Murfreesboro DUI Attorney

Defending Against DUI Charges in Rutherford County

Santel | Garner is a small, intimate firm that provides one-on-one representation to clients. As former prosecutors, Attorney Tommy Santel, and Attorney Travis Lampley have prosecuted thousands of cases, which has provided them with extensive experience that allows them to develop an aggressive defense on behalf of their clients. Knowing how the prosecution works enables the team to counteract the strategies that the opposition may develop and actively seek to exonerate you of Murfreesboro DUI charges.

If you are facing accusations of DUI, you can trust that our legal team is dedicated to using every available legal strategy in challenging evidence against you and working to help you fight conviction.

Contact Santel | Garner today at (615) 987-0268 for help from our DUI lawyer in Murfreesboro.

Comprehensive Felony Drunk Driving Defense in Murfreesboro

As felony DUI attorneys in Murfreesboro and former prosecutors, we understand how the district attorney’s office builds multiple DUI and felony drunk driving cases. We carefully examine your driving history, arrest records, and testing procedures to identify police errors, violations of your constitutional rights, or other issues that could benefit your defense. 

Our team is frequently called on to defend cases arising from high-traffic corridors such as Broad Street, New Salem Highway, and Memorial Boulevard—areas where local law enforcement frequently conducts DUI checkpoints and enforcement campaigns. We take pride in offering clients individualized representation, aiming wherever possible for alternative sentencing through Rutherford County’s treatment court programs or other mitigating resolutions within the lawful framework.

Navigating the DUI Court Process With Our DUI Attorneys in Murfreesboro

The DUI court process in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County often begins with your arrest and booking, followed by an arraignment at the Rutherford County Judicial Building. From there, you may face pretrial hearings, plea negotiations, and—if necessary—a trial in General Sessions or Circuit Court. The process can be complex, with important deadlines for requesting hearings, submitting evidence, or contesting administrative license suspension with the Tennessee Department of Safety.

What to Expect During Your DUI Case

When you hire our team as your DUI lawyers in Murfreesboro, you will never face the court process alone. We guide you through each procedural step, handle bond conditions, arrange for appearances, and represent you at every hearing. We maintain open communication to keep you updated about your options—whether to challenge police evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, or prepare for trial. 

Our familiarity with the nuances of Rutherford County’s court system, local judges, and DUI case management is a significant asset we bring to each client’s defense. We also keep you informed of recent changes to Tennessee DUI statutes, ensuring you receive the most reliable and up-to-date guidance as your case progresses.

Multiple & Felony DUI Charges: Risks & Defense Strategies

When you are charged with a second DUI or subsequent offense in Murfreesboro, the risks and penalties increase dramatically. Tennessee law imposes mandatory minimum jail periods, substantial fines, and extended license suspension for repeat offenders. Felony DUI charges may result if there are three or more DUI convictions, if there is a minor in the vehicle, or if the offense involved bodily injury or death. These are punishable by even longer sentences and—on conviction—may impact your career, property rights, and freedom for years to come.

Juvenile & Underage DUI Defense in Murfreesboro

Youth drivers under the age of 21 face a much lower blood alcohol concentration (BAC) threshold—0.02%—and face zero-tolerance enforcement in Tennessee. Juvenile DUI and underage DUI charges in Murfreesboro carry consequences that can impact not only the present but also college admissions, job searches, and even scholarship eligibility. Penalties for minors convicted of DUI in Rutherford County may include license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, costly court fines, and community service. Juvenile DUI cases are often handled in juvenile court, and navigating this system requires an experienced juvenile DUI attorney in Murfreesboro on your side.

Our legal team at Santel | Garner regularly represents students from Middle Tennessee State University and local high schools who are facing juvenile DUI or underage drinking charges. An arrest can be disruptive to families, reputations, and education plans. We pride ourselves on maintaining transparent, supportive communication with clients and their families—explaining each legal step, defending their rights, and collaborating with prosecutors and the court to seek solutions that reduce or avoid lifelong consequences. 

We treat every underage and juvenile DUI case as an opportunity to guide clients through a difficult process with empathy and professionalism, always prioritizing their best interests.

What are the Penalties for a DUI in Tennessee?

