Lewis County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Lewis, TN: Complete Guide

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Lewis

Being arrested for DUI in Lewis County, Tennessee can be a confusing and frightening experience. This guide is designed to provide you with immediate, practical information to help you navigate the process ahead. From understanding your rights to knowing your deadlines, we'll walk you through the critical steps you need to take after a DUI arrest in Lewis County. This information is intended for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with a qualified attorney.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The hours following a DUI arrest are crucial. Here's a timeline of what you can expect:

• Arrest and Field Sobriety Tests: After being pulled over and suspected of driving under the influence (DUI), the officer likely administered field sobriety tests (FSTs). Your performance on these tests, along with any breathalyzer or blood test results, will be used as evidence.
• Booking Process at Lewis Jail: Following your arrest, you will be taken to the Lewis County jail for booking. This process involves:
• Recording your personal information (name, address, etc.)
• Taking your fingerprints and mugshot
• Inventorying your belongings
• Potentially requiring you to change into jail clothing
• Making Phone Calls: You have the right to make a reasonable number of phone calls. Typically, you will be allowed to contact a lawyer and a family member or friend. Use this opportunity wisely. Contacting a lawyer should be your priority.
• Bail in Lewis County: Bail is the amount of money required to secure your release from jail pending your court appearance. The bail amount in Lewis County can vary depending on the circumstances of your arrest, your criminal history, and other factors. More information on bail is provided below, and you can find further resources on our dedicated
  bail page.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines in a DUI case can have serious consequences. Here are some important dates to keep in mind:

• ALR Hearing Deadline (Typically 15 Days): In Tennessee, you have a limited time (usually 15 days from the date of your arrest) to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. This hearing is separate from your criminal court case and deals specifically with the suspension of your driver's license. Missing this deadline means your license will automatically be suspended.
• Court Appearance Dates: You will receive a court date for your arraignment. This is your first appearance in court where you will be formally charged with DUI. It's crucial to appear on time and be prepared.
• License Suspension Timeline: The length of your license suspension depends on the specifics of your case, including whether it's your first offense and your blood alcohol content (BAC). The ALR hearing can affect the length of this suspension.

DUI Enforcement in Lewis

While specific DUI enforcement patterns can change, you should be aware that law enforcement in Lewis County actively patrols for impaired drivers. Be particularly cautious during weekends, holidays, and late-night hours. Remember that Tennessee's BAC limit is 0.08%.

Local Resources

Navigating the legal system in Lewis County requires access to local resources.

• Lewis Court Information: (Currently unavailable. Check back for updates.) We will update this section with the address and contact information for the Lewis County courthouse as soon as it is available.
• Bail Bondsmen in the Area: (General info) A quick online search for "bail bondsmen Lewis County TN" will provide you with a list of local bail bonds companies.
• DUI Attorneys: (General info) Finding a qualified DUI attorney is crucial to your defense. Look for attorneys with experience in Lewis County and a proven track record of success. Consider attorneys who offer free consultations.

What Makes Lewis Different

While Tennessee DUI laws are consistent statewide, there might be nuances in how they are applied in Lewis County.

• Unique Local Procedures: (Currently unavailable. Check back for updates.) We will update this section with any unique procedures specific to Lewis County as we gather more information.
• County-Specific Programs: (Currently unavailable. Check back for updates.) We will update this section with information about any county-specific programs related to DUI, such as diversion programs, as we gather more information.
• Typical Bail Amounts in This County: (Currently unavailable. Check back for updates.) We will update this section with typical bail amounts for DUI offenses in Lewis County as we gather more information.

Remember, this guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contacting a qualified DUI attorney is the best way to protect your rights and navigate the complexities of your DUI case in Lewis County, Tennessee.