Clarksville DUI Lawyer

Being convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) can lead to jail time, the suspension of your driver’s license, fines, and other penalties. However, being arrested for a DUI offense doesn’t always mean you’ll be convicted. A Clarksville DUI lawyer can help you defend yourself against the charges, challenge the evidence from the traffic stop and arrest, and work to minimize the penalties you face or avoid conviction.

Clarksville DUI Attorney

Navigating a DUI case can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. The Clarksville, TN DUI lawyers at Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law, have decades of combined experience handling complicated DUI cases throughout Montgomery County and beyond. Our experienced team understands Tennessee DUI laws and can help you create the right defense against your charges.

DUI Cases in Tennessee

No matter the cause of impairment, DUI poses a serious risk to the driver themselves and the world around them, which is why Tennessee has strict DUI laws. Prosecutors pursue these cases harshly for the same reasons. Representing yourself in a DUI case can be challenging when you have experienced prosecutors coming after you. It’s beneficial to speak with a Clarksville criminal defense attorney to secure the legal support you deserve.

There were 6,159 total motor vehicle crashes reported in Montgomery County in 2025, including 200 DUI-related incidents.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security reports that one in three fatal crashes in the state from August 2025 to July 2026 involved DUI. One in two of all DUI crashes resulted in injury or death. If a driver operating a vehicle under the influence doesn’t cause a crash, it’s purely by luck.

There were a total of 422 DUI arrests reported by the Clarksville Police Department in 2025 alone, which was a 5.17 percent decrease in incidents from 2024. These offenses included:

• 86.7 percent of these cases involved only alcohol impairment
• 6.9 percent of cases involved both alcohol and drug impairment
• 6.4 percent of cases involved only drug impairment

Our mission at Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law, is to protect those who find themselves facing charges against the state and to ensure they are being treated fairly under the law. Our team has decades of experience navigating the Montgomery County Court system and can help you build a defense that protects your rights and your future.

Penalties for DUI in Clarksville, TN

The penalties for DUI in Tennessee can vary depending on the severity of the incident and whether or not it was your first offense. Common penalties for DUI convictions in Tennessee include:

• Hefty fines
• Interlock ignition device (IID)
• Jail time
• License suspension or revocation
• Potential vehicle seizure or forfeiture
• Restitution to any victims if you were in an accident
• Substance abuse treatment program

Generally speaking, you can expect to be charged with a misdemeanor for DUI, unless there are aggravating factors like a serious injury. If you are convicted four or more times of a DUI, even without aggravating factors, however, you’re charged with a Class E felony instead.

Your fourth and subsequent repeated offenses can result in one year in jail with a minimum of 150 days served consecutively. To put that into perspective, the minimum sentence is 48 hours for a first offense, 45 days for a second DUI offense, and 120 days for a third offense.

Defending against a DUI charge is going to look different for every case. It’s helpful to work with a Clarksville DUI lawyer to build a strong defense against your charges.

Our Local Clarksville, TN DUI Attorneys

Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law, has been handling DUI cases in Tennessee for many years. Our team of skilled attorneys brings decades of combined experience that we’re ready to put to work for your case.

We’re proud to offer the honest counsel and aggressive advocacy you deserve to make it through your charges. We are experienced trial lawyers and can protect your rights are protected throughout the process.

Challenging DUI Evidence to Build Your Defense

Part of building a strong defense against DUI charges is challenging the evidence the prosecution has. If evidence can be suppressed because it was mishandled or otherwise inadmissible, this can greatly weaken the prosecution’s case and potentially result in the charges against you being dropped. An attorney can help you review the case against you and determine what evidence from your traffic stop or arrest might be challenged.

There are several types of evidence to assess and potentially challenge in your DUI case, such as:

Field Sobriety Tests

Standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs) are often part of a traffic stop. If an officer pulls you over because they have reasonable suspicion that you are driving impaired, they could request that you complete certain tests to determine your sobriety.

There are three main standard tests, and there are many ways these tests can go wrong or be interpreted improperly. The issues with SFSTs are also weaknesses where the prosecution’s evidence could be challenged. The three SFSTs are:

1. Horizontal gaze nystagmus test: This is a test to determine if your eyes move involuntarily or have other strange movements in the light.
2. Walk and turn test: This includes walking in a straight line, usually heel-to-toe, before turning and repeating the steps the other way. It may also involve counting the steps. This is meant to test coordination and ability to follow instructions to assess sobriety.
3. One leg stand test: This test involves standing on one leg, often while counting out loud, to test balance.

The results of these tests are meant to show if you are impaired, but can be affected by many factors. Certain medications, health conditions, or even nerves can affect your movement or other reactions to the tests. A driver may also simply have poor balance. External factors like uneven ground or poor weather conditions can also affect the tests.

Instructions by police officers can also affect the outcome of the SFSTs. Poorly administered tests or confusing instructions can cause you to mess up.

