to protect your driving privileges while the criminal case proceeds.

Pretrial DUI counseling and DUI evidence review are critical steps in building a defense. I focus on realistic case assessments and protecting your ability to drive and work.

Call Me To Discuss Your DUI Case ASAP

If you have been charged with DUI or DWI in Franklin County or surrounding counties, contact Kessler Law at 931-767-0707 or message me online. I provide direct guidance on DUI legal penalties, license defense strategy and how to move forward with your case.