First DUI Offense (Class A Misdemeanor)

A first DUI conviction carries substantial criminal penalties, including:

Jail And Fines

• 48 hours to 11 months, 29 days in jail;
  • Minimum 7 consecutive days in jail if your BAC was 0.15% or higher. 
• Fines between $350 and $1,500. 

License And Other Consequences

• Driver’s license suspension for 1 year. 
• Mandatory alcohol and drug assessment/treatment. 
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID) may be required at your expense upon reinstatement. 

A first offense can still significantly disrupt your life — and the stakes grow dramatically with subsequent offenses.

Second DUI Offense (Class A Misdemeanor)

Jail And Fines

• 45 days to 11 months, 29 days in jail. 
• Fines between $600 and $3,500. 

License And Other Consequences

• Driver’s license suspension for 2 years. 
• Ignition interlock device required for a period after reinstatement. 
• Alcohol and drug treatment programs and assessments. 
• Vehicle seizure/forfeiture may be possible under Tennessee law. 

Third DUI Offense (Class A Misdemeanor)

Jail And Fines

• 120 days to 11 months, 29 days in jail. 
• Fines from $1,100 up to $10,000. 

License And Other Consequences

• Driver’s license suspension for up to 6 years. 
• Ignition interlock requirements. 
• Mandatory substance abuse assessment and treatment. 
• Vehicle seizure/forfeiture may apply. 

Other Enhanced DUI Consequences

Even beyond the standard DUI penalties, Tennessee law also imposes:

• Enhanced minimum sentences for high BAC levels. 
• Mandatory treatment programs and community service. 
• Victim restitution and court-ordered programs. 

If your case involves accidents, injuries or fatalities, the charges and penalties can escalate to vehicular assault or vehicular homicide, which are serious felonies.