Knox County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Knox County, TN: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Knox County, Tennessee, can feel overwhelming. With a population density of approximately 942 people per square mile, concentrated heavily in Knoxville and its western corridors, the volume of DUI processing is high. This guide provides immediate, practical information about what to expect, the steps you need to take, and the unique aspects of navigating the DUI process in Knox County.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

After a DUI arrest in Knox County, time is of the essence. Here's a breakdown of what typically happens in the first 24 hours:

1. Arrest and Transport: You will be arrested by either the Knoxville Police Department (KPD), the Knox County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), or the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP). The arresting agency significantly impacts where your vehicle is impounded (more on that later).
2. Booking at the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility (RDWDF): Regardless of the arresting agency, you'll be taken to the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility located at 5001 Maloneyville Road, Knoxville, TN 37918. This facility is located in the northeast sector of the county, about 12-15 miles from the downtown court complex.
3. Booking Process: The intake process includes fingerprinting, mugshot processing, and a mandatory $30.00 booking fee, regardless of the eventual outcome of your case. This fee is an immediate financial penalty.
4. Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make phone calls after the booking process is complete. Use this opportunity to contact a loved one and a DUI attorney.
5. Bail: Bail amounts vary, but you will have the opportunity to post bail to be released.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have serious consequences for your driving privileges and your case:

• ALR Hearing Deadline: You typically have 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to challenge the suspension of your driver's license.
• Court Appearance Date: Your court date will be set at the time of your arrest or shortly thereafter. It is crucial to appear on this date.
• License Suspension Timeline: License suspension periods vary depending on the circumstances of your case, but typically begin 30-45 days after your arrest if you do not request an ALR hearing or if you lose that hearing.

DUI Enforcement in Knox County

DUI enforcement in Knox County is handled by the KPD, KCSO, and THP. The University of Tennessee's presence, especially in the "Strip" district (Cumberland Avenue) and downtown entertainment zones, contributes to a high volume of DUI processing. The THP focuses on interstates I-40, I-75, and I-640. Understanding where and when enforcement occurs can help you be more vigilant.

Local Resources

• Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility: 5001 Maloneyville Road, Knoxville, TN 37918
• Knox County Sheriff’s Office Records Division/Teleserve Unit: 865-215-2243 (for locating impounded vehicles)
• City of Knoxville Fleet Services Department (Impound): 3407 Vice Mayor Jack Sharp Road, Knoxville, TN 37914. Open 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., seven days a week.
• Knox County Court Clerk: Information on court dates and procedures.
• Bail Bondsmen: Search online for licensed bail bondsmen serving Knox County.
• DUI Attorneys: Search online for experienced DUI attorneys in Knoxville.

What Makes Knox County Different

Several factors make navigating a DUI arrest in Knox County unique:

• Jurisdictional Triad: The KPD, KCSO, and THP each have distinct logistical silos. This means finding your vehicle after an arrest can be complicated, requiring inquiries to multiple agencies.
• City vs. County Impoundment: If arrested by KPD, your vehicle is likely at the City of Knoxville Fleet Services Department. If arrested by KCSO or THP, it will be at a private wrecker service on a rotation list.
• Knoxville City Impound Fees: As of July 1, 2024, the City of Knoxville implemented increased storage and administrative fees due to Ordinance O-24-2024. Be prepared for potentially higher costs. The city facility accepts Cash, MasterCard, Visa, Debit Cards (specifically those with a Visa emblem), Company Checks, Cashier's Checks, and Money Orders. Personal checks are NOT accepted.
• "Owner Must Be Present" Protocol (City): To retrieve your vehicle from the City of Knoxville impound lot, you MUST have a valid government-issued picture ID, proof of ownership (title or registration), proof of insurance, and a licensed driver. This can be a major hurdle if your license is suspended.
• Decentralized County Impound (KCSO/THP): Locating your vehicle after a KCSO or THP arrest requires contacting the KCSO Records Division/Teleserve Unit (865-215-2243) to determine which private wrecker service has your vehicle.
• "Gate Fees" (County): Private wrecker services may charge "Gate Fees" for after-hours vehicle release.
• RDWDF Location: The Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility's location outside the city center requires pre-arranged transportation or a costly taxi/rideshare service upon release.

To find out which wrecker service has your vehicle after a KCSO or THP arrest, call the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Records Division/Teleserve Unit at 865-215-2243.