Tag Archives: DUI attorney Steve Oberman

After many years of frustrating arguments with judges across Tennessee trying to obtain an expungement order for implied consent cases that were dismissed, the Tennessee Legislature passed a law in 2023 that now specifically allows most (but not all) dismissed implied consent violations to be expunged (erased from public record).  Public Chapter 137 became law on April 6, 2023 amending Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 40-32-101 and Section 55-10- 407, relative to expunction. Drivers who are suspected of the crime of ... Read More »

In some states, such as Florida, an individual can be charged with a DUI while riding a bicycle.  A local Tennessean experienced the consequences of biking under the influence while on vacation at the popular Sanibel Island in Florida according to The Charlotte Observer. Under Florida Statute 316.2065, bicycles have “…all of the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any vehicle under this chapter.” In Florida, intoxication for a DUI is measured the same for a bike as ... Read More »

Hawaiian legislators are again considering lowering Hawaii’s “legal” blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit from 0.08% to 0.05% according to KITV, Channel 4 in Honolulu.  According to a news report, State Sen. Angus McKelvey has introduced such a bill.  Utah is the only other state in the nation with such a low per se alcohol level. Hawaii Alcohol Policy Alliance Director Rick Collins said about 30% of car crashes in Hawaii involve alcohol. But does that mean that drivers with alcohol levels ... Read More »

In a story published by CNN, and as previously noted on this website, the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) recommendation of alcohol impairment detection systems is moving forward.  See “Will The 2021 Infrastructure Legislation Make Drunk Driving A Thing of the Past?” and “Apple Developing iPhone Feature to Prevent Drunk Driving.” The NTSB 2017 Safety Study, “Reducing Speeding-Related Crashes Involving Passenger Vehicles,” however, is not moving as quickly.  As reported by CNN, “the NTSB also suggested the National Highway Traffic ... Read More »

As of July 1, 2022, when a judge determines the amount and conditions of bail to be imposed upon a defendant who has been charged with driving under the influence of an intoxicant (DUI), or a related offense, the court shall require the defendant to operate only a motor vehicle equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device if: (i) The offense resulted in a collision involving property damage; (ii) A minor was present in the vehicle at the time of ... Read More »

DUI penalties in Tennessee just got much worse if someone is killed as a result of intoxication.  As of July 1, 2022 the State of Tennessee will carry the toughest penalties in the United States due to its new “Truth in Sentencing” law, amending T.C.A. §40-35-501. Those committing the crimes of Vehicular Homicide Resulting From Intoxication and Aggravated Vehicular Homicide (together with other specified violent crimes) will require the defendant to serve a mandatory 100% sentence. Those convicted of certain ... Read More »

When you have to appear in court, particularly in defending your DUI related case, there are definitely some “tricks of the trade” to increase your chances of success.  Appearing in an unusual environment for the first time can be downright frightening—particularly when you aren’t familiar with the rules and behaviors that are expected.  Most lawyers will discuss these in detail with their clients, but if your lawyer has neglected to do so, or you have decided to represent yourself, allow ... Read More »

In proposed 2022 legislation introduced by Tennessee Senator Stevens and Tennessee Representative Farmer, the sheriff or chief administrative officer of a local jail or workhouse would be authorized to use alternative facilities for the incarceration of an offender convicted of driving under the influence regardless of whether the local jail or workhouse has space available. HB2432 and SB2584 is a major change from current law, but makes a lot of sense given that most DUI offenders are non-violent.  The Tennessee ... Read More »

A 2022 proposed Bill filed jointly by Tennessee Senator White (SB2736) and Tennessee Representative Ogles (HB2270)would amend current law so that a person who was prohibited from driving due to a DUI conviction must, upon seeking reinstatement of driving privileges, provide the Tennessee Department of Safety with a report from an accredited laboratory demonstrating negative screening results for the substance that was the basis of the person’s conviction. The report must be dated within thirty (30) days of the person’s ... Read More »

There has been a lot of discussion both before and after the passage of President Biden’s Infrastructure Bill, but there has been little emphasis on the effect it will have on DUI/DWI/OWI cases.  In particular, the “Advanced Impaired Driving Technology” portion of the new law (Section 24220) directs automakers to install new technology designed to stop drivers from being able to start or continue to operate the vehicle if it detects they are impaired by alcohol. According to the legislation, ... Read More »