Nashville DUI Lawyer

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Defending against DUI Charges

A conviction for DUI in Tennessee has serious consequences, including mandatory jail time. If you or someone you know is facing a DUI charge, it is important to contact a Nashville DUI lawyer who can help you understand the potential defenses and legal strategies available. Carla Grebert will guide you through the process and defend you in and out of court.

A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge is based on one or more of the following types of evidence:

Field Sobriety Tests: These roadside tests assess a driver’s coordination and cognitive function. The standard tests are the horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) test, the walk-and-turn test, and the one-leg stand test.
Observations by the Arresting Officer: Officers may testify to a “strong odor of alcohol,” bloodshot or watery eyes, and slurred speech.
Breathalyzer Tests: Devices used to measure BAC levels directly.
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): Prosecutors often rely on BAC levels taken from your blood to establish impairment.
Toxicology Reports: Analysis of a blood sample to determine if there are drugs in your system that may cause impaired driving.

Possible Defense Strategies

Challenging the Traffic Stop

One common defense involves questioning the legality of the traffic stop. If police did not have reasonable suspicion or probable cause, it may be possible to suppress evidence obtained during the stop.

Questioning Field Sobriety Tests

Officers sometimes use other tests, but there are three standardized tests that are validated for detecting alcohol impairment:

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN): This test looks for involuntary jerking of the eyes, which tends to become more pronounced under the influence of alcohol.
Walk-and-Turn (WAT): The subject is asked to take nine heel-to-toe steps along a straight line, turn, and walk back. Difficulty maintaining balance, improper turns, and stepping off the line are indicators of impairment.
One-Leg Stand (OLS): The subject is asked to stand on one leg for 30 seconds. Swaying, hopping, or putting the foot down are signs of impairment.

Field sobriety tests must be administered and interpreted properly in order to give valid results. The tests can be influenced by various factors, including weather and lighting conditions, age, weight, and physical disabilities.

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Nashville DUI attorney with NHTSA training

Carla Grebert has completed and passed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (“NHTSA”) DUI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Course. She has also completed the Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) Training. These are the exact same trainings that law enforcement officers complete to learn how to investigate DUI cases, administer and interpret field sobriety tests, and to recognize the effects of drugs on drivers. Because of this training, Carla can evaluate the validity and accuracy of the tests used against you. This can be powerful evidence in your defense.

Investigating Police Conduct

If there are concerns about the conduct of law enforcement officers during the arrest, such as improper procedure and violations of constitutional rights, Carla will raise these issues in your defense.

Contesting Breathalyzer Results

Factors such as calibration issues, improper usage, or medical conditions can impact the reliability of these tests.

Medical Conditions and Prescription Drugs

Certain medical conditions and prescription medications can make mimic the effects of alcohol impairment.

Negotiating Plea Bargains

In some cases, negotiating a plea bargain may be the best option. This could involve reducing charges or seeking alternative sentencing arrangements.

Why Choose Grebert Law?

Carla Grebert understands that each case is unique. She will work with you to understand your needs and priorities and develop a strategy that is tailored to your specific circumstances.

Carla regularly participates in legal education to stay up-to-date on changes in the law, developments in the science of impaired driving, and strategies to defend you.

Carla is committed to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact your Nashville DUI Lawyer for help today.

If you are facing a DUI charge, don’t face it alone. Contact attorney Carla Grebert today to schedule a consultation.

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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.