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If you have been charged with a Tennessee DUI there are two things
that you need to consider:
1) Take the charge seriously.
A conviction for a Tennessee DUI will have long lasting consequences.
A criminal record can affect your employment, your future and your
personal freedom.
2) Hire an experienced Tennessee DUI Lawyer.
Understanding the Tennessee DUI laws and courtroom proceedings can be
a challenge. Hiring a qualified Tennessee DUI Lawyer from DUILaws.com
who focuses on DUI defense can make a difference in the outcome of your
case.
The Tennessee DUI Defense Lawyers at DUILaws.com offer an initial review of your case. Your inquiry is both free and confidential.
To begin fighting your Tennessee DUI, use the drop-down menu above to locate a Tennessee Attorney in your county. But do it now, as time is very critical in a Tennessee DUI case.
Tennessee DUI Laws and Drunk Driving Information
If you are arrested for a Tennessee DUI you face many difficulties.
When the police officer pulls you over because he thinks you are
driving drunk, he will usually ask you to submit to various field
sobriety tests. Tennessee is an implied consent state. This means that
any person driving a vehicle in the state of Tennessee gives consent to
a chemical test to determine that person’s Blood Alcohol Concentration
(BAC). If you fail this test with a .08 or above or you refuse to take
the test at all, you will automatically face an Implied Consent
Violation and ultimately a driver’s license revocation. The punishment
for the Implied Consent Violation varies depending on each case. Having
a qualified Tennessee DUI defense attorney will help to ensure that you
get the best result.
In addition to the Implied Consent violation or failing the chemical
test, you will also face criminal action. If you are found guilty or
plead guilty to the Tennessee DUI charge, you will face serious
consequences. Depending on the facts of your case you will have to pay
fines, assessment fees, and court costs. You may also have to do
community service, attend DUI school or alcohol rehabilitation. You
could also face jail time and/or probation. The court could also order
that an ignition interlock device be placed on your vehicle or your
vehicle could be confiscated.
Driving under the influence of intoxicant,
drug or drug producing stimulant prohibited -- Alcohol concentration in
blood or breath
(a) It is unlawful for any person to drive or to be in physical
control of any automobile or other motor driven vehicle on any of the
public roads and highways of the state, or on any streets or alleys, or
while on the premises of any shopping center, trailer park or any
apartment house complex, or any other premises which is generally
frequented by the public at large, while: (1) Under the influence of
any intoxicant, marijuana, narcotic drug, or drug producing stimulating
effects on the central nervous system; or (2) The alcohol concentration
in such person's blood or breath is eight-hundredths of one percent
(.08 %) or more. (b) For the purpose of this section, "drug producing
stimulating effects on the central nervous system" includes the salts
of barbituric acid, also known as malonyl urea, or any compound,
derivatives, or mixtures thereof that may be used for producing
hypnotic or somnifacient effects, and includes amphetamine,
desoxyephedrine or compounds or mixtures thereof, including all
derivatives of phenol ethylamine or any of the salts thereof, except
preparations intended for use in the nose and unfit for internal
use.
No defense that person is lawful user The fact that any person or persons who drive while under the influence of narcotic drugs, or shall drive while under the influence of barbital drugs, is or has been entitled to use such drugs under the laws of this state, shall not constitute a defense to the violation of §§ 55-10-401 -- 55-10-404. §55-10-403.
Penalty for violations of §§ 55-10-401 -- 55-10-404 -- Inpatient
alcohol and drug treatment -- Restricted license -- Strip searches --
Forfeiture of vehicles -- Blood alcohol concentration test fee [Amended
effective January 1, 2006. See the Compiler's Notes.]
(a) (1)
(A) [Amended effective January 1, 2006. See the Compiler's Notes.] Any
person violating the provisions of § 55-10-401 shall, upon conviction
thereof, for the first offense, be fined not less than three hundred
fifty dollars ($ 350) nor more than one thousand five hundred dollars
($ 1,500); the court shall prohibit such convicted person from driving
a vehicle in the state of Tennessee for a period of one (1) year; and
such person shall be further punished as provided in subsection (s). In
addition to the other penalties set out for a first offense violation,
if at the time of such offense the alcohol concentration in such
person's blood or breath is twenty hundredths of one percent (.20%) or
more, the minimum period of confinement for such person shall be seven
(7) consecutive calendar days rather than forty-eight (48) hours. The
provisions of this section constitute an enhanced sentence, not a new
offense. For conviction on the second offense, there shall be imposed a
fine of not less than six hundred dollars ($ 600) nor more than three
thousand five hundred dollars ($ 3,500), and the person or persons
shall be confined in the county jail or workhouse for not less than
forty-five (45) days nor more than eleven (11) months and twenty-nine
(29) days, and the court shall prohibit such convicted person or
persons from driving a vehicle in the state of Tennessee for a period
of time of two (2) years. Upon the conviction of a person on the second
offense only, a judge may sentence such person to participate in a
court approved alcohol or drug treatment program. For the third
conviction, there shall be imposed a fine of not less than one thousand
one hundred dollars ($ 1,100) nor more than ten thousand dollars ($
10,000), and the person or persons shall be confined in the county jail
or workhouse for not less than one hundred twenty (120) days nor more
than eleven (11) months and twenty-nine (29) days, and the court shall
prohibit such convicted person or persons from driving a vehicle in the
state of Tennessee for a period of time of not less than three (3)
years nor more than ten (10) years. Notwithstanding any other provision
of law to the contrary, the fourth or subsequent conviction shall be a
Class E felony punishable by a fine of not less than three thousand
dollars ($ 3,000) nor more than fifteen thousand dollars ($ 15,000); by
confinement for not less than one hundred fifty (150) consecutive days,
to be served day for day, nor more than the maximum punishment
authorized for the appropriate range of a Class E felony; and the court
shall prohibit the person from driving a motor vehicle for a period of
five (5) years. For the provisions of the preceding sentence to apply,
at least one (1) of the violations of § 55-10-401 must occur on or
after July 1, 1998.
After service of at least the minimum sentence day for day, the judge
has the discretion to require an individual convicted of a violation of
the provisions of §§ 55-10-401 -- 55-10-404 to remove litter from the
state highway system, public playgrounds, public parks or other
appropriate locations for any prescribed period or to work in a
recycling center or other appropriate location for any prescribed
period of time in lieu of or in addition to any of the penalties
otherwise provided in this section; provided, that any person sentenced
to remove litter from the state highway system, public playgrounds,
public parks or other appropriate locations or to work in a recycling
center shall be allowed to do so at a time other than such person's
regular hours of employment.
(B) (i) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (a)(1)(A), if at
the time of the offense, the person was accompanied by a child under
eighteen (18) years of age, such person shall be punished by a
mandatory minimum incarceration of thirty (30) days and a mandatory
minimum fine of one thousand dollars ($ 1,000). (ii) Notwithstanding
the provisions of subdivision (a)(1)(A), if, at the time of the
offense, the person was accompanied by a child under eighteen (18)
years of age, and such child suffers serious bodily injury as a result
of the violation of § 55-10-401, the person commits a Class D felony.
