Smith County License Hearing Guide

Understanding the Smith County DUI Landscape

Smith County, Tennessee, presents unique challenges for those facing DUI charges. Located about 50 miles east of Nashville along I-40, this rural-suburban county has a population of just over 20,000. The lack of public transportation means a suspended license can severely impact your livelihood. The county seat, Carthage, houses the Smith County Justice Center, Sheriff’s Office, and General Sessions Court. Remember, if you are searching online for the Smith County Sheriff and the area code is 903, you are looking at Smith County, Texas, not Tennessee. The correct area code for Carthage, TN, is 615.

DUI Enforcement Trends in Smith County

DUI enforcement is on the rise in Smith County. The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) actively patrols I-40 and Highway 70N, often funded by grants targeting high-risk periods like holiday weekends. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) also focuses on DUI enforcement on county roads. Be aware of "No Refusal" weekends, common around holidays like Labor Day and New Year's Eve. During these periods, magistrates are on standby to issue blood draw warrants if you refuse a breathalyzer.

A concerning trend is the rise of "Sober DUIs," where individuals are arrested for DUI but later found to have no alcohol or drugs in their system. This highlights the importance of requesting and reviewing dashcam and body-worn camera footage in your case.

Immediate Steps After a DUI Arrest

1. Locate Your Vehicle: Your car will be impounded by a private towing company. The arresting officer should tell you which company towed your vehicle. This information is also on the "Vehicle Towing Report." If you don't have this information, call the Smith County Sheriff’s Non-Emergency Line at (615) 735-2626. Do not call 911. The jail intake officer will also have the tow record.

2. Primary Towing Provider: Harris Towing is a dominant provider for Carthage and South Carthage.

3. Secondary Towing Providers: If Harris Towing doesn't have your vehicle, check these alternatives:

• JLS Towing & Recovery (Westmoreland area): (615) 644-3052
• Hamblen’s Wrecker Service (Mt. Juliet/Hermitage): (615) 758-5142
• G & E Towing (La Vergne): (615) 972-6969

Retrieving Your Vehicle: Overcoming Friction Points

1. "Hold" vs. "Impound": If your vehicle was involved in a serious accident or contains evidence of a crime, it might be under a "Seizure Hold." If so, paying the fees won't release the vehicle. Contact the investigating detective at the Sheriff's Office or Carthage PD for a written "Release Order" before going to the tow lot.

2. The "Lunch Hour" Gap: Towing offices often close for lunch, typically between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM. Call before you go and ask, "Will there be someone at the window between 12 and 1?"

3. The "DUI License" Trap: Your driver's license is usually seized during the arrest. The tow lot requires a valid license to drive the vehicle off the lot. Bring someone with a valid license to drive the car. If you are still in jail, arrange for someone else to retrieve the vehicle.

Navigating the "Sobering Up" Release Delay

Smith County Jail enforces a 12-hour hold or "sober release" policy. Even if bail is posted immediately, you won't be released until your BAC is deemed safe (usually 0.00% or under 0.02%), or a responsible sober adult signs a liability waiver to take custody of you. Plan accordingly for transportation and communication with family.

Understanding the DA's Stance

District Attorney Jason Lawson prioritizes DUI prosecution. Plea deals for "wet reckless" are rare and require strong evidentiary leverage. Be prepared for a rigorous legal process.

Next Steps

After being released, your next court date will be on the "Thursday Docket" at the General Sessions Court in Carthage. Contact the Smith County Circuit Court Clerk at (615) 735-8108 to confirm your court date and understand the procedures for your case.