Davidson County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Davidson County, TN: Complete Guide

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Davidson County

Being arrested for DUI in Davidson County can be a disorienting experience. Unlike many counties, DUI processing here operates within the unique framework of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. This consolidated structure means understanding the distinct roles of the police and the Sheriff is crucial. This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you navigate the process, from getting out of jail to understanding your court dates and getting your car back. Because of concentrated police presence during shift overlaps, DUI enforcement is statistically more likely between 9:00 p.m. and 1:30 a.m., and again between 6:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. This guide will help you understand these nuances and take the right steps.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest in Davidson County, here's a general timeline of what to expect in the first 24 hours:

• Arrest and Transport: You'll likely be arrested by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) or the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP). Remember, the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) does not handle traffic stops or 911 calls.
• Booking at the Downtown Detention Center (DDC): You'll be transported to the Downtown Detention Center (DDC) located at 200 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37201. DUI arrestees are almost always taken into physical custody due to the public safety risk. You won’t be processed at the Citations Booking location at the A.A. Birch Building.
• Medical Screening: Before being formally booked, you'll undergo a medical screening by on-site nursing staff at the DDC. If your BAC is extremely high (often > 0.25% or 0.30%), or if you show signs of overdose or head trauma, you may be refused admission and taken to Nashville General Hospital for medical clearance. This "Medical Loop" can add 2-6 hours to the process.
• Booking Process: After medical clearance (if needed), you'll be formally booked, which involves fingerprinting, mugshots, and entering your information into the system.
• Pretrial Services Interview: You'll be interviewed by a Pretrial Services Officer located within the DDC booking room. They will verify your residence, employment, and family ties, and run a criminal history check to generate a risk assessment report for the Night Court Commissioner.
• Bail Determination: Based on the Pretrial report and the arresting officer's affidavit, the Judicial Commissioner will set your bail conditions.
• "Cooling Off" Hold: Tennessee law and local policy generally require a 12-hour hold, or until you are sober, even if bail is posted. DCSO staff may administer a portable breath test prior to release.

You will likely be allowed to make phone calls after the booking process is complete. This is your opportunity to contact family, friends, or an attorney.

Bail in Davidson County is increasingly determined by risk assessment rather than a fixed schedule. Your bail options will depend on the Commissioner's assessment of your risk of flight and danger to the community.

Critical Deadlines

• ALR Hearing Deadline: You have a limited time (usually 15 days) to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to contest the suspension of your driver's license.
• Court Appearance Dates: Your court date will be set at the time of booking or shortly thereafter. Make sure you have this date and time clearly documented. Missing your court date can have serious consequences.
• License Suspension Timeline: The length of your license suspension will depend on the specifics of your case and prior DUI convictions.

DUI Enforcement in Davidson County

DUI enforcement in Davidson County is influenced by the MNPD's shift patterns. The MNPD transitioned to a 4-day, 10.5-hour shift model, creating "high-density" enforcement windows. DUI enforcement is statistically more likely between 9:00 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. (overlap of Evening and Overnight details) and again between 6:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. (overlap of Overnight and Day details). The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) also maintains jurisdiction, particularly on interstates (I-40, I-65, I-24) and state highways like Briley Parkway.

Local Resources

• Davidson County Court Information:
• Main Office & Adult Division: 150 2nd Ave. N., Suite 400, Nashville, TN 37201, Phone: 615.862.5730
• Juvenile Division: 100 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37213, Phone: 615.862.5740
• County Clerk: Historic Metro Courthouse 1 Public Square Suite 204 Nashville, Tn 37201, Phone: 615-862-6050
• Bail Bondsmen: Numerous agencies operate 24/7 near the jail (e.g., All Knight Bonding).
• Nashville Community Bail Fund: 1623 Haynes Meade Cir, Nashville, TN. Phone: 615-455-1875 / info@nashvillebailfund.org. This non-profit assists indigent defendants who are unable to afford bail but are eligible for release.
• DUI Attorneys: (General info, no specific recommendations) A DUI attorney can help you understand your rights and navigate the legal process.
• Downtown Detention Center (DDC): 200 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37201. Mailing Address: PO Box 196383, Nashville, TN 37219-6383. Contact Phone: 615-862-8123.
• United Road Vehicle Management Solutions (UR VMS) Impound Lot: 1201 Freightliner Drive, Nashville, TN 37210. Phone: 615-862-7800.

What Makes Davidson County Different

Davidson County's DUI process has unique aspects:

• Consolidated Government: The consolidated city-county government (Metro Nashville) influences how DUI cases are handled, requiring an understanding of the division of authority between the MNPD and the DCSO.
• MNPD Shift Patterns: DUI enforcement is concentrated during MNPD shift overlap periods (9:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.).
• No Citation Booking for DUIs: DUI arrests always result in custodial booking at the DDC, not the citation window at the A.A. Birch Building.
• Medical Screening Loop: The strict medical screening at the DDC can significantly delay processing if medical clearance is required.
• Risk-Based Bail Assessment: Davidson County has moved away from fixed bail schedules, using risk assessment to determine bail conditions. Uncooperative defendants may inadvertently guarantee a secured financial bond.
• Shift Change "Blackout": Jail operations, including release processing, often pause during DCSO shift changes (around 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.), potentially delaying release even after bond is posted.
• Privatized Impound System: Vehicle impound is managed by United Road Vehicle Management Solutions (UR VMS), with standardized fees and protocols. Storage fees accrue at $55 per day, potentially leading to significant costs.

Remember that the DDC pauses release paperwork during shift changes around 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. If you post bail just before a shift change, your release might be delayed by an hour or more.