If you're ever unfortunate enough to be pulled over for a DUI in Tennessee, it is important that you know and understand the laws that govern a DUI and DUI penalties. Driving under the influence is a serious crime, that can get you into some serious trouble.

First it is important to define DUI. DUI stands for driving under the influence and DWI stands for driving while intoxicated. If you're operating a motor vehicle under the influence of other drugs or alcohol, you run the risk of being pulled over and charged with a DUI. A DUI can include the operation of other types of transportation, including boats, bicycles, and horses. The operation of any of these types of transportation while intoxicated is illegal in many countries in the world, include the United States. Most specifically, it is illegal in the state of Tennessee.

Most DUI laws are similar, but each state may have his own specific guidelines and punishments. I'm not a lawyer, but the following is a brief summary of the DUI laws in the state of Tennessee. Please seek DUI lawyer for professional legal advice.

Like most states, punishments for a DUI get more intense as you accumulate more offenses. The penalties can be fairly harsh, so it is best to avoid getting a DUI in the first place.

The Tennessee DUI laws consider three major factors that must be proved to convict someone for a DUI. First you must actually have to be operating a vehicle and be in control of it, which is fairly obvious. Second, you were found operating the vehicle on a public road. And lastly, you were found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you are found to have a BAC of more than 0.08%, than you are automatically under the influence. Besides that factor, it is determined by the officer who applies a field test.

Many forget that a DUI can apply to someone who is also driving while impaired. A DUI can apply to narcotics and even prescribed medication.

Although this covers the basic DUI laws in Tennessee, it is not a replacement for the full documentation of the law, which is more complicated and outlines punishments throughly. If you've been charged for a DUI in Tennessee, I would advice you to seek professional legal advice. A DUI lawyer and specifically qualified to provide legal advice for DUI charges.