Breathalyzer Chemical Tests

Breathalyzer tests after an arrest are used to assess your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The most common machine used in Tennessee is the Intoximeter EC/IR II, which is a highly accurate way of measuring BAC. However, there are still human errors that can be made, allowing the breathalyzer evidence to be challenged. This includes:

• There were calibration errors that affected the machine’s reading
• Medication, food, or a medical condition affected your results
• The machine was not properly maintained or cleaned
• The test administrator was not properly trained and certified
• You were not observed for 20 minutes before taking the test to ensure you don’t consume substances, regurgitate, or have anything else in or around your mouth that would affect the outcome

If the breathalyzer test is found to be inaccurate, it can be suppressed, limiting the evidence that the prosecution has. An attorney can investigate a breathalyzer test, the machine, and the parties administering the test to determine if there were any errors.

Blood Chemical Tests

After an arrest, the other chemical test you might take is a blood draw. This chemical test might be used instead of a breathalyzer, and is generally believed to be more reliable compared to a breathalyzer. There can still be several issues during and after the test is taken, which might be grounds for challenging the evidence. This includes:

• Testing errors: The results of the blood test might be challenged if your blood was drawn by someone who was not licensed to complete the test, or the blood was not drawn in the proper timeframe. The machines used to test the blood may have also been improperly calibrated.
• Chain of custody issues: Evidence has to follow the correct chain of custody procedure with clear documentation. If this procedure isn’t followed, there is a risk that the sample was contaminated. This can make it inadmissible.
• Other contamination issues: Samples may have been improperly stored or preserved, including allowing the sample to ferment or storing it in expired tubes. This can greatly alter the results of a test.
• Analysis backlog: Blood samples sent to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) crime lab can often face a significant delay. The TBI lab handles a lot of evidence, and the results of your test may not be available for some time. This can be used to request additional time before a hearing, but not always. An attorney may also use the delay as leverage in negotiations.

How Does a DUI Affect You on Active Military Duty?

If you are on active duty at Fort Campbell, getting a DUI can have serious consequences, even when you are off-base in Clarksville. You could face both a civilian criminal charge and a military criminal case, regardless of where the offense occurred. In addition to civilian criminal penalties, you could face several military consequences through Article 15 non-judicial punishment or a court-martial case, like:

• Letter of reprimand, including a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR)
• Loss of driving privileges at your post
• Confinement
• Extra duties
• Poor performance reviews
• Fines or pay forfeiture
• Suspended deployment
• Permanent Change of Station orders
• Rank reduction, which can also lead to reduced pay and benefits
• Reduced and removed security clearances
• Bad conduct discharge or dishonorable discharge

When you face charges for a DUI in Clarksville, TN, you deserve an experienced attorney who understands both civilian criminal cases and military cases. At Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law, we understand how these cases progress and can take immediate action to begin protecting your rights and your career.

FAQs About Clarksville, TN DUI Laws

Is it Worth It to Hire a DUI Lawyer for a Case in Clarksville?

It is often worth it to hire a DUI lawyer to represent you in a DUI case in Clarksville, but it is not legally required. A Clarksville DUI attorney can help you understand your case and build the strongest possible defense against your charges.

Our team has decades of experience navigating these types of cases and is familiar with navigating the Montgomery County Court system. We offer honest counsel and aggressive representation in order to help you secure a positive outcome.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a DUI Lawyer in Clarksville?

The cost to hire a Clarksville DUI attorney varies depending on the details of your case. When you hire a DUI lawyer, you can typically expect to pay a fixed fee, an hourly rate, or a retainer, depending on their fee structure.

DUI lawyers generally base prices on their level of experience and the complexity of your case. It’s wise to research before making a final decision to ensure you have the right fit for your specific case.

Can I Go to Jail for a First-Time DUI Offense in Clarksville?

Yes, you can go to jail for a DUI in Clarksville, even if it’s your first offense. Tennessee law imposes a mandatory sentence of at least 48 hours in jail. That said, you can technically get up to 11 months and 29 days. If you have a BAC of .20 or greater, you may be sentenced to a minimum of seven consecutive days in jail. Other aggravating factors can also increase your imposed sentence.

Can I Get a DUI Dismissed in Clarksville?

You can get a DUI charge dismissed in Clarksville, but don’t expect it to be easy. Successfully advocating against your charges is going to require understanding Tennessee DUI laws. You have to build a strong defense based on the information and evidence you have available.

A Clarksville DUI attorney can help you support your position and represent you in court. They can also identify potential issues with your arrest or subsequent processing, which can invalidate the entire case.

Hire a DUI Lawyer to Discuss Your Case in Clarksville in More Detail

Navigating DUI charges can be complicated, especially if you’re trying to manage everything on your own. The good news is you don’t have to represent yourself in your case. In fact, it’s recommended to connect with a Clarksville DUI attorney instead. That way, you have all the support you need to navigate this complex situation.

At Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law, we understand what’s at stake in a DUI case and are here to help you through this challenging time so you can move forward with your life. Contact our team to set up a consultation with a trusted attorney today.