Rutherford County License Hearing Guide

Rutherford County DUI License Suspension & ALR Hearing

A DUI arrest in Rutherford County triggers two separate legal processes: a criminal case in court, and an administrative action against your driver's license. This guide focuses on the latter – the potential suspension of your license by the Tennessee Department of Safety (DOS). This is a civil matter, separate from the criminal charges, and requires immediate action to protect your driving privileges. Understanding the deadlines and procedures is critical.

CRITICAL DEADLINE: Request Hearing Within 15 Days

Following a DUI arrest in Rutherford County, you have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. This hearing is your opportunity to challenge the potential suspension of your driver's license.

To request a hearing, you must contact the Tennessee Department of Safety. The specific method for requesting a hearing may involve online submission, phone contact, or mailing a written request. Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety to determine the current process.

What happens if you miss the deadline? Failure to request an ALR hearing within the 15-day timeframe results in an automatic suspension of your driver's license. There are very limited exceptions to this rule, so acting quickly is essential.

Automatic License Suspension

Even if you request a hearing, your license may be automatically suspended pending the outcome of that hearing, depending on the circumstances of your arrest.

If You Took the Breath/Blood Test and Failed

If you submitted to a breath or blood test and the result showed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, your license will be suspended. The length of the suspension varies according to TN law. You may be issued a temporary driving permit that is valid until your ALR hearing or until the suspension officially begins.

If You Refused Testing

Under Tennessee's implied consent law, by driving on Tennessee roads, you have implicitly agreed to submit to chemical testing if lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusal to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test carries a longer license suspension than failing the test. The exact duration of the suspension for refusal is determined by Tennessee law.

The ALR/Administrative Hearing

The Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing is a civil proceeding, separate and distinct from your criminal DUI case. It is conducted by the Tennessee Department of Safety and is focused solely on whether your driver's license should be suspended.

What It Is

The ALR hearing is not a criminal trial. The burden of proof is lower than in a criminal case. The Department of Safety must demonstrate that the following occurred:

• You were lawfully arrested for DUI.
• There was probable cause to believe you were driving under the influence.
• Your BAC was 0.08% or higher, or you refused to submit to testing.

How to Prepare

Preparing for your ALR hearing is crucial. Consider the following:

• Gather evidence: Collect any evidence that supports your case, such as witness statements, videos, or photos.
• Understand what you can challenge: You can challenge the legality of the traffic stop, the probable cause for your arrest, the accuracy of the breath/blood test, and the procedures followed by the arresting officer.

Possible Outcomes

The ALR hearing can result in one of several outcomes:

• Suspension upheld: The Department of Safety finds sufficient evidence to support the suspension of your license.
• Suspension overturned: The Department of Safety does not find sufficient evidence, and your license is not suspended.
• Restricted/hardship license granted: The Department of Safety may grant you a restricted or hardship license, allowing you to drive under certain conditions.

Hardship/Restricted License in Tennessee

Even if your license is suspended, you may be eligible for a restricted or hardship license in Tennessee.

• Eligibility requirements: Eligibility requirements are defined by Tennessee law.
• What you can drive for: A restricted license typically allows you to drive to and from work, school, medical appointments, or other essential activities.
• Costs and application process: The Tennessee Department of Safety determines the specific costs and application process.
• IID requirement: An Ignition Interlock Device (IID) may be required as a condition of a restricted license, depending on the circumstances of your DUI arrest and prior record.

Getting Your License Back

Reinstating your driver's license after a DUI suspension involves several steps.

After Criminal Case Concludes

After your criminal case concludes, you must meet certain requirements to reinstate your license.

• Reinstatement requirements: These may include paying reinstatement fees to the Tennessee Department of Safety.
• Fees: The Tennessee Department of Safety determines the exact fees.
• SR-22 insurance requirement: You may be required to obtain SR-22 insurance, which is a certificate of financial responsibility.
• Classes/programs that must be completed: You may be required to complete DUI education classes or other programs as ordered by the court.

Rutherford County DMV Offices

The Tennessee Department of Safety has multiple locations where you can handle driver's license-related matters.

• Murfreesboro Driver Services Center: 2830 S Church St Suite A, Murfreesboro, TN 37127
• La Vergne Driver License Kiosk: La Vergne City Hall, 5003 Murfreesboro Rd, La Vergne, TN 37086

Special Programs

• Ignition interlock device program: Tennessee requires IIDs for repeat offenders and those with high BAC levels.
• Occupational license: Tennessee offers occupational licenses under certain circumstances.
• Tennessee Recovery Oriented Compliance Strategy (TN ROCS): This program provides community-based resources for individuals involved in the criminal justice system with substance abuse issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Where in Rutherford County will my DUI case be heard? DUI cases in Rutherford County are typically heard in the Rutherford County Courthouse, located in Murfreesboro.

2How can I find out which towing company impounded my car after my 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 VIN or license plate number.

3What is a "Sober DUI" and why is it relevant to Rutherford County DUI cases? A "Sober DUI" refers to an arrest for DUI where the individual tests negative for both alcohol and drugs. Rutherford County agencies have recorded such arrests. This data may be relevant to challenging the initial probable cause for the traffic stop.