How long can you go to jail for a DUI?

The length of time that you can go to jail for getting a DUI can vary. A lot of people who come into my office mistakenly think, “Well, it’s 48 hours no matter what.” And that’s not actually true. The law says that the actual sentence for DUI, in terms of incarceration, is 11 months and 29 days. But that entire jail sentence can be suspended down to 48 hours.

[One other important note] If you’re over a .20 blood alcohol, the law states that you have to do a mandatory minimum seven days consecutive in jail.

There are also certain situations, depending on your prior criminal history or your past or the particular judge or the facts and circumstances of your DUI, that a judge may sentence you to more than the minimum. There are times when people actually get 30 days in jail or six months in jail. If you’re in a situation where you’ve been arrested for a DUI, and you’re concerned about jail time, it’s important to sit down with a skilled DUI attorney that’s familiar with the venue or the jurisdiction and be able to make a meaningful decision about how to defend your case.

If you or a loved one was charged with a DUI in Knox County, Knoxville, or a surrounding city, it makes sense to speak with a criminal defense attorney who was extensive experience successfully defending those charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. Attorney Marcos Garza is widely considered to be at the forefront of DUI defense in the Southeast. Mr. Garza routinely lectures on topics pertaining to DUIs and has won numerous “Best Lawyer” awards throughout the years. Call (865) 540-8300 to setup a free consultation, or email info@garzalaw.com. Night and weekend appointments are available for your convenience.