Sumner County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Sumner County, TN: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Sumner County can be a disorienting experience. This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you navigate the process, understand your rights, and take the necessary steps to protect your future. This guide is especially tailored to the unique aspects of Sumner County, Tennessee's DUI procedures. For instance, unlike some jurisdictions with a central police impound, in Sumner County, you'll need to determine which private towing company handled your vehicle's impound, a detail typically found on your Vehicle Impound Report from the jail. This guide will help you understand that process and more.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Sumner County

After a DUI arrest in Sumner County, you'll be facing a complex legal and administrative process. This guide outlines the steps involved, from the initial arrest and booking to court appearances, license suspension, and vehicle recovery. We'll cover the specific procedures you'll encounter in Sumner County, including the unique aspects of the Sumner County Detention Facility and the General Sessions Court.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Here's a general timeline of what to expect in the first 24 hours after a DUI arrest in Sumner County:

• Arrest and Transport: You'll be arrested by a law enforcement officer (likely from the Gallatin Police Department or the Sumner County Sheriff's Office) and transported to the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility located at 117 West Smith Street, Gallatin, TN 37066.
• Booking: The booking process at the Sumner County Detention Facility involves fingerprinting, mugshots, and NCIC warrant checks. Expect this to take approximately two to three hours.
• Medical Screening: A critical step is the medical intake. If your BAC is excessively high (above 0.30%) or you show signs of alcohol poisoning, you will be transported to Sumner Regional Medical Center for medical clearance before being booked. This can add 2-6 hours to the officer’s shift and delay the booking process.
• Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make phone calls after the booking process is complete. Remember that the jail does not accept incoming calls. Families cannot call in to speak to you; they must wait for you to call out. The facility utilizes ConnectNetwork (GTL) for phone services and HomeWAV for video visitation. You'll need to set up a prepaid account online to use these services.
• Bail: Bond for a first offense DUI in Sumner County typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,500, depending on factors like whether an accident occurred, the BAC level, or if a minor was in the vehicle.
• "Sober Release" Policy: Even if you post bond, you will not be released until deemed sober. This is determined by a fixed time hold (6, 8, or 12 hours depending on initial impairment) or a breath test showing a BAC below 0.02%. If arrested at 2:00 AM and you post bond at 4:00 AM, you may still remain in the facility until 10:00 AM or later.
• Release: The release process involves returning personal property and verifying identity, which can take an additional 1-2 hours.

Critical Deadlines

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to contest the suspension of your driver's license. This request must be filed with the Department of Safety, typically via fax or certified mail to the administrative processing unit in Nashville. Failure to file within this window results in automatic license revocation.
• Court Appearance Date: Your court appearance date will be listed on your release paperwork. Missing this date can result in a "Failure to Appear" (FTA) warrant, a new arrest cycle, and bond forfeiture.
• License Suspension Timeline: The length of your license suspension depends on the specifics of your case and prior DUI convictions. The ALR hearing can affect this timeline.

DUI Enforcement in Sumner County

While specific DUI checkpoint locations are not publicly advertised, keep in mind that law enforcement agencies in Sumner County actively conduct DUI enforcement, and the Sumner County Sheriff's Office and Gallatin Police Department are the primary arresting agencies.

Local Resources

• Sumner County Courthouse: 155 East Main Street, Gallatin, TN 37066
• Sumner County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility: 117 West Smith Street, Gallatin, TN 37066
• Gallatin Police Department Records Division: 130 W. Franklin Street, Gallatin, TN 37066 (for Vehicle Release Forms)
• Gallatin Driver Services Center (Reinstatements): 855 North Bluejay Way, Gallatin, TN 37066. Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (but may stop taking new applicants earlier if the queue is full).
• Smart Start (IID Provider): 1315 South Water Ave, Gallatin
• Bail Bondsmen: Numerous bonding agencies are located near the jail in Gallatin.
• DUI Attorneys: (General info, no specific recommendations) Search online directories for qualified DUI attorneys in Sumner County.

What Makes Sumner County Different

Sumner County has several unique aspects to its DUI process:

• Decentralized Impound: Upon release, you won't find your vehicle at a central police impound. You must first determine which towing company impounded it, using the Vehicle Impound Report provided at the jail.
• Vehicle Release Form: Before going to the tow lot, you must obtain a "Vehicle Release Form" from the Gallatin Police Department Records Division (130 W. Franklin Street) or the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office.
• Strict Court Security: The Sumner County Courthouse prohibits cell phones and electronics for the general public. You must leave your phone in your vehicle. The court also enforces a rigorous dress code, prohibiting shorts, tank tops, hats, and sagging pants. Violating the dress code can lead to denial of entry and a "Failure to Appear" warrant.
• "Cattle Call" Docket: The General Sessions Court uses a "cattle call" system, where hundreds of names are read aloud. You must answer "Here" when your name is called.
• Recovery Court: Sumner County operates a Recovery Court (DUI Court) for repeat offenders or those with severe substance use disorders. This program requires weekly court appearances, frequent drug/alcohol screening, and mandatory treatment attendance.
• Limited Reinstatement Hours: The Gallatin Driver Services Center may stop taking new reinstatement applicants as early as 2:45 PM or 4:00 PM if the queue is full.

Remember to secure a Vehicle Release Form from the Gallatin Police Department Records Division at 130 W. Franklin Street during business hours before attempting to retrieve your vehicle from the towing company.