Rutherford County DUI Court Process

Rutherford County DUI Court Process

If you've been arrested for DUI in Rutherford County, understanding the court process is essential. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of what to expect, from your initial appearance to potential trial and sentencing.

Which Court Handles DUI Cases?

DUI cases in Rutherford County are typically handled in the Rutherford County Criminal Court. This court addresses misdemeanor and felony offenses.

The Rutherford County Courthouse is located at S Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday, from 8\u202fAM to 5\u202fPM. The Rutherford County Courthouse phone number is not available.

You can attempt to find your court date by contacting the Rutherford County Records Section.

The Court Process Timeline

The DUI court process involves several stages, each with specific requirements and potential outcomes.

1. Arraignment (First Appearance)

The arraignment is your first official court appearance. It typically occurs within a few weeks of your arrest. At the arraignment, you will be formally advised of the charges against you and your rights.

You'll be asked to enter a plea:

• Guilty: You admit to the charges.
• Not Guilty: You deny the charges, and the case proceeds.
• No Contest: You do not admit guilt but accept the punishment. This plea is treated as a guilty plea for sentencing purposes.

If you cannot afford an attorney, you can request a court-appointed attorney at the arraignment.

2. Pre-Trial Hearings

Following the arraignment, several pre-trial hearings may be scheduled. These hearings serve multiple purposes:

• Discovery: The prosecution is required to provide you with the evidence they intend to use against you, including police reports, breathalyzer results, and witness statements.
• Plea Negotiations: Your attorney may engage in plea negotiations with the prosecutor to potentially reduce the charges or penalties.
• Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence if there are grounds to believe it was obtained illegally.

Typical plea deals in Rutherford County can vary depending on the specifics of your case, your prior record, and the prosecutor's willingness to negotiate.

3. Trial (If No Plea Deal)

If a plea agreement cannot be reached, your case will proceed to trial. You have the right to a jury trial, or you can opt for a bench trial where the judge decides the case.

At trial, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were driving under the influence. They will present evidence such as:

• Police officer testimony
• Field sobriety test results
• Breathalyzer or blood test results

Common defenses in DUI cases include challenging the accuracy of the breathalyzer, questioning the validity of the traffic stop, and arguing that the field sobriety tests were improperly administered.

The length of a DUI trial can vary, but it typically lasts one to three days.

Penalties for DUI in Rutherford County, TN

The penalties for DUI in Tennessee are determined by state law and increase with each subsequent offense.

First Offense

• Jail Time: TN law specifies a minimum of 24 hours to a maximum of 11 months and 29 days.
• Fines: TN law specifies fines ranging from $350 to $1,500.
• License Suspension: TN law mandates a license suspension of one year.
• Other Requirements: You may be required to attend DUI school, complete community service, and install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on your vehicle.

Second Offense

• Jail Time: TN law requires a minimum of 45 days to 11 months and 29 days.
• Fines: TN law specifies fines ranging from $600 to $3,500.
• License Suspension: TN law mandates a license suspension of two years.
• Other Requirements: Mandatory installation of an IID, substance abuse treatment.

Third Offense

• A third DUI offense in Tennessee is a felony.
• Prison Time: TN law mandates a minimum of 120 days to a maximum of 15 years.
• Fines: TN law specifies fines ranging from $1,100 to $10,000.
• License Revocation: Potential permanent revocation of your driver's license.

Court Programs in Rutherford County

It is not known if Rutherford County offers diversion programs, drug court, or DUI court.

What to Bring to Court

When attending court in Rutherford County, it's essential to be prepared. Bring the following items:

• Photo ID: A valid driver's license or other government-issued photo ID.
• Court Summons: The official notice of your court date.
• Any Documentation: Any relevant documents related to your case, such as proof of insurance or vehicle registration.
• Professional Dress Code: Dress professionally and respectfully. Avoid wearing casual clothing such as t-shirts, shorts, or flip-flops.

Local Court Procedures

The Rutherford County Courthouse is located at S Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130.

Electronic devices, including cell phones, are generally allowed in the Rutherford County Courthouse, but restrictions may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Where is the Rutherford County Courthouse located? The Rutherford County Courthouse is located at S Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130.

2What is the phone number for the Rutherford County Courthouse? The Rutherford County Courthouse phone number is not available.

3How can I find out which impound lot has my vehicle after a DUI arrest in Rutherford County? Contact the non-emergency dispatch line of the arresting agency (e.g., the Murfreesboro PD Information Desk at 615-849-2MPD or 615-893-1311) and provide the vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate number. Dispatch maintains the logs of which rotational vendor was called to the scene.

Sources

• Rutherford County Arrest Records
• Online Inmate Search URL
• Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
• Judges Highlight Improvements at New Rutherford County Judicial Center
• Rutherford County Jail Roster
• Rutherford County Population Data
• Tennessee Highway Patrol Towing Service Standards Manual
• Tennessee General Sessions Court Judges
• Tennessee Circuit Criminal Chancery Courts Judges