First-Offense DUI Lawyer in Franklin

A Former Corrections Agent Now Fighting for You

Attorney Eric Larsen brings nearly a decade of criminal defense experience to first-time DUI cases in Franklin. Before becoming a defense attorney, he spent 12 years as a probation and parole agent with the Michigan Department of Corrections. That background gives him direct insight into how investigators build cases and how prosecutors evaluate charges.

A first arrest can leave you uncertain about court, your driver’s license, and what to say next. We examine the individual facts rather than treating a first offense as routine, then build a defense strategy around the stop, testing, officer observations, and available records.

Schedule a free consultation with our first-offense DUI lawyer by calling (615) 933-2454. We can discuss the charge, the upcoming process, and possible legal strategies.

Penalties for a First-Offense DUI in Tennessee

A first-offense DUI conviction in Tennessee carries a mandatory minimum of 48 hours in jail, with a possible sentence of up to 11 months and 29 days. If the recorded blood alcohol concentration was .20 percent or higher, that minimum increases to seven consecutive days. These are consequences of a conviction, not automatic penalties from an arrest alone.

Potential consequences of a first conviction include:

• Fine: Between $350 and $1,500.
• License revocation: A one-year revocation of driving privileges.
• Jail: At least 48 hours, or seven consecutive days when the blood alcohol concentration is .20 percent or higher.
• Driving requirements: A restricted license may be available with an ignition interlock device and proof of SR-22 insurance, depending on the circumstances and current legal requirements.

Additional court requirements may include DUI Safety School. The precise impact depends on the allegations, test results, case history, and resolution, so we review the actual charging documents before advising on likely next steps.

First DUI Proceedings in Franklin

A Franklin DUI case typically begins in Williamson County General Sessions Court. At arraignment, the court formally presents the charge, addresses the defendant’s plea, and sets future case dates. Every required appearance matters because a missed date can result in a warrant or additional consequences.

Prosecutors may rely on the officer’s account of the stop, driving behavior, field sobriety testing, video, breath or blood results, and statements made after the stop. We don’t assume every part of the police narrative is accurate. Differences between video footage, written reports, and later testimony can affect both defense planning and plea negotiation.

Training That Informs First-Offense DUI Defense

Eric Larsen is certified in field sobriety testing through the same National Highway Traffic Safety Administration course taken by law enforcement officers. Having worked on hundreds of DUI cases, he uses that training to assess whether an officer gave instructions correctly, followed standardized procedures, and interpreted results consistently with the recorded evidence.

Our firm holds a 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating and an AV Preeminent® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, and Eric Larsen has received a Rising Stars ranking. Those distinctions reflect a case-specific approach: we examine each client’s evidence, procedural history, and priorities before developing a strategy.

Get Clarity Before Your Next Court Date

A free consultation gives you the opportunity to discuss the arrest, upcoming deadlines, and possible defense strategies with our firm. Bring any citation, bond paperwork, implied consent form, license notice, or court document you received. We can evaluate what you have and explain what may come next in Williamson County General Sessions Court.

Call (615) 933-2454 to schedule your free consultation with Larsen Law PLLC.