(iii) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (a)(1)(A), if, at
the time of the offense, the person was accompanied by a child under
eighteen (18) years of age, and such child is killed as a result of the
violation of § 55-10-401, the person commits a Class C felony. (iv) The
periods of license suspension provided in subdivision (a)(1)(A) shall
also be imposed upon any person sentenced under this subdivision
(a)(1)(B). (2) A portion of any fine imposed upon a person for a
violation of this section, up to the maximum fine actually imposed,
shall be returned to the sheriff of a county jail or to the chief
administrative officer of a city jail for the purpose of reimbursing
such sheriff or officer for the cost of incarcerating such person for
each night such person is actually in custody for a violation of this
section. Such reimbursement shall be in the same amount as is provided
by § 8-26-105, and shall not in any event be less than the actual cost
of maintaining such person and shall be reimbursed in the manner
provided by § 8-26-106.
(3) For purposes of this section, a person who is convicted of a violation of § 55-10-401 shall not be considered a repeat or multiple offender and subject to the penalties prescribed in subsection (a), if ten (10) or more years have elapsed between such conviction and any immediately preceding conviction for a violation. If, however, a person has been convicted of a violation of § 55-10-401 within ten (10) years of the present violation, then such person shall be considered a multiple offender and is subject to the penalties imposed upon multiple offenders by the provisions of subsection (a). If a person is considered a multiple offender under this subdivision (a)(3), then every conviction for a violation of § 55-10-401, within ten (10) years of the immediately preceding violation shall be considered in determining the number of prior offenses, but in no event shall a conviction for a violation occurring more than twenty (20) years from the date of the instant conviction be considered for such purpose. (4) (A) If the court orders participation in an inpatient alcohol and drug treatment program pursuant to subdivision (a)(1), such treatment program shall not exceed a period of twenty-eight (28) days. During this period of confinement in inpatient treatment, the person ordered to participate shall be confined to the inpatient treatment center and shall not, without further court order, be released for any reason until the completion of the treatment. In the event such person does not complete the confinement in the treatment program, that person shall be returned to the county jail or workhouse to serve the full period of the confinement imposed without any credit allowed for time spent in the program. Upon completion of the confinement in the program, the remainder of the confinement imposed shall be served in the county jail or workhouse.
(B) The court is not empowered to order the expenditure of public
funds to provide treatment. However, if a person ordered to participate
in such a program is indigent, the court may allow such person, subject
to availability of services, to enter any program that provides such
treatment without cost to an individual. When making a finding as to
the indigency of an accused, the court shall take into
consideration:
(i) The nature of the services of the program rendered;
(ii) The usual and customary charges for rendering such program in the
community;
(iii) The income of the accused regardless of source;
(iv) The poverty level guidelines compiled and published by the United
States department of labor;
(v) The ownership or equity of any real or personal property of the
accused; and
(vi) Any other circumstances presented to the court which are relevant
to the issue of indigency. If a person ordered to participate is not
indigent and participates in a program that provides treatment without
cost to an individual, that person shall be obligated to pay for
treatment in the same manner as provided in § 33-2-1202. If a person
ordered to participate, participates in a court approved private
treatment program, that person shall be responsible for the cost and
fees involved with the program.
(b) (1) No person charged with violating the provisions of §§
55-10-401 -- 55-10-404 shall be eligible for suspension of prosecution
and dismissal of charges pursuant to the provisions of §§ 40-15-102 --
40-15-105 and 40-32-101(a)(3)-(c)(3) or for any other pretrial
diversion program, in this state or a similar offense in another state;
and (iii) The person does not have a prior conviction for a violation
of nor shall any person convicted under such sections be eligible for
suspension of sentence or probation pursuant to § 40-21-101 [repealed]
or any other provision of law authorizing suspension of sentence or
probation until such time as such person has fully served day for day
at least the minimum sentence provided by law. (2) Unless the judge,
using the applicable criteria set out in § 40-14-202(b), determines
that a person convicted of violating the provisions of §§ 55-10-401 --
55-10-404 is indigent, the minimum applicable fine shall be mandatory
and shall not be subject to reduction or suspension.
All fines are to be paid on the date sentence is imposed unless the
court makes an affirmative finding that the defendant lacks a present
ability to pay. The court shall then order a date certain before which
payment shall be made. Should the defendant fail to comply with the
order of the court, the clerk shall notify the court of such failure
for further proceedings. (c) All persons sentenced under subsection (a)
shall, in addition to service of at least the minimum sentence, be
required to serve the difference between the time actually served and
the maximum sentence on probation. The judge has the discretion to
impose any conditions of probation which are reasonably related to the
offense, but shall impose the following conditions: (1) Participation
in an alcohol and drug safety DUI school, and/or drug offender school
program, if available; or (2) Upon the second or subsequent conviction
for violating the provisions of § 55-10-401 or § 39-17-418, involving
the possession of a controlled substance, participation in a program of
rehabilitation at an alcohol or drug treatment facility, if available;
and (3) The payment of restitution to any person suffering physical
injury or personal losses as the result of such offense if such person
is economically capable of making such restitution. (4) Notwithstanding
any other provision of law to the contrary, if a person convicted of a
violation of § 55-10-401 has a prior conviction for a violation of §
55-10-401 within the past five (5) years, the court shall order such
person to undergo a drug and alcohol assessment and receive treatment
as appropriate.
Unless the court makes a specific determination that the person is
indigent, the expense of such assessment and treatment shall be the
responsibility of the person receiving it. Notwithstanding the
provisions of subdivision (a)(4)(B), if the court finds that the person
is indigent, the expense or some portion of the expense may be paid
from the alcohol and drug addiction treatment fund established in §
40-33-211(c)(2) pursuant to a plan and procedures developed by the
department of health. (d) (1) (A) Except as provided in subdivision
(d)(2), if a person's motor vehicle operator's license has been revoked
pursuant to subsection (a), such person may apply to the trial judge
for a restricted driver license. The trial judge may order the issuance
of a restricted motor vehicle operator's license in accordance with §
55-50-502, if based upon the records of the department of safety: (i)
The violation resulting in the person's present conviction for driving
under the influence of an intoxicant occurred on or after July 1, 2000;
(ii) The person does not have a prior conviction for a violation of
§ 39-13-106, § 39-13-213(a)(2), or § 39-13-218§
55-10-401 or § 55-10- or 418 within ten (10) years of
the present violation in this state or a similar offense in another
state. (iv) The trial judge may issue such order allowing the person so
convicted to operate a motor vehicle for the limited purposes of going
to and from: (a) Such person's regular place of employment and any
work-related driving; (b) A court-ordered alcohol safety program; (c) A
college or university in the case of a student enrolled full time in
such college or university; (d) A scheduled interlock monitoring
appointment; and (e) A court-ordered outpatient alcohol or drug
treatment program.
