Tennessee DUI Defense Lawyer

Knoxville Attorney Defending Charges of Driving Under the Influence

Tennessee takes a strong stance against people charged with driving under the influence (DUI). If convicted, you may face jail time, a permanent criminal record, and loss of your driver's license. In addition, there are the collateral consequences including points on your license, higher insurance rates, and the stigma associated with a drunk driving conviction.

Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, attorney Robert R. Kurtz is an experienced DUI attorney. Mr. Kurtz brings a high level of skill and knowledge to every case he defends. Contact Mr. Kurtz's office for a free initial consultation.

Driving Under the Influence in Tennessee

The negative consequences of a DUI conviction are long-lasting. Mr. Kurtz maintains a focus on minimizing the impact that a DUI can cause.

A DUI conviction is a permanent mark on your record and can be used against you for 10 years to enhance subsequent crimes.
Upon conviction of the first offense, there is an automatic driver's license revocation for one year. In addition, you risk losing your job if you drive a commercial vehicle.
There is a minimum $350 fine, but the subsequent penalties and fines can be much more substantial.
DUI charges are rarely reduced unless the case is properly investigated so that you can prove your innocence.

With so much at stake, Mr. Kurtz is willing to fight your DUI charges in court. Mr. Kurtz conducts a thorough investigation by obtaining the videotape from the police cruiser, interviewing witnesses and bringing factual challenges to the officer's stop and arrest.

There are strict guidelines about how field sobriety tests are administered. If the arresting officer did not administer the field sobriety test correctly, Mr. Kurtz will challenge it in court. Mr. Kurtz is also ready to defend charges of boating under the influence (BUI).

DUI Penalties	1st Offense	2nd Offense	3rd Offense	4th Offense
Punishment	Class A Misdemeanor 11 months, 29 days	Class A Misdemeanor 11 months, 29 days	Class A Misdemeanor 11 months, 29 days	Class E Felony 1-6 years
Jail	Mandatory minimum 24 hours (7 days if blood alcohol concentration is .20% or higher).	Mandatory minimum 45 days	Mandatory minimum 120 days	Mandatory minimum 150 days
Fine	Min. fine $350 Max. fine $1,500	Min. fine $600 Max. fine $3,500	Min. fine $1,100 Max. fine $10,000	Min. fine $3,000 Max. fine $15,000
Driver's License	Revoked 1 yr.	Revoked 2 yrs.	Revoked 3-10 yrs.	Revoked min. 5 yrs.
DUI School	Mandatory	Possible	Possible	Possible
Ignition Interlock	Possible Mandatory in some circumstances	Possible Mandatory in some circumstances	Possible Mandatory in some circumstances	Possible Mandatory in some circumstances
Vehicle Forfeiture	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Community Service	24 hours roadside litter pick up	Possible	Possible	Possible

Contact Mr. Kurtz for a free initial consultation. Mr. Kurtz's office is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday; evening and weekend hours are available by appointment. In-home and in-jail visits are also available.

Mr. Kurtz's office is located in downtown Knoxville, two blocks from the Howard H. Baker Jr. Federal Courthouse and the Tennessee Supreme Court.

Robert R. Kurtz

422 S Gay Street, Suite 301
Knoxville, TN 37902
Map and Directions

Telephone: 865-522-9942 | Fax: 865-522-9945
Free Initial Consultation

Robert R. Kurtz represents clients in the cities of Athens, Chattanooga, Cleveland, Cookeville, Crossville, Gatlinburg, Greeneville, Jefferson City, Kingston, Knoxville, Maynardville, Memphis, Nashville, Newport, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and the tri-cities of Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol.

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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.

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