Montgomery County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Montgomery County, TN: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Montgomery County, Tennessee, can be a disorienting experience. With a significant military presence from Fort Campbell impacting local law enforcement and court procedures, navigating the legal system requires specific local knowledge. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what to expect, immediate steps to take, and critical resources available to you in Montgomery County. Given the county's unique demographics, including a large veteran population and a transient military community, specialized diversionary programs like the Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) may also be an option. This guide will help you understand the process and take the necessary steps to protect your rights.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Montgomery County

Following a DUI arrest in Montgomery County, you'll be taken into custody and transported to the Montgomery County Jail. The county operates as a unique jurisdictional entity largely defined by its symbiotic relationship with the Fort Campbell military installation. The county is home to a population of approximately 228,000 residents, positioning it as a rapidly growing hub in northern Tennessee. Clarksville, the county seat, ranks as the fifth-largest city in the state. Understanding the specific procedures and resources available in Montgomery County is crucial to navigating this challenging situation. This guide is designed to provide that understanding.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

• Initial Arrest: You'll be arrested by either the Clarksville Police Department (CPD), the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), or Austin Peay State University Police.
• Booking at Montgomery County Jail: All DUI arrestees are taken to the Montgomery County Jail located at 120 Commerce Street, Clarksville, TN 37040. The booking process can take several hours due to the high volume of intakes, especially on weekends. During this time, you'll be fingerprinted, photographed, and checked for outstanding warrants.
• Phone Calls: After booking, you'll be allowed to make phone calls. Inmate phone services are managed by Pay Tel Communications (1-800-729-8355, www.paytel.com).
• Bail Determination: Bail for a first-offense DUI in Montgomery County is typically set by a Judicial Commissioner (Magistrate), not a judge, shortly after booking. While the statutory cap for a clerk-set bond on a misdemeanor is nominally $1,000, DUI bonds frequently exceed this cap, settling in the $1,500 to $2,500 range.
• Release: You can be released from jail by paying the full bail amount in cash or by using a bail bondsman.

Critical Deadlines

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 10 business days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Missing this deadline will result in an automatic license suspension, regardless of the outcome of your criminal case. This is a critical deadline.
• Court Appearance: You will receive a notice for your first court appearance (arraignment).
• License Suspension: If you refused a breathalyzer test or your BAC was 0.08% or higher, your license will be suspended unless you successfully challenge the suspension at the ALR hearing.

DUI Enforcement in Montgomery County

DUI enforcement in Montgomery County is a priority for local law enforcement agencies. The presence of Fort Campbell and the resulting transient population contribute to the need for proactive DUI enforcement. While specific DUI checkpoint locations are not publicly available in advance, increased patrols are common during holidays and weekends.

Local Resources

• Montgomery County Jail: 120 Commerce Street, Clarksville, TN 37040. Public Contact: 931-648-0611. Email: soinfo@mcgtn.net.
• Montgomery County Court Information: Court phone: 301-279-8000 (non-emergency), 240-773-6411 (Vehicle Recovery Section). Court address: 305 Metropolitan Grove Road, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878 (Vehicle Recovery Section).
• Case search: http://circuitclerk.nashville.gov/general-sessions-dockets
• Bail Bondsmen: (General info - search online for "bail bondsmen clarksville tn")
• DUI Attorneys: (General info - search online for "dui attorney clarksville tn")
• Inmate Visitation Scheduling: (931) 542-5229 or 931-648-0615 ext. 13089. Visits are typically scheduled for Wednesday and Saturday OR Thursday and Sunday evenings, generally running from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

What Makes Montgomery County Different

Montgomery County has several unique aspects that impact DUI cases:

• Military Influence: The presence of Fort Campbell significantly influences the legal landscape. Many DUI defendants are active-duty military personnel or veterans, potentially subject to both civilian and military legal actions.
• Veterans Treatment Court (VTC): Due to the high veteran population, Montgomery County offers a Veterans Treatment Court, a specialized diversion program for veterans struggling with substance abuse related to their service.
• Typical Bail Amounts: While misdemeanor bonds are capped at $1,000, DUI bonds in Montgomery County typically range from $1,500 to $2,500, reflecting the seriousness with which the judiciary views DUI offenses.
• "Weekend Trap": If arrested on a Friday night, you may be held in jail until Monday because the vehicle release mechanisms at the CPD Records Division are closed over the weekend. This can lead to accumulating jail days and towing storage fees.
• Visitation Protocols: Visitation at the Montgomery County Jail is primarily conducted via video visitation. Walk-ins are not permitted, and appointments must be scheduled in advance. Call (931) 542-5229 or 931-648-0615 ext. 13089 to schedule.
• DMV Transition: The legacy DMV center on Dunbar Cave Road is being replaced by a new facility on Hornbuckle Road throughout 2025 and 2026. Be aware of potential service disruptions during this transition.

Remember, you only have 10 business days to request an ALR hearing. Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security immediately to preserve your right to challenge your license suspension.