What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Tennessee?

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Tennessee, you’re probably scared, confused, and wondering what happens next. The steps you take after a DUI arrest are critical — and early legal help can make a major difference.

Here’s what to expect after a DUI arrest in Middle Tennessee:

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1. Booking and Release

After your arrest, you’ll typically be taken to the local jail for booking — fingerprints, photos, paperwork.
You may be released:

• On bond

• On your own recognizance (O.R.)

• Or after posting bail, depending on the charge severity and your record.

2. First Court Appearance

In most cases, your first appearance will be in General Sessions Court within a few weeks of arrest.
At this hearing:

• You’ll be informed of the charges.

• Bond conditions may be reviewed.

• Discussions about case resolution (dismissal, reduction, diversion) can begin.

3. License Suspension (Implied Consent)

If you refused a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine), your driver's license may be suspended separately from the criminal case. You have a limited time to request a hearing to fight this suspension.

4. Case Evaluation and Defense Strategy

Every DUI case has potential defenses:

• Was the traffic stop legal?

• Were field sobriety tests administered properly?

• Was the breathalyzer or blood test reliable?

At Jacob Wilson Law, we carefully review every piece of evidence — challenging the state's case at every turn.

5. Possible Case Outcomes

Depending on the facts, possible resolutions include:

• Dismissal of charges

• Reduction to a lesser offense (like reckless driving)

• Pretrial diversion for first-time offenders

• Trial

Our goal is always to minimize the impact on your freedom, record, and future.

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Contact Jacob Wilson Law today.

A DUI arrest is serious — but it doesn’t have to define your future.
Early, aggressive defense can make all the difference. Call Jacob Wilson Law today for a free, confidential consultation.