(B) (i) A Tennessee resident, whose operator's license has been
revoked because of a conviction in another jurisdiction for operating a
motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant, may apply for
a restricted license to a judge of any court of the county of such
person's residence having jurisdiction to try charges for driving under
the influence of an intoxicant. The trial judge may order the issuance
of a restricted motor vehicle operator's license in accordance with
§ 55-50-502(c), if based upon the records of the department: (a)
The violation resulting in the person's present conviction for driving
under the influence of an intoxicant occurred on or after July 1, 2000;
and (b) The person does not have a prior conviction for a violation of
§ 55-10-401 § 55-10-418§ 39-13-213(a)(2), §
39-13-218, or § 39-13-106, in this state, or a similar
offense in another jurisdiction. (ii) If a copy of the judgment of
conviction certified by the court that tried the case in the other
jurisdiction accompanies the restricted license application, the trial
judge may issue such order allowing the person so convicted to operate
a motor vehicle for the limited purposes of going to and from: (a) And
working at such person's regular place of employment; (b) A
court-ordered alcohol safety program; (c) A college or university in
the case of a student enrolled full time in such college or university;
(d) A scheduled interlock monitoring appointment; and (e) A
court-ordered outpatient alcohol or drug treatment program.
(C) Such order shall state with all practicable specificity the
necessary time and places of permissible operation of a motor vehicle
and shall be made a part of the order or judgment of the court. The
order may be presented within ten (10) days after the date of
conviction to the department, accompanied by a fee of sixty-five
dollars ($ 65.00). If the person has first successfully completed a
driver's license examination, the department shall forthwith issue a or
restricted license embodying the limitations imposed upon the person so
convicted.
(D) If the violation resulting in the person's conviction for DUI
occurred prior to July 1, 2000, the law in effect when such violation
occurred shall govern the person's eligibility for a restricted motor
vehicle operator license. (2) If during the course of conduct which was
the basis for a driver's conviction under , another person is killed or
suffers serious bodily injury as the proximate result of such driver's
intoxication, such driver shall not be eligible for and the court shall
not have the authority to grant the issuance of a restricted motor
vehicle operator's license until such time as the period of suspension
mandated by subsection (a) has expired, notwithstanding the fact that
it may be the driver's first such conviction. (3) Any person whose
motor vehicle operator's license has been revoked pursuant to
subsection (a), and such person has a prior conviction for a violation
of within ten (10) years of the present violation, or -- , in this
state, or a similar offense in any other jurisdiction, shall not be
eligible for, nor shall the court have the authority to grant or order,
the issuance of a restricted motor vehicles' operator's license.
(4) (A) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (d)(3), the
trial judge may order the issuance of a restricted motor vehicle
operator's license in accordance with §§ 55-10-401 55-10-404§
55-10-401 § 55-10-418 § 39-13-106, § 39-13-213(a)(2), or
§ 39-13-218§ 55-50-502 to any person whose motor vehicle
operator's license has been revoked pursuant to subsection (a) for a
period of two (2) years and who has a prior conviction for a violation
of § 55-10-401 or § 55-10-418, in this state or a similar
offense in any other jurisdiction; provided, however, that such person
shall not be eligible for and the court shall not have the authority to
grant the issuance of a restricted motor vehicle operator's license
until the expiration of a one (1) year revocation period. Such
restricted license may be issued for the same purposes set out in
subdivision (d)(1)(A). (B) If the court orders the issuance of a
restricted motor vehicle operator's license pursuant to this
subdivision (d)(4), the court shall also order such person to operate
only a motor vehicle or motorcycle that is equipped with a functioning
interlock device. The court shall also order such device to be
installed on all vehicles owned or leased by the person at such
person's own expense for the entire period of the restricted license
and for a period of six (6) months after the license revocation period
has expired as required in § 55-10-412( l).
(e) The provisions of this section shall not be construed to in any
way limit the provisions of § 55-50-303 or § 55-50-502,
nor to limit the power and authority of the department of safety to
revoke or suspend the driver license under the provisions of chapter 50
of this title.
(f) Any restricted license issued under this section is subject to
renewal in the same manner as other motor vehicle licenses.
(g) (1) Any person convicted of an initial or subsequent offense shall
be advised, in writing, of the penalty for second and subsequent
convictions, and, in addition, when pronouncing sentence the judge
shall advise the defendant of the penalties for additional offenses.
Written notice by the judge shall inform the defendant that a
conviction for the offense of driving under the influence of an
intoxicant committed in another state shall be used to enhance the
punishment for a violation of § 55-10-401 committed in this state. (2)
In the prosecution of second or subsequent offenders, the indictment or
charging instrument must allege the prior conviction or convictions for
violating any of the provisions of § 55-10-401, § 39-13-213(a)(2), §
39-13-106, § 39-13-218 or § 55-10-418, setting forth the time and place
of each prior conviction or convictions. When the state uses a
conviction for the offense of driving under the influence of an
intoxicant, aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular homicide,
vehicular assault or adult driving while impaired committed in another
state for the purpose of enhancing the punishment for a violation of §
55-10-401, the indictment or charging instrument must allege the time,
place and state of such prior conviction. (3) (A) Notwithstanding any
other rule of evidence or law to the contrary, in the prosecution of
second or subsequent offenders under this chapter the official driver
record maintained by the department and produced upon a certified
computer printout shall constitute prima facie evidence of the prior
conviction.
(B) Following indictment by a grand jury, the defendant shall be given
a copy of the department of safety printout at the time of arraignment.
If the charge is by warrant, the defendant is entitled to a copy of the
department printout at the defendant's first appearance in court or at
least fourteen (14) days prior to a trial on the merits. (C) Upon
motion properly made in writing alleging that one (1) or more prior
convictions are in error and setting forth the error, the court may
require that a certified copy of the judgment of conviction of such
offense be provided for inspection by the court as to its validity
prior to the department printout being introduced into evidence.
(h) (1) In addition to all other fines, fees, costs and punishments
now prescribed by law, in counties having a population of not less than
three hundred thirty-five thousand (335,000) nor more than three
hundred thirty-six thousand (336,000), or in counties having a
population of more than seven hundred thousand (700,000) according to
the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census, a blood
alcohol concentration (BAT) test fee in the amount of seventeen dollars
and fifty cents ($ 17.50) will be assessed upon conviction of an
offense of driving while intoxicated, for each offender who has taken a
breath-alcohol test on an evidential breath testing unit provided,
maintained and administered by a law enforcement agency in the counties
or where breath, blood or urine has been analyzed by a publicly funded
forensic laboratory.
(2) In addition to all other fines, fees, costs and punishments now
prescribed by law, in counties having a metropolitan form of government
with a population greater than one hundred thousand (100,000) according
to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census, a blood
alcohol concentration (BAT) test fee in an amount to be established by
resolution of the legislative body of any county to which this
subdivision (h)(2) applies, not to exceed fifty dollars ($ 50.00), will
be assessed upon conviction of an offense of driving while intoxicated,
for each offender who has taken a breath-alcohol test on an evidential
breath testing unit provided, maintained and administered by a law
enforcement agency in the counties or where breath, blood or urine has
been analyzed by a publicly funded forensic laboratory.