In the state of Tennessee, a DUI charge can be considered a misdemeanor or a felony — both of which have extremely serious penalties:

• Jail time
• Monetary fines
• Ignition interlock devices
• SCRAM tracking devices
• Driver’s license suspension

Why Choose Our DUI Attorney?

Finding the right representation after a driving under the influence (DUI) charge can make all the difference. A DUI lawyer in Murfreesboro, TN such as Santel | Garner will be able to consider the circumstances surrounding the charge and provide you with knowledgeable advice on how best to proceed.

Additionally, they will have the resources of local attorneys and judges available so that you can be sure your rights are fully protected. Working with a competent DUI attorney in Murfreesboro, TN will give you peace of mind that your case is being handled correctly, transparently, and with exemplary professionalism throughout the process.

Aggravating Factors That Can Increase Penalties

In Tennessee, many cases of DUI are prosecuted as misdemeanors. That, however, does not mean it is always a misdemeanor. In fact, charges can be increased up to a Class A felony should there be certain aggravating factors.

Aggravating factors that may increase DUI penalties and the severity of the charge include the following:

• Having a prior DUI conviction
• Having multiple DUI convictions
• Having a child in the vehicle
• Committing vehicular assault or vehicular homicide
• Having a past vehicular homicide conviction
• Having a BAC level of .20% or more.

At Santel | Garner, our DUI lawyers in Murfreesboro strongly believe that any type of criminal charge is detrimental. We are ready to dispute the evidence brought against you. We know that evidence from tests such as field sobriety tests and blood or breath tests are not completely accurate. Therefore, we can launch investigations to determine if a device was not working properly or if an officer carried out the testing wrong.

Unfortunately, much of the determination of whether or not a suspect has been drinking can be left up to the arresting officer to decide — and people are more than able to make mistakes. It is a difficult situation when the mistakes of another can land someone behind bars for a crime they did not commit or lead to them being penalized more harshly than they deserve. Don’t let this be you. Speak to a professional as soon as possible so they are defending your freedom from day one.

Understanding DUI Charges in Murfreesboro

Facing DUI charges in Murfreesboro can be an overwhelming experience. The Rutherford County court system handles numerous DUI cases each year, and the consequences of a conviction can be severe.

Understanding the local laws and the factors that influence DUI charges is crucial. Certain circumstances, such as high blood alcohol levels or multiple offenses, can lead to enhanced penalties. Resources like the Rutherford County Government and the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security can provide helpful information, but navigating the legal system can still feel daunting.

The Impact of a DUI Charge

Beyond the legal consequences, the emotional toll of a DUI charge can be significant. Individuals often feel isolated, fearing judgment from their community, friends, and family. The stress of court proceedings and the uncertainty of their future can lead to anxiety and frustration.

At Santel | Garner, we understand the gravity of these challenges. Our team is experienced in DUI defense and knows how to examine the evidence against you, from potential errors during arrests to inaccuracies in testing. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and fighting for the best possible outcome.

If you’re facing DUI charges in Murfreesboro, don’t go through it alone. Reach out to us for compassionate support and a strong legal defense. Your future matters, and we can help.

Contact Our Murfreesboro DUI Attorneys Today

While many people think they have no choice but to plead guilty to a DUI charge, the fact is you are innocent until proven guilty. As a seasoned DUI lawyer in Murfreesboro, Santel | Garner knows how to investigate and prepare your case in order to seek the best resolution possible. When it comes to the more serious charges, the team’s great dedication and care for clients will reflect in their tireless attention to defending each case.

DUI convictions can have severe ramifications to your future. With a criminal record, you could lose an existing job and have trouble finding a new one. You might find that your insurance rates skyrocket. Why not secure a strong defense? Retain a Murfreesboro DUI defense attorney who has a deep insight into the workings of the prosecution and who will use that knowledge and skill to your benefit.

Contact Santel | Garner by calling (615) 987-0268 to schedule a consultation with our Murfreesboro DUI attorney.

Reach out today and learn your legal options with us. 

Related Reading

• Can You Refuse a Breathalyzer in Tennessee?
• Are Traffic Sobriety Tests Too Hard?
• What Do You Have to Say or Do in a DUI Investigation?