DUI Defense Lawyers in Carthage, TN
Experienced DUI Defense for Carthage Locals
Whether you were stopped near the Smith County Courthouse or on Highway 25, Crabtree & Patterson is dedicated to defending residents of Carthage. We understand the local courts, law enforcement, and the challenges of fighting DUI charges in this community.
From courtroom strategies to challenging police tactics, we’re here to stand up for your rights.
Types of DUI Cases We Take
There are several situations where we can challenge DUI charges in Carthage, such as:
If the police did not have a legitimate reason to pull you over on one of Smith County’s roads, we can challenge the traffic stop. Without a lawful reason for the stop, any evidence gathered might be deemed inadmissible in court, giving us grounds to seek a dismissal of the charges.
Breathalyzer tests in Smith County, especially if improperly administered by local authorities, can give false readings. Whether due to equipment malfunction or improper procedure, we will scrutinize the breath test to challenge the accuracy of the results.
Field sobriety tests, often conducted on the side of busy roads in Carthage or during adverse weather conditions, are highly subjective. If these tests were poorly administered or misinterpreted by officers, we will vigorously challenge their reliability.
Certain medical conditions, such as neurological disorders or diabetes, can cause symptoms that mimic intoxication, like slurred speech or unsteady movements. If your condition was behind your alleged impairment, we’ll fight to show that it was not a DUI.
Residue from alcohol in your mouth – whether from a recent drink, mouthwash, or even chewing gum – can cause false positive results on a breath test. If this happened to you in Carthage, we will expose any errors in the breath testing process.
Police officers in Smith County sometimes fail to follow proper protocols during a DUI stop. If your rights were violated during the traffic stop, arrest, or questioning, we’ll make sure that any misconduct is brought to light and used in your defense.
Why Choose Crabtree & Patterson?
Our team of skilled DUI defense lawyers has a long history of successfully defending clients in Carthage and throughout Tennessee. We know the law, and we know how to use it to protect your freedom and future.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A DUI case can be dismissed in Smith County if the police didn’t have probable cause to pull you over or if there’s insufficient evidence to prove you were driving under the influence. At Crabtree & Patterson, our DUI defense attorneys will investigate the circumstances of your arrest, challenge the evidence presented, and fight for the best possible outcome.
For a first offense DUI in Tennessee, jail time is not mandatory, but it can still be a possibility. The sentence can range from no jail time to up to 11 months and 29 days. The judge may consider factors such as your BAC, whether there were aggravating factors, and if you’ve had prior offenses.
In Tennessee, you may face an automatic license suspension if you’re arrested for DUI.
However, you can request a hearing within 10 days of your arrest to contest the suspension. The length of your suspension will depend on factors such as your BAC and whether it was your first offense.
In Carthage, a DUI is typically classified as a misdemeanor, but it can escalate to a felony if you have multiple offenses or if certain aggravating factors are present, such as injury or death resulting from the DUI. For a first offense, it is usually treated as a misdemeanor.
For a DUI conviction in Smith County, the prosecution needs to present evidence such as the results of breathalyzer or blood tests, the officer’s observations of your behavior (e.g., slurred speech, unsteady gait), and any field sobriety tests you were asked to perform.
What Our Clients Say
Absolutely fantastic!
They were able to get my charges dropped. I was worried about travel living on the other side of the United States, but they were able to get everything taken care of. Recommend this firm to anyone needing help in Tennessee
Brady Toller – Drug Possession
I am grateful there is a man in the lawyering business that is the caliber of Seth Crabtree.
There is so much to say I will try and make this short as I can. Seth Crabtree is a man outstanding in his field. My case was not the toughest, but had obstacles to overcome… like 97 miles an hour in a 70 and a Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.153%. I never stepped foot in the courtroom. Seth was able to get my DUI charge downgraded to a DISMISSAL and EXPUNGEMENT. Can I get an AMEN?
Seth Is very reasonable on is fees and goes above and beyond his duty. Seth gave my case 100%. I am grateful that there is a man in the lawyering business that is the caliber of Seth Crabtree. Thank you sir, and your staff.