(3) This fee shall be collected by the clerks of various courts of the
counties and forwarded to the county trustee on a monthly basis and
designated for exclusive use by the law enforcement testing unit of the
counties if the blood alcohol concentration test (BAT) was conducted on
an evidential breath testing unit. If the blood alcohol test was
conducted by a publicly funded forensic laboratory, the fee shall be
collected by the clerks of the various courts of the counties and
forwarded to the county trustee on a monthly basis and designated for
exclusive use by the publicly funded forensic laboratory.
(4) In counties having a metropolitan form of government with a
population greater than one hundred thousand (100,000) according to the
1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census, this fee shall be
collected by the clerks of the various courts of the counties and
forwarded to the county trustee on a monthly basis. If the blood
alcohol concentration test (BAT) was conducted on an evidential breath
testing unit, seventeen dollars and fifty cents ($ 17.50) of such fee
shall be designated for exclusive use by the law enforcement testing
unit of the county. The county trustee shall deposit the remainder of
such fee in the general fund of the county. If the blood alcohol test
was conducted by a publicly funded forensic laboratory, seventeen
dollars and fifty cents ($ 17.50) of such fee collected by the clerks
of the various courts of the counties and forwarded to the county
trustee on a monthly basis shall be designated for exclusive use by the
publicly funded forensic laboratory. The county trustee shall deposit
the remainder of such fee in the general fund of the county.
(i) In addition to all other criminal penalties, costs, taxes and fees
now prescribed by law, any person convicted of violating the provisions
of §§ 55-10-401 -- 55-10-404 will be assessed a fee of five dollars ($
5.00), to be paid into the state treasury and deposited to the credit
of the fund established pursuant to § 9-4-206.
(j) No person arrested under the provisions of this section shall be
subjected to strip searches and/or body cavity searches unless the
arresting officer has probable cause to believe the arrested person may
be concealing a weapon and/or contraband in such arrested person's body
cavity. Contraband includes, but is not limited to, illegal drugs.
(k) (1) The vehicle used in the commission of a person's second or
subsequent violation of § 55-10-401, or the second or subsequent
violation of any combination of § 55-10-401, and a statute in any other
state prohibiting driving under the influence of an intoxicant, is
subject to seizure and forfeiture in accordance with the procedure
established in title 40, chapter 33, part 2. The department of safety
is designated as the applicable agency, as defined by § 40-33-202, for
all forfeitures authorized by this subsection (k). (2) In order for the
provisions of subdivision (k)(1) to be applicable to a vehicle, the
violation making the vehicle subject to seizure and forfeiture must
occur in Tennessee and at least one (1) of the previous violations must
occur on or after January 1, 1997, and the second offense after January
1, 1997, occurs within five (5) years of the first offense occurring
after January 1, 1997.
(3) It is the specific intent that a forfeiture action under this
section shall serve a remedial and not a punitive purpose. The purpose
of the forfeiture of a vehicle after a person's second or subsequent
DUI violation is to prevent unscrupulous or incompetent persons from
driving on Tennessee's highways while under the influence of alcohol or
drugs. Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or
drugs endangers the lives of innocent people who are exercising the
same privilege of riding on the state's highways. There is a reasonable
connection between the remedial purpose of this section, ensuring safe
roads, and the forfeiture of a motor vehicle. While this section may
serve as a deterrent to the conduct of driving a motor vehicle while
under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is nonetheless intended as
a remedial measure. Moreover, the statute serves to remove a dangerous
instrument from the hands of individuals who have demonstrated a
pattern of driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol
or drugs.
(4) Only P.O.S.T.-certified or state-commissioned law enforcement
officers will be authorized to seize such vehicles under this section.
( l) For the purpose of enhancing the punishment of a person
convicted of violating § 55-10-401, the state shall use a conviction
for the offense of driving under the influence of an intoxicant that
occurred in another state.
(m) A violation of this part is a Class A misdemeanor. Nothing in Acts
1989, ch. 591, the Sentencing Reform Act of 1989, shall be construed as
altering, amending or decreasing the penalties established in this
section for the offense of driving under the influence of an
intoxicant.
(n) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section to the contrary, in
counties with a metropolitan form of government and a population in
excess of one hundred thousand (100,000) according to the 1990 federal
census or any subsequent federal census, the judge exercising criminal
jurisdiction may sentence a person convicted of violating the
provisions of § 55-10-401, for the first time to perform two hundred
(200) hours of public service work in a supervised public service
program in lieu of the minimum period of confinement required by the
provisions of subsection (a).
(o) For the sole purpose of enhancing the punishment for a violation
of § 55-10-401, a prior conviction for a violation of §
39-13-213(a)(2), § 39-13-106, § 39-13-218 or § 55-10-418, shall be
treated the same as a prior conviction for a violation of §
55-10-401.
(p) (1) An offender sentenced to a period of incarceration for a
violation of § 55-10-401, shall be required to commence service of such
sentence within thirty (30) days of conviction or, if space is not
immediately available in the appropriate municipal or county jail or
workhouse within such time, as soon as such space is available. If, in
the opinion of the sheriff or chief administrative officer of a local
jail or workhouse, space will not be available to allow an offender
convicted of a violation of § 55-10-401, to commence service of such
sentence within ninety (90) days of conviction, such sheriff or
administrative officer shall use alternative facilities for the
incarceration of such offender.
If an offender convicted of a violation of § 55-10-401, prior to July
1, 1995, has not commenced service of the sentence imposed within
ninety (90) days of such offender's conviction, the sheriff or
administrative officer shall, after notifying the offender, use
alternative facilities for the incarceration of such offender. The
appropriate county or municipal legislative body shall approve the
alternative facilities to be used in such county or municipality.
(2) As used in this subsection (p), "alternative facilities" include,
but are not limited to, vacant schools or office buildings or any other
building or structure owned, controlled or used by the appropriate
governmental entity that would be suitable for housing such offenders
for short periods of time on an as-needed basis. A governmental entity
may contract with another governmental entity or private corporation or
person for the use of alternative facilities when needed and
governmental entities may, by agreement, share use of alternative
facilities. (3) Nothing in this subsection (p) shall be construed to
give an offender a right to serve a sentence for a violation of §
55-10-401, in an alternative facility or within a specified period of
time. Failure of a sheriff or chief administrative officer of a jail to
require an offender to serve such a sentence within a certain period of
time or in a certain facility or type of facility shall have no effect
upon the validity of the sentence.
