Johnson City DUI Defense Attorneys - A Former Prosecutor on Your Side

Not every traffic stop is lawful. Before an officer can stop a vehicle, there must generally be reasonable suspicion that a traffic violation or criminal offense occurred. If a stop was unlawful, evidence obtained afterward may be subject to suppression. In many DUI cases, one of the first issues we examine is whether the officer had a legal basis to initiate the stop in the first place.

Yes. Improper traffic stops, faulty breathalyzer calibration, chain of custody issues with blood samples, and Miranda violations are all grounds for challenge. Matt Matney’s prosecutorial background means he knows exactly where to look for weaknesses in the state’s case.

Yes. Field sobriety tests are only one piece of evidence in a DUI case. Prosecutors may also rely on officer observations, body camera footage, breath or blood test results, driving behavior, witness testimony, and statements made by the driver. However, field sobriety testing is highly subjective, and many factors unrelated to alcohol, including fatigue, medical conditions, injuries, anxiety, weather conditions, and uneven surfaces, can affect performance. An experienced DUI attorney can review whether the tests were administered and interpreted correctly.

A first offense DUI in Tennessee can result in a minimum of 48 hours in jail (up to 11 months, 29 days), fines up to $1,500, license revocation for 1 year, mandatory ignition interlock device, and increased insurance premiums. The long-term consequences, including background checks and employment impacts, can be even more significant.