Johnson County DUI Guide

**(dui.guide - Your Guide to Navigating DUI Charges in Johnson County, TN)*Being arrested for DUI is a serious event. It can be overwhelming to understand the legal process, your rights, and the steps you need to take. This guide provides clear, actionable information to help you navigate the DUI process in Johnson County, Tennessee. We will cover everything from what happens immediately after your arrest to understanding the court process, license suspension, and how to get your vehicle back.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Johnson County

After being arrested for DUI in Johnson County, you will be taken into custody and processed at the Johnson County Jail located at 998 Honeysuckle St #114, Mountain City, TN 37683. The Johnson County Sheriffs Department at 216 Honeysuckle St, Mountain City, TN 37683 will process your arrest.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The first 24 hours after a DUI arrest in Johnson County are crucial. Here's a general timeline of what to expect:

• Arrest and Initial Processing: You will be arrested by law enforcement (typically the Johnson County Sheriffs Department) and transported to the Johnson County Jail.
• Booking: At the jail, you will be booked. This involves:
• Providing your personal information (name, address, date of birth).
• Having your photograph taken (mugshot).
• Having your fingerprints taken.
• Inventorying your personal belongings.
• BAC Testing: You will likely be asked to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC). Refusal to submit to testing carries significant penalties under Tennessee's Implied Consent Law.
• Phone Calls: After booking, you will be allowed to make phone calls. It is crucial to contact a licensed bail bondsman and a DUI attorney as soon as possible.
• Bail: Bail is the amount of money required to secure your release from jail pending your court appearance. The amount of bail is set by a magistrate or judge and can vary depending on the severity of the charges, your criminal history, and other factors.
• Release: Once bail is posted (either by you or a bail bondsman), you will be released from jail with instructions on when and where to appear in court.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have serious consequences in a DUI case. Here are the critical deadlines you need to be aware of:

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Tennessee Department of Safety. Failure to request a hearing within this timeframe will result in an automatic suspension of your driver's license.
• Court Appearance Date: Your court appearance date will be listed on the citation you received at the time of your arrest. It is crucial to appear in court on this date. Failure to appear can result in a warrant being issued for your arrest and additional penalties.
• License Suspension Timeline: If you did not request an ALR hearing or if your suspension is upheld at the hearing, your license suspension will begin .

DUI Enforcement in Johnson County

The Johnson County Sheriffs Department actively enforces DUI laws to keep the roads safe. While specific checkpoint locations are not publicly advertised in advance, increased patrols are common during holiday weekends and at times when impaired driving is statistically more likely.

Local Resources

• Johnson County Government: 222 W Main St, Mountain City, TN 37683 Phone: (423) 727-9696
• Johnson County Clerk: 222 W Main St, Mountain City, TN 37683 Phone: (423) 727-9633 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM; Saturday, 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM; Sunday, Closed
• Johnson County Jail: 998 Honeysuckle St #114, Mountain City, TN 37683 Phone: (423) 727-7761
• Johnson County Sheriffs Department: 216 Honeysuckle St, Mountain City, TN 37683 Phone: (423) 727-7761
• Elizabethton Driver Services Center: 1741 US, US-19E, Elizabethton, TN 37643 Phone: (423) 547-5886 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday, Closed
• Finding a Licensed Bail Bondsman: A licensed bail bondsman can assist you with posting bail. .

What Makes Johnson County Different

Johnson County's DUI cases are heard at the Johnson County Government, located at 222 W Main St, Mountain City, TN 37683. The Johnson County Sheriffs Department handles DUI arrests.