(q) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, in any county
having a population of not less than three hundred seven thousand eight
hundred (307,800) nor more than three hundred seven thousand nine
hundred (307,900), according to the 2000 federal census or any
subsequent federal census, upon conviction for a violation of §
55-10-401, § 55-10-415, § 55-10-418 or § 55-50-408, the court shall
assess against the defendant a blood alcohol concentration (BAT) test
fee to be established by the county legislative body of any county to
which this subsection (q) applies in an amount not to exceed fifty
dollars ($ 50.00) for obtaining a blood sample for the purpose of
performing a test to determine the alcoholic or drug content of the
defendant's blood pursuant to § 55-10-406 that is incurred by the
governmental entity served by the law enforcement agency arresting the
defendant. The fee authorized by this subsection (q) shall only be
assessed if a blood sample is actually taken from a defendant convicted
of any such offenses and the test is actually performed on such
sample.
(r) (1) In addition to all other fines, fees, costs and punishments
now prescribed by law, an alcohol and drug addiction treatment fee of
one hundred dollars ($ 100) shall be assessed for each conviction for a
violation of § 55-10-401. (2) All proceeds collected pursuant to
subdivision (r)(1) shall be transmitted to the commissioner of the
department of health for deposit in the special "alcohol and drug
addiction treatment fund" administered by such department.
(s) (1) In addition to the punishment provided in subsection (a), a
person convicted of violating the provisions of § 55-10-401 for the
first time, shall be punished as follows: (A) If the person is less
than twenty-one (21) years of age at the time of the offense, the court
shall sentence the person to confinement in the county jail or
workhouse for not less than forty-eight (48) hours nor more than eleven
(11) months and twenty-nine (29) days, and to remove litter during
daylight hours from state route highways or state-aid highways, as
provided in subdivisions (s)(2)-(9), for a period of twenty-four (24)
hours, to be served in three (3) shifts of eight (8) consecutive hours
each; and (B) If the person is twenty-one (21) years of age or more at
the time of the offense, the court shall sentence the person to
confinement in the county jail or workhouse for not less than
twenty-four (24) hours nor more than eleven (11) months and twenty-nine
(29) days, and to remove litter during daylight hours from state route
highways or state-aid highways, as provided in subdivisions (s)(2)-(9),
for a period of twenty-four (24) hours, to be served in three (3)
shifts of eight (8) consecutive hours each. (2) A court sentencing an
offender, pursuant to either subdivision (s)(1)(A) or (B), shall order
such offender to remove litter from public highways for a period of
eight (8) consecutive hours a day for three (3) days. Each of such
three (3) days shall be considered confinement for purposes of
application and payment of the fees set forth in § 8-26-105(a). If the
offender is a resident of Tennessee, the litter removal portion of the
sentence shall occur in the offender's county of residence. The court
shall transmit the name and address of each offender sentenced pursuant
to this subsection (s) to the sheriff of the county in which the
offender resides. The sheriff of the offender's county of residence
shall notify each such offender of the date and time the offender is to
report to the county jail for assignment on a litter removal crew. The
sheriff shall schedule such assignments so there are no less than five
(5) offenders assigned to and participating in a litter removal crew at
any particular time, and in such a manner that each offender completes
the three (3) days of litter removal within a thirty-day period. The
days and times to which offenders are assigned for litter removal shall
be days and times that the offender is off from work and will not
interfere with such offender's regular employment.
All such assignments shall be made for, and all litter removal crews
shall work only during, daylight hours and only on state route highways
or state-aid highways. (3) Each offender ordered to remove litter
pursuant to this subsection (s) shall be required to wear a blaze
orange or other distinctively colored vest with the words "I am a DRUNK DRIVER" stenciled or
otherwise written on the back of such vest in letters no less than four
inches (4") in height. (4) Offenders sentenced pursuant to this
subsection (s) shall be required to furnish their own clothes and food
while engaged in litter removal. (5) Upon completion of eight (8) hours
of litter removal, the offender shall be permitted to return home until
notified by the sheriff of the next date such offender is scheduled for
litter removal duty. (6) (A) The sheriff shall be responsible for the
supervision, transportation and control of all offenders sentenced to
litter removal duty. It shall be within the discretion of the sheriff
to select the state route highways or state-aid highways from which
such offenders remove litter. If the highway selected is a state route
highway, the department of transportation shall provide a truck or
trucks to remove the litter removed by such offenders. If the highway
selected is a state-aid highway, the appropriate county shall provide a
truck or trucks to remove the litter removed by such offenders.
Regardless of the highway selected, the sheriff shall be responsible
for transportation to the litter removal site and the supervision and
control of the offenders while on the site.
(B) The sheriff shall cause adequate signage to be placed on the front
and back of the litter removal truck, or on the side of the road
approaching the litter removal crew, from either direction, stating
that it is a "'DUI Litter Pickup Crew". Such signage shall be of
sufficient size and visibility to permit motorists using such road, in
either direction, to readily ascertain the reason for and purpose of
the litter removal crew. (7) The sheriff may enter into agreements with
any city or municipality located within such county, whereby offenders
sentenced pursuant to this subsection (s) may be used to remove litter
from state route highways or state-aid highways located within the
limits of such city or municipality. The same conditions set out in
this subsection (s) shall be applicable to offenders removing litter
pursuant to such an agreement. The agreement may provide that the city
or municipality assume responsibility for the supervision and control
of the offenders. (8) If any entity receives funds under § 41-2-123(c),
the offenders shall be the responsibility of the entity supervising
that program and under that entity's supervision and control;
otherwise, the sheriff shall be responsible for the supervision and
control of all offenders sentenced to litter removal duty. (9) No
sheriff shall be permitted to use an offender sentenced pursuant to
this subsection (s) to perform any task other than litter removal.
Jurisdiction of general sessions court.
§ 55-10-404
No judge of the general sessions court has jurisdiction to punish any person violating the provisions of this section and §§ 55-10-401 -- 55-10-403, under the small offense law.
§ 55-10-405
Tests for alcoholic or drug
content of blood – Definitions
As used in this section and §§ 55-10-406 -- 55-10-412, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Drive" means to operate or be in physical control of a motor vehicle;
(2) "Law enforcement officer" means any duly elected or appointed officer of the state of Tennessee or any county or municipal subdivision thereof charged with the conservation of the peace, or with the enforcement and policing of the provisions of title 65, chapter 15;
(3) "License" means any operator's or chauffeur's license, or any other license or permit to drive a motor vehicle, issued under the laws of this state, including a temporary license or instruction permit; the privilege of any person to drive a motor vehicle whether or not such person holds a valid license and any privilege to drive a motor vehicle extended by the state of Tennessee to any person not a resident of this state;
(4) "Motor vehicle" means every vehicle which is self-propelled; (5) "Test" means any chemical test designed to determine the alcoholic or drug content of the blood. The specimen to be used for such test shall include blood, urine or breath; and (6) "Vehicle" means every device in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported.
§ 55-10-406.
