Summers and Wyatt Establishes DUI Section

CHATTANOOGA, TN, October 05, 2012

Ever since the Tennessee General Assembly enacted a tough Driving Under the Influence Statute (DUI) 1982, Summers and Wyatt has probably handled as many DUI, vehicular homicides, and vehicle assault cases in the trial and appellate courts in Tennessee as any other law firm as part of its general criminal law practice.

Upon increasing pressure from politicians, law enforcement and special interest groups such as the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the National Highway Safety Council (NHSC) and others, the attack on drivers who consume alcoholic beverages and then drive an automobile has resulted in the arrest and prosecution of hundreds of thousands of American citizens and the expenditure of billions of taxpayer dollars.

The theme of the above special interest groups and others, including "law and order" politicians, is to "save lives and reduce the accidents by prosecuting the DUIs". This simple sounding goal is appealing to everyone but is inadequate to address a very complex problem.

The purpose of this article and subsequent ones is not to attempt to justify any violation of the law in the area of DUI and related offenses. Summers and Wyatt in many articles and blogs have attempted to inform the public of certain laws and consequences for those who get charged in this area of the law. We have previously published rules concerning the rights of citizens faced with the dilemma of facing the accused. Our first rule of advice has always been "don't drink and drive".

With the addition of former Assistant Public Defender Benjamin McGowan to Summers and Wyatt, to assist Jerry H. Summers and Marya Schalk in the representation of individuals charged with criminal offenses, Summers and Wyatt announce the creation of a new section to enhance its handling of such cases in this area.

The penalties and collateral consequences of DUI and other related crimes have increased substantially since 1982 and this trend continues. The important issues such as the erosion of fundamental constitutional rights under the Tennessee and United States Constitutions, such as use of sobriety check points (roadblocks), forced blood draws, mandatory blood or breath tests, traffic stops, etc., are just a few issues facing an accused and their attorney in a DUI case.

Summers and Wyatt offers free consultation to inform citizens of their rights in these and other matters. Call our toll free number to set up an appointment.

Summers & Wyatt, P.C.
735 Broad Street, Suite 800
Chattanooga, TN 37402-2913
(423) 265-2385
www.summersandwyatt.com