Aggressive Defense Against DUI Charges in Nashville
A DUI conviction in Tennessee carries serious penalties—mandatory jail time, hefty fines, a suspended license, and a permanent criminal record. If you or someone you care about is facing DUI charges, the stakes are too high to go it alone. You need a Nashville DUI lawyer with the experience and training to build a strong defense.
Attorney Carla Grebert is a skilled DUI defense attorney in Davidson County who understands the law, the science behind DUI investigations, and how to challenge the prosecution’s case at every stage. She will guide you through the process, protect your rights, and fight for the best outcome.
DUI Defense from the Inside Out
In a DUI case, the prosecution relies heavily on the procedures and observations of the arresting officer. To effectively challenge their case, your attorney must know the officer’s training better than the officer does.
I have completed the same specialized training programs used by law enforcement officers across the country:
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What This Means for Your Defense
This specialized education, developed by the National Hight Transprotation Safety Administration (NHTSA) is not just a credential; it is a critical advantage in the courtroom. It gives me an insider’s perspective on the entire DUI investigation process, from the initial traffic stop to the chemical test.
1. Challenging Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs)
I know the precise, step-by-step instructions that officers are required to follow when administering the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), Walk-and-Turn, and One-Leg Stand tests.
Benefit to You: I can quickly identify and expose procedural errors, improper scoring, and environmental factors that invalidate the test results. If the officer failed to follow their own training manual, the evidence against you is compromised.
2. Scrutinizing the Entire Investigation
The training covers the entire sequence of events, including the initial signs of impairment, the proper use of the breathalyzer, and the documentation required at every stage.
Benefit to You: I can meticulously scrutinize the police report and dashcam footage for any deviation from the established protocol. This allows me to build a defense based on police misconduct, rights violations, or mishandled evidence—arguments that can lead to reduced charges or dismissal.
My Training is Your Advantage. When your freedom and future are on the line, you need a defense attorney who can challenge the prosecution’s evidence with superior knowledge. My commitment to this advanced, science-based training ensures that you receive the most informed and aggressive defense possible in Davidson and Wilson Counties.
Don't face the evidence alone. Leverage my insider knowledge to build your defense.
Request Your Free DUI Consultation NowWhat Evidence is Used in a DUI Case?
DUI charges are often based on a combination of observations, testing, and lab results. As a seasoned DUI lawyer in Nashville, Carla Grebert knows how to scrutinize this evidence and expose flaws that may lead to reduced or dismissed charges.
- Field Sobriety Tests: Standard roadside tests like the horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN), walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand are used to assess coordination, but many factors can affect performance.
- Officer Observations: Police reports often include subjective claims like slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or the odor of alcohol.
- Breathalyzer Results: These devices estimate blood alcohol content (BAC), but may be unreliable if not properly calibrated or administered.
- Blood Tests & Toxicology Reports: Lab testing may show the presence of alcohol or drugs—but testing errors, contamination, and timing issues can cast doubt on results.
DUI Defense Strategies That Work
Every DUI case is unique. As a knowledgeable Nashville DUI attorney, Carla Grebert will carefully analyze the facts and determine the most effective legal strategies. Common defenses include:
Challenging the Traffic Stop
Police must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over. If the stop was unlawful, key evidence may be thrown out.
Attacking the Validity of Field Sobriety Tests
These tests are not foolproof. Weather, physical limitations, fatigue, or even nerves can affect performance. Furthermore, police officers sometimes do not conduct the tests properly. Carla has advanced training in these evaluations and knows how to challenge their results.
Questioning Chemical Test Results
Breath and blood tests can be flawed due to machine errors, medical conditions, or improper administration. A seasoned DUI defense lawyer in Nashville can spot these issues.
Highlighting Medical or Prescription Explanations
Medical conditions like GERD, diabetes, or neurological issues can mimic signs of impairment.
Investigating Police Misconduct
Procedural violations, rights violations, or mishandled evidence may be grounds for dismissal.
Negotiating Plea Agreements
If going to trial isn’t in your best interest, Carla will negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
Why Choose Carla Grebert as Your Nashville DUI Attorney?
- In-Depth Knowledge of Tennessee DUI laws and Davidson County court procedures
- Science-Based Strategy from advanced DUI defense training
- Personalized Representation focused on your goals and your future
- Proven Advocacy in both negotiations and trial
Carla takes the time to understand your case and tailors a defense plan to your unique circumstances. She is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for every client.
Schedule a Consultation with a Nashville DUI Lawyer Today
If you’ve been charged with DUI in Nashville, time is critical. The sooner you speak with an experienced DUI attorney, the better your chances of building a strong defense. Contact Carla Grebert today to protect your rights and your future.
