Archive for March, 2014
Have a Happy and Safe St. Patrick’s Day!
Posted by Sara Compher-Rice in Tennessee DUI Information, Tennessee DUI News on March 17th, 2014
Saint Patrick’s Day is often associated with the consumption of alcoholic beverages. If you are celebrating this holiday in such a manner, you should be careful to recognize that your alcohol consumption may impair your ability to drive. You may not realize that your own ability to know if you are impaired or under the influence may be affected by alcohol. The safe way to celebrate is to be certain you have a designated driver who is not drinking alcohol or taking any medications or drugs. If you even think you may be impaired, you should call a cab or get a ride with a friend. Be prepared with contact information for cab companies. AAA even offers a unique “Tow to Go” program as a last resort for impaired drivers. Subject to availability, a AAA tow truck will tow you and your vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius at no cost.
Even if you conclude that you are not too impaired to get behind the wheel, keep in mind that a law enforcement officer could reach a different conclusion. Should you be stopped and suspected of driving under the influence, you may find yourself with several questions relating to Tennessee DUI laws, such as:
- Am I required to take the field sobriety tests?
- Do I have a legal right to refuse a breath or blood test (chemical test)?
- Do I have a right to select between a blood or breath test?
- Do I have a right to consult with my lawyer prior to taking field sobriety tests or a chemical test?
- Do I have a right to obtain my own blood alcohol test?
We would encourage you to visit our website at http://www.tndui.com/faqs/faqs.html for the detailed answers to these and many other frequently asked questions relating to a DUI traffic stop.
Anyone arrested for DUI (driving under the influence), or another related charge, should immediately contact a Tennessee DUI Attorney familiar with Tennessee DUI laws. For more information about the crime of DUI or about Tennessee traffic violations, Steve and Sara are available by calling 865-249-7200.
Upcoming East Tennessee THP Checkpoints
Posted by Sara Compher-Rice in Tennessee DUI Checkpoints, Tennessee DUI News on March 12th, 2014
The Tennessee Highway Patrol plans to implement several checkpoints across East Tennessee in the next few weeks. Tennessee Highway Patrol regulations allow for several types of checkpoints. In addition to the commonly known Sobriety Checkpoints or DUI Roadblocks, Troopers may also establish roadblocks relating to Seatbelt and Driver’s License laws. Be aware that even at seatbelt and driver’s license checkpoints, an officer may still be looking for impaired drivers.
If an officer suspects a driver of Driving Under the Influence (DUI), the officer might ask the driver to perform a series of field sobriety tests. The officer may also request a chemical test, such as a breath or blood test. Motorists should be aware of their rights and the potential consequences of refusing these tests.
Anyone arrested for DUI, or another related charge, should immediately contact a Tennessee DUI Attorney familiar with Tennessee DUI laws. For more information about the crime of DUI or about your legal rights with respect to a Tennessee Highway Patrol checkpoint, Steve and Sara are available by calling 865-249-7200. You may also wish to visit www.tndui.com for more information about the offense of driving under the influence in Tennessee.
Date | County | Location | Type |
3/12/14 | Knox | SR 33 @ Loyston Road | Seatbelt Checkpoint |
3/14/14 | Union | SR 33 @ SR 61 | Sobriety Checkpoint |
3/14/14 | Roane | Pine Ridge Road Near RR Tracks | Driver’s License Checkpoint |
3/14/14 | Blount | SR 336 @ Blockhouse Road | Driver’s License Checkpoint |
3/15/14 | Anderson | Sulphur Springs @ Laurel Road | Driver’s License Checkpoint |
3/16/14 | Anderson | Red Hill @ Park Lane | Driver’s License Checkpoint |
3/17/14 | Blount | SR 333 @ George Creek Boat Ramp | Sobriety Checkpoint |
3/19/14 | Loudon | I-75 North TH 76 MM Off Ramp | Seatbelt Checkpoint |
3/19/14 | Monroe | SR 322 @ I-75 S/B Exit Ramp | Seatbelt Checkpoint |
3/20/14 | Loudon | I-75 South 76 MM Off Ramp | Seatbelt Checkpoint |
3/20/14 | Monroe | SR 68 @ I-75 S/B Exit Ramp | Seatbelt Checkpoint |
3/21/14 | Roane | Highway 58 @ New Bridge | Seatbelt Checkpoint |
3/21/14 | Campbell | US 25 W @ Dog Creek Road | Seatbelt Checkpoint |
3/24/14 | Monroe | SR 369 @ Ballplay Road | DL |
3/26/14 | Union | Loyston Road @ Raccoon Valley Road | Seatbelt |
3/26/14 | Sevier | New Era Road @ South New Era Road | DL |
4/04/14 | Knox | West Emory Road @ Carpenter Road | Seatbelt |
4/25/14 | Knox | West Emory Road @ Gill Road | Sobriety |