Q: Is it more likely that I am facing jail time or probation?
I am 19 facing a DUI charge. I made the terrible decision to drive after I was drinking with some friends. I did not really know my limit; therefore, I was too intoxicated. Prior to that I smoked marijuana so I know that both substances will appear in my blood sample. The violation listed on my ticket is 55-10-401 and I saw on the TN gov website that the punishment is possibly 29 days in jail minimum. This is my first time offense and I have never been in trouble with the law other than a parking ticket. When my car was taken, I believe i had a little less than a gram of weed which i believe they found but I can't remember for sure if i had it. The empty bottle of alcohol was left in my car and i am not sure why the police did not take that as evidence. I am just lost and just do not know what to expect other than the scary articles I am finding online. I did not go to jail that night because I had to be taken to the hospital for some stitches on my knee.
A:
I would hire a competent local criminal defense attorney. At a very minimum, you will spend 48 hours in jail, perhaps more with the marijuana charge. You will have to attend a DUI class and pay fines and court costs.
If you want a license, you will have to pay for an ignition interlock device.
This will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, so I would definetly hire an attorney.
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