From pool parties and lake outings to Fourth of July barbecues, and festivals, summer is full of celebrations. These warm weather celebrations often come with alcohol as a main ingredient.  Summer party-ers beware:  Choosing to get behind the wheel of a car or boat while intoxicated in Tennessee can not only result in your death or the death of others, but will result in severe penalties in the event you are caught. 

If convicted of a first-offense DUI in Tennessee (BAC .08 or more), you will be sentenced to serve a minimum of 48 consecutive hours in jail up to a maximum of 11 months and 29 days, with the balance served on probation.  You will fined $350 up to a maximum of $1,500.  Your driving privileges will be suspended for one year.  If your blood alcohol concentration is .20 or more, your required jail time is increased to 7 days rather than 48 hours.  If you are accompanied by a minor at the time of your offense, the minimum jail time is increased to 30 days.  After you serve the minimum sentence in jail, a Judge can assign you to remove litter from the public highway system, public parks or playgrounds.   The Court can also require you to wear a monitoring device that will detect when you have consumed alcohol and/or by a Global Positioning Monitoring System (GPS) device.  While you may be able to secure a restricted driver’s license that would allow you to drive essentially to work and church, an ignition interlock device will be required except in rare circumstances.  

If convicted of first offense Boating Under the Influence (BAC .08 or more), you will be fined between $250 and $2,500 (plus an additional $40 for the state Ignition Interlock program), and possibly jailed up to 11 months and 29 days, with the balance of time served on probation. The Judge may also suspend your privilege to operate a watercraft on Tennessee public waters for up to 1 year, and/or require that you  remove litter from public areas, playgrounds, picnic ramps and areas giving the public access to Tennessee waters.  You will be required to participate in an alcohol safety boating under the influence (BUI) school program and to pay restitution to any person suffering physical injury or personal losses as the result of your crime.  

If you want to avoid these devastating consequences and avoid the need to hire a seasoned DUI defense attorney, here are five responsible drinking tips to keep in mind.

5 Tips for Safer Drinking & DUI Prevention

1. Plan Your Transportation

One of the best ways to avoid a drunk-driving offense and the need for a DUI defense attorney is to remove the possibility of driving. Assign a designated driver or have the party host hold your keys until you sober up. If these strategies aren’t reliable, make sure you have a plan to call a cab or a ride-sharing service. If necessary, plan to stay over at the location of the event.

2. Set a Limit

“Buzzed” driving or boating will more than likely constitute DUI or BUI.  There are so many factors that influence blood alcohol concentration that it is extremely difficult to predict how many drinks will get your BAC to the illegal limit.  Still, limiting yourself to a set number of drinks can be a good strategy.  Set a number and stick to it.

3. Eat Plenty

Eating helps slow the absorption of alcohol, which in turn keeps blood alcohol content levels down. If you’re going to a cookout, load up your plate. If it’s not a food-centered event, be sure to eat a heavy meal beforehand. 

4. Pace Yourself

Even if you set a limit, it’s important to remember that drinking fast will cause your blood alcohol content to spike. It’s better to sip on your drink rather than gulp it down. It’s also smart to consume non-alcoholic drinks in between adult beverages.

5. Stay Mindful of Medications

Many medications can intensify the body’s reaction to alcohol, possibly causing you to get more inebriated than you normally do. This is another danger of illegal drugs as well. If you’re taking any medications, talk to your doctor about the risks and whether you should avoid alcohol altogether.  Also be mindful of the fact that some prescription medications have an intoxicating effect on their own, even when you are “used to it.”  In some instances, even when your BAC is below .08, you can be convicted of DUI when your blood testing also shows certain level of prescription or illegal drugs in your system.  

If you’re charged with a DUI in Tennessee, Patton & Hyder PLLC can help you navigate the legal process. Supported by experienced DUI defense attorneys, this team will help assess the specifics of your case so that it can be presented fairly in court and help you avoid unnecessary penalties. If you’ve been involved in an accident with a drunk driver, these Crossville, TN, attorneys can also help address personal injury claims to address any damages you may have experienced. To learn more about these comprehensive solutions, visit the firm online or call (931) 787-1333.