In Greeneville, Tennessee, a man was arrested for drunk driving while he was actually at the courthouse to pay a fine for a previous DUI. The man, previously convicted of DUI, appeared at the building to pay fines associated with the drunk driving conviction. According to law enforcement, the man was allegedly showing signs of intoxication, which included the smell of alcohol, being unsteady on his feet and slurring his speech.

According to the report, the man admitted to driving to the courthouse in this condition. He had car keys in his pocket at the time. When approached by Tennessee law enforcement in the courthouse, he refused to submit to a field sobriety test. He was formally charged with second offense DUI and violation of the implied consent law.

Under the implied consent law, every licensed driver who is suspected of drunk driving must submit to testing or face arrest. As this man has a previous DUI conviction on his record, it is especially important that he protect his rights by seeking the help of an experienced attorney. Despite a previous conviction, the Tennessee man has not yet been convicted of these current charges and is still considered innocent in the eyes of the law.

Any person facing drunk drunk driving charges should not underestimate the serious nature of potential repercussions. In addition to fines, a person will likely lose his or her driving privileges and could face time in jail. It is wise to confront these charges with the help of a lawyer experienced in DUI defense cases.

Source: greenevillesun.com, “Man Arrested Inside Courthouse Among Those Charged With DUI“, Ken Little, Feb. 2, 2016