Tests for alcoholic or drug content of blood -- Implied consent -- Administration -- Liability -- Refusal to submit to test -- Suspension of license -- Fine -- Mandatory jail or workhouse sentence -- Notice -- Hearing -- Use of analysis as later evidence
(a) (1) Any person who drives a motor vehicle in this state is deemed to have given consent to a test or tests for the purpose of determining the alcoholic content of that person's blood, a test or tests for the purpose of determining the drug content of such person's blood, or both such tests. However, no such test or tests may be administered pursuant to this section, unless conducted at the direction of a law enforcement officer having reasonable grounds to believe such person was driving while under the influence of alcohol, a drug, any other intoxicant or any combination of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants as prohibited by § 55-10-401, or was violating the provisions of §§ 39-13-106, 39-13-213(a)(2) or 39-13-218. For the results of such test or tests to be admissible as evidence, it must first be established that all tests administered were administered to the person within two (2) hours following such person's arrest or initial detention.
(2) Any physician, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, clinical laboratory technician, licensed paramedic, licensed emergency medical technician approved to establish intravenous catheters, or technologist, or certified or nationally registered phlebotomist who, acting at the written request of a law enforcement officer, withdraws blood from a person for the purpose of conducting either or both such tests, shall not incur any civil or criminal liability as a result of the withdrawing of such blood, except for any damages that may result from the negligence of the person so withdrawing. Neither shall the hospital nor other employer of the health care professionals listed in this subdivision (a)(2) incur any civil or criminal liability as a result of the act of withdrawing blood from any person, except for negligence.
(3) Any law enforcement officer who requests that the driver of a motor vehicle submit to either or both tests authorized pursuant to this section, for the purpose of determining the alcohol or drug content, or both, of the driver's blood, shall, prior to conducting either test or tests, advise the driver that refusal to submit to the test or tests will result in the suspension by the court of the driver's operator's license, and, if such driver is driving on a license that is cancelled, suspended or revoked because of a conviction for vehicular assault under § 39-13-106, vehicular homicide under § 39-13-213, aggravated vehicular homicide under § 39-13-218, or driving under the influence of an intoxicant under § 55-10-401, that the refusal to submit to such test or tests will, in addition, result in a fine and mandatory jail or workhouse sentence. The court having jurisdiction of the offense for which such driver was placed under arrest shall not have the authority to suspend the license of a driver who refused to submit to either or both tests, if the driver was not advised of the consequences of such refusal.
(4) (A) If such person, having been placed under arrest and then having been requested by a law enforcement officer to submit to either or both such tests, and having been advised of the consequences for refusing to do so, refuses to submit, the test or tests to which the person refused shall not be given, and such person shall be charged with violating this subsection (a). The determination as to whether a driver violated the provisions of this subsection (a) shall be made at the same time and by the same court as the court disposing of the offense for which such driver was placed under arrest. If the court finds that the driver violated the provisions of this subsection (a), except as otherwise provided in this subdivision (a)(4), the driver shall not be considered as having committed a criminal offense; however, the court shall revoke the license of such driver for a period of: (i) One (1) year, if the person does not have a prior conviction for a violation of §§ 55-10-401, 39-13-213(a)(2), 39-13-218, 39-13-106, or 55-10-418, in this state, or a similar offense in any other jurisdiction; (ii) Two (2) years, if the person does have a prior conviction for an offense set out in subdivision (a)(4)(A)(i); (iii) Two (2) years, if the court finds that the driver of a motor vehicle involved in an accident, in which one (1) or more persons suffered serious bodily injury, violated this subsection (a) by refusing to submit to such a test or tests; and (iv) Five (5) years, if the court finds that the driver of a motor vehicle involved in an accident in which one (1) or more persons are killed, violated this subsection (a) by refusing to submit to such a test or tests. (B) For the purposes of this subdivision (a)(4), "prior conviction" means a conviction for one (1) of the designated offenses, the commission of which occurred prior to the DUI arrest giving rise to the instant implied consent violation.
(5) In addition to the consequences set forth in this section, if the court or jury finds that the driver violated the provisions of this subsection (a) while driving on a license that was revoked, suspended or cancelled because of a conviction for vehicular assault under § 39-13-106, vehicular homicide under § 39-13-213, aggravated vehicular homicide under § 39-13-218, or driving under the influence of an intoxicant under § 55-10-401, such driver commits a Class A misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($ 1,000), and shall be sentenced to a minimum mandatory jail or workhouse sentence of five (5) days, which shall be served consecutively, day for day, and which sentence cannot be suspended.
(6) Any person who violates the provisions of this section by refusing to submit to either test or both such tests, pursuant to subdivision (a)(4), shall be charged by a separate warrant or citation that does not include any charge of violating § 55-10-401 that may arise from the same occurrence. (b) Any person who is unconscious as a result of an accident or is unconscious at the time of arrest or apprehension or otherwise in a condition rendering that person incapable of refusal, shall be subjected to the test or tests as provided for by §§ 55-10-405 -- 55-10-412, but the results thereof shall not be used in evidence against that person in any court or before any regulatory body without the consent of the person so tested. Refusal of release of the evidence so obtained will result in the suspension of that person's driver license, thus such refusal of consent shall give such person the same rights of hearing and determinations as provided for conscious and capable persons in this section. (c) A person whose license has been suspended by the court under this section may apply to the court in the county where the person resides or to the court in the county suspending such license for a restricted license. The judge of the court may order the issuance of a restricted license allowing the person to operate a motor vehicle for the purpose of: (1) Going to and from and working at the person's regular place of employment; (2) Going to and from a court-ordered alcohol safety program; (3) Going to and from a college or university in the case of a student enrolled full time in such college or university; and (4) Going to and from a scheduled interlock monitoring appointment. Such order shall state with all practicable specificity the necessary time and places of permissible operation of a motor vehicle. The person may obtain a certified copy of the order, and within ten (10) days after it is issued, present it, along with an application fee of twenty dollars ($ 20.00), to the department of safety, which shall forthwith issue a restricted license embodying the limitations imposed in the order. After proper application and until such time as the restricted license is issued, a certified copy of the order may serve in lieu of a motor vehicle operator's license. Any restricted license issued under the provisions of this section shall be subject to renewal in the same manner as other motor vehicle operator's licenses. (d) Nothing in this section shall affect the admissibility in evidence, in criminal prosecutions for aggravated assault or homicide by the use of a motor vehicle only, of any chemical analysis of the alcoholic or drug content of the defendant's blood which has been obtained by any means lawful without regard to the provisions of this section. (e) Provided probable cause exists for criminal prosecution for the offense of driving under the influence of an intoxicant under § 55-10-401, nothing in this section shall affect the admissibility into evidence in a criminal prosecution of any chemical analysis of the alcohol or drug content of the defendant's blood that has been obtained while the defendant was hospitalized or otherwise receiving medical care in the ordinary course of medical treatment.
§ 55-10-407
Tests for alcoholic or drug content of blood -- Admissibility -- Failure to request test
(a) Upon the trial of any person charged with a violation of this chapter, the results of any test made of the person so charged shall be admissible in evidence in criminal proceeding.
(b) Failure of a law enforcement officer to request the administering of a test shall likewise be admissible in evidence in a criminal proceeding.
