How to Protect Your Rights, Record, and Future

Being arrested for DUI in Tennessee is serious. Whether it's your first offense or not, the steps you take immediately after can directly affect your case, your driver’s license, and your long-term future. Emotions run high in the aftermath of an arrest, but making the right decisions now can make all the difference.

As a Tennessee DUI lawyer with over 43 years of courtroom experience, I’ve helped hundreds of people navigate this exact moment—when the dust settles and questions begin to pile up. Here's what you need to know, and what you should do next.

Stay Silent—Even If You Think You Can Explain

After a DUI arrest, you may feel the urge to tell your side of the story—to the officer, to a detective, or to a prosecutor. That’s understandable. But anything you say, even if it seems harmless, can be used against you in court. The most important legal protection you have at this stage is your right to remain silent. Use it.

Do not try to justify, clarify, or minimize what happened until you’ve spoken with a qualified defense attorney. Statements made under stress—even to friends or on social media—can backfire. Your silence is not an admission of guilt. It’s a strategy.

Document the Details While They’re Fresh

DUI cases often hinge on small but critical procedural details—things like how the stop occurred, what the officer said, whether you were informed of your rights, and the conditions under which a breathalyzer or field sobriety test was administered. These facts fade quickly with time, so write down everything you remember as soon as possible.

Where were you when the stop occurred? What time did it happen? What did the officer ask or say? Did they tell you why you were being pulled over? Did they conduct any tests or search your vehicle? These seemingly minor recollections can uncover rights violations or procedural errors that could shape your defense.

Don’t Wait to Get a DUI Lawyer Involved

In Tennessee, DUI convictions carry real consequences—license suspension, fines, probation, mandatory treatment programs, even jail time. And depending on your history, those penalties can escalate quickly. But the sooner a DUI lawyer is involved in your case, the more options you’ll have.

As a solo criminal defense attorney, I personally handle every DUI case that comes through my door. You won’t be passed off to a junior associate or left wondering who’s really managing your case. I’ll review the evidence, identify weak points in the prosecution’s strategy, and build a defense tailored to your specific circumstances. That might include challenging the legality of the stop, the reliability of a breathalyzer, or the conduct of the arresting officer.

Protect Your Online Presence

It may seem unrelated, but what you post online after your arrest can hurt your case. Prosecutors can and do review social media activity. Avoid sharing details about the incident, your thoughts on law enforcement, or even pictures from the night in question. Until your case is resolved, it’s best to keep your digital footprint clean and quiet.

Talk to a DUI Lawyer Today—It’s Free

You don’t have to face a DUI charge alone. Whether you're dealing with your first arrest or have prior offenses, early legal guidance is critical—and I offer free consultations to help you get the clarity you need right away.

If you've been arrested for DUI in Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, or anywhere in Middle Tennessee, call me directly. I’ve been defending Tennesseans in DUI cases for over four decades, and I’m ready to bring that experience to your case.

📞 Call 615‑419‑6154 to schedule your free consultation now.