Archive for December, 2012
Wishing You a Safe & Happy New Year
Posted by Sara Compher-Rice in Tennessee DUI Information, Tennessee DUI News on December 27th, 2012
The Knoxville Police Department has announced plans for a “New Year Holiday Enforcement Campaign.” The increased enforcement will focus on motorists who are speeding, following too closely or driving recklessly, as well as those who show signs of impaired driving (driving under the influence). More information about the KPD holiday enforcement plans can be found by clicking here. The increased patrols will begin at 4 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and conclude at midnight on New Year’s Day.
Should you or a loved one be arrested for DUI (driving under the influence) or related charges, the attorneys at Oberman & Rice are available to assist you. You may contact Steve and Sara 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.
Increased Roadway Patrols for Holiday Season
Posted by Sara Compher-Rice in Frequently Asked Questions, Legal Rights, Tennessee DUI Checkpoints, Tennessee DUI News on December 21st, 2012
For many, alcohol consumption is an integral part of holiday celebrations. As a result, law enforcement often increases patrols and enforcement for impaired drivers. In fact, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) has announced plans to “step up enforcement,” that includes “saturation patrols, bar and tavern checks, and driver license and sobriety checkpoints.” Please click here for more information on the 2012 THP Holiday Enforcement efforts.
If your holiday celebration includes alcohol consumption, it is important to understand how your consumption may impair your ability to drive. Oberman & Rice encourages you to celebrate safely and be certain to have a designated driver who is not drinking alcohol or taking any medications or drugs. 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 and you and your vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius at no cost.
It is also important that you know your rights, as well as Tennessee law relating to DUI. For instance, under certain circumstances, you may be arrested for DUI while in a parked vehicle, even if you have not driven the vehicle. Further, should you conclude that you are not too impaired to operate a vehicle, a law enforcement officer may reach a different conclusion. Should you be suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or another intoxicant, you may find yourself with questions relating to the 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.php for the detailed answers to these and many other frequently asked questions relating to a TN DUI traffic stop. Feel free to also call Steve or Sara with any questions at 865-249-7200.