Tennessee School Bus Driver Charged with DUI

Last year, a 39 year-old female school bus driver was charged with DUI in Cocke County, Tennessee after she was found drinking a 24 ounce can of beer inside the idling bus. The driver, C. H., was about to leave to pick up students at a Cocke County high school when she was discovered. Her blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measured .09 percent on a Breathalyzer test. For regular adult drivers of passenger vehicles in Tennessee, a BAC of .08 percent is illegal. For commercial drivers in the state, it's illegal to operate a vehicle with a BAC of .04 percent. C. H. was also arrested for violating open container laws.

In Tennessee, as in most other states, you can also be arrested and charged for DUI if you demonstrate an impaired ability to drive even though your BAC is less than .08 percent. For anyone under the age of 21, the state utilizes a Zero Tolerance rule which makes it illegal to drive with a BAC of .02 percent or more. A DUI in Tennessee is charged as a misdemeanor unless you accrue four or more in which case it becomes a Class E felony. You can be pulled over on suspicion of DUI if a police officer observes you driving erratically. Once you are pulled over, you may be asked to perform field sobriety tests in order for the officer to decide whether or not to continue with the arresting process.

In Tennessee, you can also be charged with DUI if drugs are found in your system which can impair driving. These drugs can be prescription medicines, illegal street drugs, or even over-the-counter drugs such as sleep aids, allergy or cold medicines, and cough syrups which contain substances that can make one drowsy or disoriented.

Memphis Criminal Defense Firm

Being convicted of DUI has many negative consequences in Tennessee which is why it is vital to get the advice and guidance of an experienced DUI defense attorney. Many potential defenses exist which could apply to your case. DUI defense is a complex area of law that involves scientific evidence as well as legal factors. You will want an attorney who is skilled in this field who can thoroughly investigate your case to find any inconsistencies or flaws.

The Claiborne Ferguson Law Firm, P.A. serves clients throughout the greater Memphis area with outstanding legal representation in criminal defense. Mr. Ferguson is a Certified Criminal Trial Specialist which is the highest professional status attainable by attorneys in the state. He has exclusive training in medical science and technology which is vital in DUI cases. His firm has earned a 10 out of 10 Superb rating by Avvo and a 2013 Avvo Clients' Choice Award in Criminal Defense. Contact the firm to arrange for a free case consultation about your DUI or other criminal charges today.