Quick Guide to DUI Penalities in Tennessee
Davidson County DUI defense attorney Carla Grebert has prepared a handy, printable one-page guide to help you understand the penalties for DUI in Tennessee. Click here to get it.
FAQs -- Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Defense in Tennessee
Below are answers to common questions about DUI charges, Tennessee law, and your rights. If you have additional questions, I encourage you to contact me for a free consultation.
In Tennessee, the legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% for drivers 21 years of age and older. However, Tennessee also has an "implied consent" law, which means that by driving on Tennessee roads, you have implicitly FAW consented to chemical testing (breath or blood) if lawfully arrested for DUI. Additionally, drivers under 21 years old face a lower limit of 0.02% BAC, and commercial drivers are subject to a 0.04% BAC limit. Refusing a chemical test can result in separate penalties, including automatic license suspension.
A first DUI conviction in Tennessee carries serious mandatory penalties under Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-10-403:
- Jail Time: A minimum of 48 consecutive hours and a maximum of 11 months and 29 days in jail
- Fines: Between $250 and $1,500
- License Suspension: A minimum of one year
- Alcohol Education Program: Mandatory completion of an alcohol education program
- Probation: Any port of the sentence not spent in jail will be spent on probation
Additionally, a DUI conviction results in a permanent criminal record, which can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing opportunities. These penalties increase significantly for repeat offenses or if aggravating factors are present.
Yes, you can be charged with DUI in Tennessee even if the vehicle is not in motion. Tennessee's DUI statute applies to anyone who operates or is in control of a vehicle while impaired. The term "operates" has been interpreted broadly by Tennessee courts to include sitting in the driver's seat with the engine running or keys in the ignition, even if the vehicle is parked. This is sometimes referred to as "physical control" of the vehicle. The prosecution must prove that you had the intent to operate the vehicle or that you were in a position to do so.
If you are arrested for DUI in Nashville, take these critical steps:
- Remain Silent: Exercise your right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions beyond providing your name and license information.
- Do Not Consent to Searches: Politely refuse consent to any searches of your vehicle or person, unless the officer has a warrant.
- Request an Attorney: Clearly state that you want to speak with an attorney. Once you make this request, police must stop questioning you.
- Contact a DUI Attorney Immediately: Time is critical in DUI cases.
- Document Everything: Write down the details of your arrest, the officer's name and badge number, the time of arrest, and any observations you remember.
Tennessee does not use the term "DWI" (Driving While Intoxicated). Instead, Tennessee uses the term DUI (Driving Under the Influence), which is codified in Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-10-401. The DUI statute covers driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. Some states distinguish between DUI and DWI, but in Tennessee, these charges fall under the single DUI statute. However, Tennessee does recognize different levels of impairment and different substances, all of which are prosecuted as DUI offenses.
A DUI conviction remains on your criminal record permanently in Tennessee.
Yes, field sobriety tests can absolutely be challenged in court. The three standardized field sobriety tests (HGN, walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand) are not infallible and are subject to numerous sources of error. Factors that can affect performance include:
- Physical conditions (arthritis, inner ear problems, obesity, balance disorders)
- Environmental conditions (uneven pavement, poor lighting, weather)
- Medical conditions (diabetes, neurological disorders, GERD)
- Fatigue, nervousness, or anxiety
- Improper administration by the officer
- Inadequate instructions given to the driver
An experienced DUI defense attorney with advanced training in field sobriety testing (such as NHTSA training) can identify procedural errors and challenge the reliability of the tests. In many cases, the results of field sobriety tests can be excluded from evidence or their reliability significantly undermined.
Tennessee's implied consent law (Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-10-406) states that by driving on Tennessee roads, you have implicitly consented to chemical testing if you are lawfully arrested for DUI. However, you have the right to refuse the test, but refusal carries significant consequences:
- License Suspension: A refusal results in an automatic administrative license suspension for one year (or longer for repeat offenses), even if you are not convicted of DUI.
- Admissibility in Court: Your refusal can be used as evidence against you in a DUI prosecution, though it cannot be the sole basis for conviction.
The decision to refuse a chemical test is complex and depends on the specific circumstances of your case. An attorney can advise you on the implications of refusal versus submission.
The cost of DUI defense varies depending on the complexity of the case, the jurisdiction, and the specific services required. Some cases may be resolved through negotiation, while others may require extensive investigation, expert witnesses, and trial preparation. I offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case, answer your questions, and provide an estimate of the costs involved. During the consultation, I can explain what is included in my representation and discuss payment options that work for your situation.
Still have questions? I'm here to help. Contact me for a free consultation to discuss your DUI case.