Rutherford County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Rutherford, TN: Complete Guide

A DUI arrest in Rutherford County can be a disorienting experience. This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you navigate the legal process, understand your rights, and take the necessary steps to protect your future. We'll cover everything from jail procedures to court dates, all with Rutherford County specifics in mind.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Rutherford

After being pulled over and failing field sobriety tests or a breathalyzer resulting in a BAC of 0.08 or higher (Tennessee's legal limit), you'll likely be arrested for DUI in Rutherford County. This typically involves being handcuffed, read your Miranda rights, and transported to the local jail for booking. Understanding the process and knowing what to expect is crucial in these initial hours.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

• Timeline: Immediately after the arrest, you'll be taken to the Rutherford County jail.
• Booking Process: The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information. You'll also be asked questions about your arrest and medical history.
• Phone Calls: You have the right to make a reasonable number of phone calls. Use one to contact a family member or a Rutherford County DUI attorney.
• Bail: Bail is set to ensure your appearance in court. The amount can vary depending on the circumstances of your arrest and your prior criminal record.

Rutherford County Jail Details: Visitation at the Rutherford County jail is done by video. Each inmate is allowed two 45-minute visits per week, scheduled at the top of the hour from 8 am to 3 pm daily. These visits must be scheduled in advance. Video visits on mobile devices require payment by the visitor. Alternatively, free video visits are available at a terminal in the Magistrates Lobby for both the visitor and inmate. Inmates can also use Securus Video Visitation on a tablet. Visitors must register through the Securus website or app. Commissary is ordered Thursday after 2:00 a.m. Family and friends can deposit funds online through Team3.InmateCanteen.com or send money orders via mail, clearly marked with the inmate's full name and a valid return address.

Critical Deadlines

• ALR Hearing Deadline: 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 determines whether your driver's license will be suspended. Missing this deadline automatically suspends your license.
• Court Appearance Dates: Your first court appearance, often called an arraignment, will be scheduled shortly after your arrest. This is where you will be formally charged and enter a plea. The date will be on your release paperwork.
• License Suspension Timeline: If you don't request an ALR hearing or if you lose the hearing, your license will be suspended. The length of the suspension depends on whether this is your first DUI offense.

DUI Enforcement in Rutherford

While specific DUI checkpoint locations are not consistently publicized, Rutherford County law enforcement actively patrols for impaired drivers, particularly during holiday weekends and special events.

Local Resources

• Rutherford County Court Information:
• Address: 1004 N Highland Ave. Murfreesboro, TN 37130
• Phone: 615-893-1311
• Address: 940 New Salem Highway Murfreesboro, TN 37129
• Phone: (615) 898-7777
• Address: 116 W Lytle St Murfreesboro, TN 37130
• Phone: (828) 288-6100
• Court Address: La Vergne Public Library, 5063 Murfreesboro Road, La Vergne, TN 37086
• Online Payments: https://dl.safety.tn.gov/?Link=PayFees
• Bail Bondsmen: (Search online for "bail bondsmen Rutherford County TN" - we cannot provide specific recommendations)
• DUI Attorneys: (Search online for "DUI attorney Rutherford County TN" - we cannot provide specific recommendations)

What Makes Rutherford Different

One crucial detail to remember is the Rutherford County jail visitation policy: visitation is done by video and must be scheduled in advance. Knowing this helps you or your family plan for communication while incarcerated. Also, take note of the multiple court addresses and phone numbers listed above, as Rutherford County's court system has multiple locations and contact points. This can be confusing, so double-check your paperwork to ensure you're heading to the correct courthouse and calling the correct number.

Finally, if you need to deposit funds into an inmate's account, you can do so online at Team3.InmateCanteen.com or by sending a money order through the mail. Make sure the money order is clearly marked with the inmate's full name and a valid return address.

To schedule a free video visit with an inmate at the Rutherford County Jail, register through the Securus website or app.