Marshall County DUI Guide

This guide is designed to provide you with immediate, practical information about what to expect, critical deadlines you need to meet, and local resources available to help you navigate this challenging time. We'll walk you through the steps you need to take in the coming days to protect your rights and understand the process ahead.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The first 24 hours after a DUI arrest are crucial. Here's a timeline of what typically happens:

• Arrest and Field Sobriety Tests: Following a traffic stop, the officer may administer field sobriety tests (FSTs) and/or a preliminary breath test (PBT). These tests are used to determine probable cause for a DUI arrest.
• Breath or Blood Test: You will likely be asked to submit to a breath or blood test to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC). Refusal to take these tests can result in additional penalties, including automatic license suspension, under Tennessee's implied consent laws.
• Transportation to Jail: If you are arrested for DUI, you will be transported to the Marshall County Jail located at 150 E Church St, Lewisburg, TN 37091. You can reach them at (931) 359-0555.
• Booking Process: At the jail, you will be processed, which includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information. Your personal belongings will be inventoried and stored.
• Phone Calls: You have the right to make a reasonable number of phone calls. This is a crucial time to contact family, friends, or an attorney. It's often best to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
• Bail: Bail is a sum of money that serves as a guarantee that you will appear in court. The amount of bail is typically set according to a bail schedule, although a judge can adjust it.

The Marshall County Sheriff's Office, reachable at (931) 359-6122, is one of the primary agencies responsible for DUI enforcement in the county.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines in a DUI case can have serious consequences. Be aware of the following:

• ALR Hearing Deadline (15 Days): In Tennessee, you have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. This hearing is separate from your criminal case and will determine whether your driver's license will be suspended. Requesting this hearing is crucial, as it allows you to challenge the suspension and potentially keep your license.
• Court Appearance Dates: Your court appearance dates will be listed on your release paperwork. It is essential to attend all scheduled court appearances. Failure to appear can result in a warrant being issued for your arrest.
• License Suspension Timeline: If you are convicted of DUI or fail to request an ALR hearing, your license will be suspended. The length of the suspension varies depending on the number of prior offenses.

DUI Enforcement in Marshall County

DUI enforcement in Marshall County is primarily conducted by the Marshall County Sheriff's Office. Officers are trained to identify and apprehend impaired drivers through observation of driving behavior and the administration of field sobriety tests. Be aware that DUI checkpoints are legal in Tennessee but must adhere to specific guidelines.

Local Resources

Here are some local resources that can help you through this process:

• Marshall County Courthouse: Marshall County Courthouse, 101 Courthouse Anx, Lewisburg, TN 37091. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Bail Bondsmen in the Area: While we do not endorse specific bail bondsmen, you can find local listings online. Be sure to compare fees and terms before making a decision.
• Tennessee Department of Safety - Driver Testing Center: 594 Vervilla Rd, McMinnville, TN 37110. Phone: (931) 506-2190. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM.

What Makes Marshall County Different

While Tennessee's DUI laws are consistent statewide, local procedures and practices can vary from county to county. The Marshall County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency handling DUI arrests.