Wilson County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Wilson County, TN: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Wilson County, Tennessee can be a disorienting experience. You're likely facing immediate questions about your driver's license, your vehicle, and your freedom. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of what to expect after a DUI arrest in Wilson County, focusing on practical steps you can take right now to protect your rights and navigate the legal process. We'll cover everything from getting out of jail to understanding the specific procedures in Wilson County courts.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Wilson County

Following a DUI arrest in Wilson County, you'll be taken into custody. The arresting officer, likely from the Lebanon Police Department (LPD), Mt. Juliet Police Department (MJPD), or the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), will transport you to the Wilson County Criminal Justice Center for booking. Understanding the process and your options is crucial in these initial hours.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Here's a timeline of what typically happens in the first 24 hours after a DUI arrest in Wilson County:

• Arrest and Transport: You'll be transported to the Wilson County Criminal Justice Center, located at 115 E High Street, Lebanon, TN 37087.
• Booking Process: At the jail, you'll be processed, which includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information.
• Inventory: If your vehicle was impounded, the MJPD, for example, requires officers to inventory your vehicle's contents before it's towed. This inventory becomes part of the discovery file in your criminal case, so make sure it's accurate.
• Phone Calls: You will generally be allowed to make a phone call shortly after booking. Use this call wisely.
• Bail Setting: Bail will be set according to a predetermined schedule. The amount will vary depending on the specific charges and your prior record.
• Release: Once bail is posted (either by you or a bondsman), you will be released from custody.

Bail in Wilson County: Bail amounts in Tennessee vary, but it's important to understand how bail works. You typically only need to pay a percentage of the total bond amount (often 10-15%) to a bail bondsman.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have severe consequences in your DUI case. Here are some key dates to be aware of:

• ALR Hearing Request: In Tennessee, you have a limited time (usually 15 days) to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to challenge the suspension of your driver's license. This deadline is critical.
• Court Appearance Date: This date will be provided to you upon release. Missing this court date will result in a warrant for your arrest. You can find your court date information on the Wilson County government website.
• License Suspension Timeline: The length of your license suspension depends on the specifics of your DUI charge and any prior offenses.

DUI Enforcement in Wilson County

While specific DUI arrest statistics for Wilson County aren't readily available in the provided data, understanding the enforcement landscape can be helpful.

• Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP): The THP actively patrols I-40 and other major roadways in Wilson County. Remember, THP troopers are prohibited from recommending specific tow companies.
• Local Police Departments: The Lebanon Police Department (LPD) and Mt. Juliet Police Department (MJPD) also conduct DUI enforcement within their jurisdictions.

Local Resources

• Wilson County Criminal Justice Center: 115 E High Street, Lebanon, TN 37087
• Wilson County Courts: Information about court dates and procedures can be found on the Wilson County website.
• Bail Bondsmen: A list of licensed bail bondsmen can be found online.
• DUI Attorneys: Search online directories for qualified DUI attorneys in Wilson County.

What Makes Wilson County Different

Wilson County has unique aspects to its DUI process, particularly concerning vehicle impound and towing:

• Towing Regulations: The Lebanon Police Department (LPD) has a regulated fee schedule for towing, with maximum fees ranging from $200 for Class A vehicles (under 10,000 lbs) to $600 for Class C vehicles (over 26,000 lbs). If your car is towed by LPD, these rate caps apply.
• Impound Vendor Challenges: Many towing companies in the area operate on a "Cash Only" basis, which can be problematic if your wallet was seized during booking. Ed's Auto Repair & Towing is an exception, accepting digital payments like Google Wallet and CashApp.
• "Appointment Only" Impound Release: Tow Pro, for example, requires appointments for vehicle release, Monday through Friday. This can significantly delay retrieval, especially if arrested on a weekend, leading to increased storage fees.
• Towing Company Rotation Lists: The THP and LPD use rotation lists for towing companies. Unless you specifically request a company that can arrive within a reasonable time (20-30 minutes), your vehicle will be towed by the next company on the list.
• Vehicle Inventory by MJPD: If arrested by the Mt. Juliet Police Department (MJPD), be aware that they are required to inventory your vehicle before towing, and that inventory becomes part of the discovery in your case.

If your vehicle is impounded, be prepared to provide a valid driver's license, proof of ownership (title or registration), and proof of insurance. If your license was seized due to implied consent, you'll need two licensed drivers to retrieve the vehicle.

Actionable Next Step: If your vehicle was towed, contact the Lebanon Police Department (LPD) or Mt. Juliet Police Department (MJPD), depending on where you were arrested, to find out which towing company has your vehicle and understand their release procedures. Don't delay – storage fees accrue quickly.