Tests for alcoholic or drug content of blood -- Presumptions of intoxication and impairment
For the purpose of proving a violation of § 55-10-401(a)(1), evidence that there was, at the time alleged, eight-hundredths of one percent (.08%) or more by weight of alcohol in the defendant's blood shall create a presumption that the defendant's ability to drive was sufficiently impaired thereby to constitute a violation of § 55-10-401(a)(1).
(a) The results of any test authorized by §§ 55-10-405 -- 55-10-412 shall be reported in writing by the person making such test, and such report shall have noted on it the time at which the sample analyzed was obtained from the person. (b) The results of such test shall be made available to the person tested, upon request.
(a) The procurement of a sample of a person's blood for making a test as provided by §§ 55-10-405 -- 55-10-412, to be considered valid under §§ 55-10-405 -- 55-10-412, shall be performed by a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, clinical laboratory technologist, clinical laboratory technician, licensed emergency medical technician, licensed paramedic or, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, licensed emergency medical technician approved to establish intravenous catheters, technologist, or certified and/or nationally registered phlebotomist or at the direction of a medical examiner or other physician holding an unlimited license to practice medicine in Tennessee under procedures established by the department of health.
(b) Upon receipt of a specimen forwarded to the director's office for
analysis, the director of the Tennessee bureau of investigation shall
have it examined for alcohol concentration or for the presence of
narcotic or other drugs, if requested by the arresting officer, county
medical examiner, or any district attorney general. The chief medical
examiner or the medical examiner's duly appointed representative shall
execute a certificate which indicates the name of the accused, the
date, time and by whom the specimen was received and examined, and a
statement of the alcohol concentration (or presence of drugs) of the
specimen.
(c) When a specimen taken in accordance with the provisions of this
section is forwarded for testing to the office of the director of the
Tennessee bureau of investigation, a report of the results of such test
shall be made and filed in that office, and a copy mailed to the
district attorney general for the district where the case arose.
(d) The certificate provided for in this section shall, when duly
attested by the director of the Tennessee bureau of investigation or
the director's duly appointed representative, be admissible in any
court, in any criminal proceeding, as evidence of the facts therein
stated, and of the results of such test, if the person taking or
causing to be taken the specimen and the person performing the test of
such specimen shall be available, if subpoenaed as witnesses, upon
demand by either party to the cause, or, when unable to appear as
witnesses, shall submit a deposition upon demand by either party to the
cause.
(e) The person tested shall be entitled to have an additional sample
of blood or urine procured and the resulting test performed by any
medical laboratory of that person's own choosing and at that person's
own expense; provided, that the medical laboratory is licensed pursuant
to title 68, chapter 29.
§ 55-10-411
Tests for alcoholic or drug content of blood -- Construction of provisions -- Authority of other departments
Nothing in the provisions of §§ 55-10-405 -- 55-10-412 shall be construed so as to in any way limit, change, alter, repeal, or amend the provisions of §§ 55-50-303, 55-50-501, or § 55-50-502, nor to limit the power or authority of the department of safety to revoke or suspend a driver's license, permit, or privilege under the provisions of chapter 50 of this title. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the issuance of a restricted license in accordance with § 55-10-406.
§ 55-10-412
Additional penalties -- Ignition interlock devices
(a) In addition to the punishment hereinbefore provided, the court may, in its discretion:
(1) Prohibit a person convicted as a first offender from driving or
operating a motor vehicle for any period of time up to and including
six (6) months;
(2) Prohibit a person convicted as a second offender from driving or
operating a motor vehicle for any period of time up to and including
three (3) years; and
(3) Prohibit a person convicted as a third or subsequent offender from
driving or operating a motor vehicle for a period of time up to and
including ten (10) years. (b) Any violation of such judicial
prohibition is a Class C misdemeanor. (c) Nothing in this section shall
be construed to prohibit the issuance of a restricted license in
accordance with § 55-10-406. (d) In addition to the penalties
authorized for violations of this part, a court may, in its discretion,
upon finding a person both financially able to afford an interlock
device and also guilty of violating the provisions of §§ 55-10-401 --
55-10-404, order the person to operate only a motor vehicle which is
equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device, and this
restriction may continue for a period of up to one (1) year after such
person's license is no longer suspended or restricted under the
provisions of § 55-10-403. The court shall establish a specific
calibration setting no lower than point zero two (.02) nor more than
point zero five (.05) blood alcohol concentration at which the ignition
interlock device will prevent the motor vehicle from being started and
the period of time that the person shall be subject to the restriction.
For the purpose of this section, "ignition interlock device" means a
device which connects a motor vehicle ignition system to a
breath-alcohol analyzer and prevents a motor vehicle ignition from
starting if a driver's blood alcohol level exceeds the calibrated
setting on the device. (e) Upon ordering the use of an ignition
interlock device, the court shall: (1) State on the record the
requirement for and the period of use of the device, and so notify the
department of safety; (2) Direct that the records of the department
reflect:
(A) That the person may not operate a motor vehicle that is not
equipped with an ignition interlock device; and (B) Whether the court
has expressly permitted the person to operate a motor vehicle without
an ignition interlock device under subdivision (j)(2);
(3) Direct the department to attach or imprint a notation on the
driver's license of any person restricted under this section stating
that the person may operate only a motor vehicle equipped with an
ignition interlock device; (4) Require proof of the installation of the
device and periodic reporting by the person for verification of the
proper operation of the device; (5) Require the person to have the
system monitored for proper use and accuracy by an entity approved by
the department at least semiannually, or more frequently as the
circumstances may require; (6) Require the person to pay the reasonable
cost of leasing or buying, monitoring, and maintaining the device, and
may establish a payment schedule therefor.
(f) A person prohibited under this section from operating a motor
vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock device may not
solicit or have another person attempt to start or start a motor
vehicle equipped with such a device. Except as provided in subsection
(j), a violation of this subsection (f) is a Class A misdemeanor.
(g) A person may not attempt to start or start a motor vehicle
equipped with an ignition interlock device for the purpose of providing
an operable motor vehicle to a person who is prohibited under this
section from operating a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an
ignition interlock device. Except as provided in subsection (j), a
violation of this subsection (g) is a Class A misdemeanor.
(h) A person may not tamper with, or in any way attempt to circumvent,
the operation of an ignition interlock device that has been installed
in a motor vehicle. Except as provided in subsection (j), a violation
of this subsection (h) is a Class A misdemeanor.
(i) A person may not knowingly provide a motor vehicle not equipped
with a functioning ignition interlock device to another person who the
provider of such vehicle knows or should know is prohibited from
operating a motor vehicle not equipped with an ignition interlock
device. Except as provided in subsection (j), a violation of this
subsection (i) is a Class A misdemeanor.
