Any kind of criminal conviction can make any subsequent similar criminal convictions more serious as penalties often increase with each conviction. When a person is arrested for DUI, prior convictions often mean more serious penalties if the latest arrest leads to a conviction as well. For one Tennessee man, serious penalties may result if he is convicted after his sixth DUI arrest.
The 48-year-old man was pulled over after allegedly running through a stop sign. Police were concerned with his driving, and, once he was pulled over, the officer on the scene smelled what he described as the strong odor of alcohol. The police officer also reported other behaviors that appeared indicative of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes and slurred speech.
The man was subjected to a field sobriety test and is said to have performed poorly. He also told the officer that he had indeed been drinking but was unable to specifically say how much he had consumed. The DUI charge filed is the man's sixth offense. He was also charged for the open container in his vehicle and for driving with a revoked license.
Prior convictions often lead to higher fines and an increase in possible jail time. Anyone in Tennessee who is facing a second or subsequent DUI charge may want to be fully aware of the consequences of convictions and understand how the consequences increase with each offense. Defense options for any DUI charge can depend greatly on the specifics of the case and the ability of a defense attorney to negotiate and perhaps help get a charge downgraded or dismissed entirely.
Source: wate.com, "Tennessee man arrested for 6th DUI after running stop sign", Jan. 23, 2015