Putnam County DUI Court Process

Putnam County DUI Court Process

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Putnam County, Tennessee, understanding the court process is essential. This guide provides a detailed overview of what to expect, from initial appearances to potential penalties.

Which Court Handles DUI Cases?

Misdemeanor DUI offenses in Putnam County are initially handled in the General Sessions Court. This court serves as the first step in the judicial process. Cases are either resolved through plea negotiations or advanced to the Grand Jury for formal indictment in the Criminal Court.

The Putnam County General Sessions Court is located at:

421 East Spring Street, Suite 1C07 Cookeville, TN 38501

To contact the court clerk, call 931-528-5541 or 931-526-1833. The filing hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Unfortunately, there is no online case lookup available; you must contact the court by phone to inquire about your court date.

The Court Process Timeline

1. Arraignment (First Appearance)

The arraignment is your first court appearance after a DUI arrest.

• When it happens: This typically occurs within a few weeks of your arrest. You will receive a notice with the date and time.
• What to expect: The judge will inform you of the charges against you and your rights.
• Entering a plea: You will be asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. It is generally advisable to plead not guilty at this stage.
• Getting a court-appointed attorney: If you cannot afford an attorney, you can request a court-appointed attorney at the arraignment.

2. Pre-Trial Hearings

Pre-trial hearings are crucial for preparing your defense.

• Discovery process: This involves the exchange of information between the prosecution and the defense. Your attorney will receive evidence such as police reports, breathalyzer results, and witness statements.
• Plea negotiations: This is where your attorney negotiates with the District Attorney to potentially reduce the charges or penalties. In Putnam County, if the District Attorney makes a settlement offer, it must be provided in writing 10 days before the negotiation deadline. The defense counsel must formally respond in writing 48 hours prior to that deadline. Once a case bypasses this deadline and is docketed for trial, the Court will only accept negotiated dispositions for severe felonies; misdemeanor DUIs must proceed to trial, dismissal, or a blind plea to the original charges.
• Typical plea deals in Putnam County: Plea deals can vary, but they may involve reduced charges, such as reckless driving, or reduced penalties.

3. Trial (If No Plea Deal)

If a plea deal cannot be reached, your case will proceed to trial.

• Jury vs. bench trial: You have the right to choose whether your trial is decided by a jury or a judge (bench trial).
• What prosecution must prove: The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were driving under the influence. This typically involves presenting evidence of your blood alcohol content (BAC), field sobriety test results, and police officer testimony.
• Common defenses: Common defenses include challenging the accuracy of the BAC test, arguing that the field sobriety tests were improperly administered, or questioning the legality of the initial traffic stop.
• Typical trial length: Trial length can vary, but a DUI trial typically lasts one to three days.

Penalties for DUI in Putnam County, TN

Penalties for DUI in Tennessee are determined by state law and can vary depending on the number of prior offenses.

First Offense

• Jail time: 48 hours to 11 months and 29 days.
• Fines: $350 to $1,500.
• License suspension: One year, with the possibility of a restricted license.
• Other requirements: Alcohol and drug assessment, alcohol safety school, and potential community service.

Second Offense

• Jail time: 45 days to 11 months and 29 days.
• Fines: $350 to $3,500.
• License suspension: Two years, with the possibility of a restricted license after one year.
• Other requirements: Alcohol and drug assessment, alcohol safety school, mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID).

Third Offense

• A third DUI offense in Tennessee is a felony.
• Prison time: 120 days to 15 years.
• Fines: $1,100 to $10,000.
• License revocation: Permanent revocation of your driver's license.
• Other requirements: Alcohol and drug assessment, alcohol safety school, mandatory IID.

Court Programs in Putnam County

It is not confirmed whether Putnam County offers specific diversion programs, drug court, or DUI court.

What to Bring to Court

• Photo ID: A valid driver's license or other government-issued photo ID.
• Court summons: The official notice you received with your court date and time.
• Any documentation: Any relevant documents related to your case, such as bail bond paperwork or correspondence with your attorney.
• Professional dress code: Dress in professional attire. Avoid wearing casual clothing such as t-shirts, shorts, or flip-flops.

Local Court Procedures

The Putnam County Justice Center has strict policies regarding electronic devices. No cell phones, smartwatches, or electronic devices of any kind are permitted inside the building. This includes digital banking portals for paying fines, digital proof of auto insurance, digital calendars, or coordinating rideshare services. Be sure to print all physical documentation (insurance, correspondence, financial details, and the contact information of your wrecker service) and memorize crucial phone numbers prior to arriving at the courthouse. Devices must be left secured out of sight in a personal vehicle.

Parking at the Justice Center can be challenging. Court sessions begin promptly at 9:00 AM, and you are required to arrive no later than 8:30 AM to process through security. The upper parking lot of the Justice Center is extremely limited and routinely reaches capacity well before 8:00 AM. Avoid parking in the lots of surrounding private businesses, as these are monitored, and unauthorized vehicles are routinely towed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where do I go for DUI court in Putnam County? A: DUI cases are typically heard in the Putnam County General Sessions Court, located at 421 East Spring Street, Suite 1C07, Cookeville, TN 38501.

Q: Can I use my cell phone inside the Putnam County Justice Center? A: No, cell phones and other electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside the Putnam County Justice Center.

Q: Is there a standard bail amount for a first-offense DUI in Putnam County? A: No, there is no standard bail schedule. You are entitled to an individualized bail hearing, and the bail amount will depend on the specific circumstances of your case.

Sources

• Putnam County Court Clerk
• Putnam County Judges Office General Sessions Court
• Cookeville Parking Ordinance
• Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Crime in Tennessee