(j) A person who violates subsections (f)-(i) commits a Class A
misdemeanor; provided, that penalty shall not apply if: (1) The
starting of a motor vehicle, or the request to start a motor vehicle,
equipped with an ignition interlock device is done for the purpose of
safety or mechanical repair of the device or the vehicle, and the
person subject to the court order does not operate the vehicle; or (2)
The court finds that a person is required to operate a motor vehicle in
the course and scope of the person's employment and if the vehicle is
owned by the employer, the person may operate that vehicle during
regular working hours for the purposes of employment without
installation of an ignition interlock device, if the employer has been
notified of such driving privilege restriction and if proof of that
notification is with the vehicle. This employment exemption does not
apply, however, if the business entity that owns the vehicle is owned
or controlled by the person who is prohibited from operating a motor
vehicle not equipped with an ignition interlock device.
(k) (1) In addition to the circumstances under which a judge may order
the use of an ignition interlock device set out in subsection (d), a
judge may order that the vehicle owned or operated by a person or a
family member of such person to commit a violation of § 55-10-401, be
equipped with an ignition interlock device for all or a portion of the
time the driver license of the operator of such vehicle is suspended or
restricted pursuant to § 55-10-403, if: (A) The operator of the vehicle
used to violate § 55-10-401, has at least one (1) prior conviction for
driving a motor vehicle when such person's privilege to do so is
cancelled, suspended or revoked as provided by § 55-50-504; or (B) The
driver license of the operator of such vehicle was cancelled, suspended
or revoked at the time of the violation of § 55-10-401. (2) A judge
ordering the use of an ignition interlock device pursuant to this
subsection (k) shall follow the same procedures set out in subsections
(d) and (e), and the provisions of subsections (f)-(j) shall apply to
an interlock device ordered pursuant to this subsection (k). (3) The
provisions of this subsection (k) shall not apply if the vehicle used
to commit the violation of § 55-10-401, was, at the time of such
violation, leased, rented or stolen. ( l ) (1) If a person
convicted of a violation of § 55-10-401, has a prior conviction for a
violation of § 55-10-401 within the past five (5) years, the court
shall order such person to operate only a motor vehicle or motorcycle,
after the license revocation period, which is equipped with a
functioning interlock device. The court shall also order such device to
be installed on all vehicles owned or leased by the person at such
person's own expense for a period of six (6) months. (2) Any person
subject to the provisions of subdivision (1) may, solely in the course
of employment, operate a motor vehicle or motorcycle, which is owned or
provided by such person's employer, without installation of an ignition
interlock device, if: (A) The court expressly permits such operation;
(B) The employer has been notified of such driving privilege
restriction; and (C) Proof of that notification is within the vehicle.
This subdivision ( l )(2) shall not apply if such employer is
an entity wholly or partially owned or controlled by the person subject
to the provisions of this subsection ( l) .
(a) To provide an alternative to the use of scarce and costly jail or workhouse space to provide the period of incarceration provided for in § 55-10-403, the department of correction, with the cooperation of the department of the military and other applicable departments, is hereby directed to devise an alternative network of facilities on either a county-by-county or a regional basis to provide minimum security incarceration for persons convicted under § 55-10-403. Consideration shall be given to the use of armories, temporary stockades, unused publicly owned buildings, or other available secure or securable alternatives. (b) The commissioner of correction shall present an initial plan to the general assembly no later than January 15, 1990, and may present such interim reports as the commissioner thinks desirable.
A person who violates § 55-10-401, and who at the time of the offense was accompanied by a child under thirteen (13) years of age: (1) Commits the offense of child endangerment, a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a mandatory minimum incarceration of thirty (30) days and a mandatory minimum fine of one thousand dollars ($ 1,000), which incarceration and fine shall be in addition to any other incarceration and fine required by law; (2) Commits the Class D felony of aggravated child endangerment when the child suffers serious bodily injury as a result of the violation of § 55-10-401; and (3) Commits the Class C felony of especially aggravated child endangerment when the death of the child is the result of the violation of § 55-10-401.
(a) (1) A person age sixteen (16) or over but under age twenty-one (21) may not drive or be in physical control of an automobile or other motor driven vehicle while: (A) The alcohol concentration in the person's blood is more than two hundredths of one percent (0.02%); (B) Under the influence of alcohol; (C) Under the influence of any intoxicant, marijuana, narcotic drug, or drug producing stimulating effects on the central nervous system; or (D) Under the combined influence of alcohol and any other drug set out in subdivision (a)(1)(C) to a degree which makes the person's driving ability impaired. (2) For purposes of this section, "drug producing stimulating effects on the central nervous system" has the same meaning and includes the same items set out in § 55-10-
401(b). (b) The fact that any person who drives while under the influence of narcotic drugs or barbital drugs is or has been entitled to use such drugs under the laws of this state does not constitute a defense to the violation of this section. (c) This section establishes the offense of underage driving while impaired for any person age sixteen (16) or over but under age twenty-one (21). The offense of underage driving while impaired is a lesser included offense of driving while intoxicated. (d) (1) The offense of underage driving while impaired for a person age eighteen (18) or over but under age twenty-one (21) is a Class A misdemeanor punishable only by a driver license suspension of one (1) year and by a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($ 250). As additional punishment, the court may impose public service work. (2) The delinquent act of underage driving while impaired for a person age sixteen (16) or over but under the age of eighteen (18) is punishable only by a driver license suspension of one (1) year and by a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($ 250). As additional punishment, the court may impose public service work. (e) A person age sixteen (16) or over but under the age of eighteen (18) who commits the offense of underage driving while impaired commits a delinquent act.
(a) (1) No driver shall consume any alcoholic beverage or beer or possess an open container of alcoholic beverage or beer while operating a motor vehicle in this state. (2) For purposes of this section: (A) "Open container" means any container containing alcoholic beverages or beer, the contents of which are immediately capable of being consumed or the seal of which has been broken; (B) An open container is in the possession of the driver when it is not in the possession of any passenger and is not located in a closed glove compartment, trunk or other nonpassenger area of the vehicle; and (C) A motor vehicle is in operation if its engine is operating, whether or not the motor vehicle is moving. (b) (1) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by fine only. (2) For a violation of this section, a law enforcement officer shall issue a citation in lieu of continued custody, unless the offender refuses to sign and accept the citation, as provided in § 40-7-118. (c) The provisions of this section shall not be construed to prohibit any municipality, by ordinance, or any county, by resolution, from prohibiting the passengers in a motor vehicle from consuming or possessing an alcoholic beverage or beer in an open container during the operation of such vehicle by its driver, or be construed to limit the penalties authorized by law for violation of such an ordinance or resolution.
(a) Effective July 1, 2003, the offense of adult driving while impaired is repealed.
(b) Nothing in the repeal of the offense of adult driving while impaired shall be construed to prohibit or prevent the use of any conviction for such offense occurring prior to July 1, 2003, for any of the purposes set out in §§ 55-10-403(d)(1)(A)(ii), 55-10-403(d)(1)(B)(i)(b), 55-10-403(d)(3), 55-10-403(g)(2), 55-10-403(o), 55-10-406(a)(3)(A), 55-10-603(2)(A)(x) or 55-50-502(c)(3)(ii).

