What happens if you’re arrested for DUI in Knoxville and are between the ages of 16 and 18?

Highly Consequential Legislation on DUI in Tennessee
A bill passed by Tennessee’s Senate redefining penalties for minors, between the ages of 16 and 18, found with blood alcohol concentration of more than two-hundredths of one percent is putting highway funding at risk. Although the bill was enacted to curb the increasing number of drunk driving offenders, it is violating federal statutes that incriminate underage drinking.

The Federal Government’s Influence on Tennessee Law
The consequence of not complying with the federal government’s zero tolerance laws is resulting in unforeseen costs. If Tennessee’s Senate refuses to amend its bill, the federal government will refuse to fund Tennessee highways, which will result in a loss of 60 million dollars for intrastate highways. The federal government has a strict restriction on underage drinking, but Tennessee’s Senate Bill 1317 undermines the legal drinking age by penalizing underage drinkers for driving under the influence only if their blood alcohol concentration is over 0.02%, otherwise they are solely convicted for drinking as a minority.

The Deficit for Highway Funding in Knoxville
With less funding for its highways, Tennessee will charge higher tolls, and there will be greater fines for all misdemeanors and felonies resulting from vehicular accidents. Under federal law, driving with any amount of alcohol if you are below the age of 21 is considered a delinquent offense. Penalties for drunk driving depends on the location of the accident. If you are on land administered by the NPS, the National Park Service, and you are charged for a DUI, you will be tried pursuant to the Code of Federal Regulations. If you are charged with a DUI on federal property within a state, you will be tried under the DUI laws of the state.

Interstate, and intrastate laws for DUI are nationally consistent, and adhered because of the federal government’s legislation. Tennessee’s Bill, which amends the federal law, will undermine federal law, and incite other states to amend their legislation on DUIs.

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The Law Office of Paul Hensley is readily available for client meetings Monday through Friday, 8am – 5pm. Reserve your hesitation for a moment that warrants it, but right now is not an opportune moment to waste time. You don’t want to be in this situation, but be assured that our firm has a strong legal defense in DUI litigation.