Cheatham County DUI Guide

If you find yourself arrested in Cheatham, Tennessee, the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Department will likely be the arresting agency. This guide is designed to provide you with immediate, practical information about what to expect, important deadlines, and available resources to help you navigate the legal process in Cheatham County. We understand this is a stressful time, and our goal is to empower you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions. This guide covers everything from the initial arrest to understanding your legal options.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Cheatham County

After an arrest by the Cheatham County Sheriff's Department, you will be transported to the Cheatham County Jail for processing. This guide will walk you through the steps of the process and provide resources to help you navigate the legal system in Cheatham County.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Here's a timeline of what typically happens in the first 24 hours after a DUI arrest in Cheatham County:

• Initial Stop and Arrest: The Cheatham County Sheriff’s Department or another law enforcement agency will initiate a traffic stop if they suspect you of driving under the influence. If they have probable cause, you'll be arrested.
• Booking at Cheatham County Jail: You'll be taken to the Cheatham County Jail located at 100 Public Square, Ashland City, TN 37015. The main phone number is (615) 792-2025. The booking process involves:
• Photographing
• Fingerprinting
• Inventory of your belongings
• A health screening
• Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make a reasonable number of phone calls. Use these calls to contact a loved one and a DUI attorney.
• Bail Hearing: A judge or magistrate will set your bail amount. Factors influencing bail include the severity of the charges, your criminal history, and ties to the community.
• Posting Bail: You have several options for posting bail in Cheatham County. You can pay cash bail directly to the Cheatham County Jail, use a bail bondsman, or potentially use a property bond.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can severely impact your case. Be aware of these key dates:

• ALR Hearing Request: In Tennessee, you have only 15 days from the date of your DUI arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Tennessee Department of Safety. This hearing is separate from your criminal case and determines whether your driver's license will be suspended.
• First Court Appearance (Arraignment): The date, time, and location of your arraignment will be on your citation or release paperwork. Contact the Cheatham County General Sessions Court Clerk at 100 Public Square, Ashland City, TN 37015 to confirm if needed. The General Sessions Court Clerk's phone number is (615) 792-4866.
• License Suspension: If you do not request an ALR hearing, your license will automatically be suspended, typically 30 days after your arrest.

DUI Enforcement in Cheatham County

The Cheatham County Sheriff’s Department actively enforces DUI laws within the county. While specific DUI checkpoint locations are not published in advance, increased enforcement is often seen during holidays and special events. The Cheatham County Sheriff’s Department is located at 200 Court Sq, Ashland City, TN 37015. Their phone number is (615) 792-4341.

Local Resources

Here are some local resources that may be helpful:

• Cheatham County General Sessions Court Clerk: 100 Public Square, Ashland City, TN 37015, (615) 792-4866. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM.
• Cheatham County Circuit Clerk: 100 Public Square # 225, Ashland City, TN 37015.
• Cheatham County Clerk (for driver's license reinstatement): 354 Frey St F, Ashland City, TN 37015, (615) 792-5179. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM.
• Cheatham County Jail: 100 Public Square, Ashland City, TN 37015, (615) 792-2025.
• Cheatham County Sheriff’s Department: 200 Court Sq, Ashland City, TN 37015, (615) 792-4341.

To find a licensed bail bondsman, you can perform an online search for "bail bondsmen near Cheatham County, TN." Be sure to check their credentials and reviews before hiring them.

What Makes Cheatham County Different

While DUI laws are consistent across Tennessee, certain aspects of handling a DUI case can vary from county to county. While we lack specific data, Cheatham County's proximity to Nashville may influence enforcement patterns. It's important to consult with a local attorney.