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Think Before You Drink

  • Friday, April 26, 2013

As reported on Chattanoogan.com, the Grand Jury said, "..we know that the average citizen does not realize the consequences of the first offense DUI. As we know there are several public service announcements running such as "Booze it and lose it", we would like to see a PSA that focuses on such mandatory consequences."

How about this PSA of 60 seconds (available from WAWL)?

If you've been drinking, think about this before you drive.

For the first DUI offense, Tennessee requires a mandatory 48 hours in the pokey and if you live in Hamilton County, your booking mug shot is available to the public the day after you're booked.

How embarrassing.

The minimum time in jail increases to 7 days if blood alcohol concentration is .20 percent or higher.

Expect to be fined from $350 to $1,500. That's a pretty expensive drink, don't you think?

And then there's the mandatory 24 hours of highway litter removal plus the mandatory DUI assessment alcohol and drug addiction fee of $100.

But wait - there's more.

Mandatory DUI School/Alcohol Rehabilitation or Victim Impact Panel and license revocation for one year.

Also, there's the possibility of an Ignition Interlock Device at the discretion of the court or mandatory if certain conditions are present.

So think before you drink.

David McGlumphy

Opinion
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