A fourth DUI in Tennessee is no longer treated as a misdemeanor. It is charged as a felony.
That shift changes everything. Prison exposure increases. Fines increase. Your license revocation period grows significantly. A felony conviction also carries long-term consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom.
If you’ve been arrested for a fourth DUI in Nashville, Davidson County, or anywhere in Middle Tennessee, you are facing one of the most serious DUI charges under Tennessee law.
The team at Herbert & Lux defends felony DUI cases throughout the Greater Nashville area and helps clients understand exactly what is at stake.
Is a Fourth DUI a Felony in Tennessee?
Yes. A fourth DUI is classified as a Class E felony under Tennessee law.
That means the charge is no longer just about jail time and license suspension. A felony conviction can affect voting rights, firearm rights, employment opportunities, and professional licenses.
Crossing from a third offense to a fourth offense changes how prosecutors approach the case and how the court views sentencing.
Penalties for a Fourth DUI in Tennessee
A fourth DUI conviction carries mandatory minimum penalties. Judges cannot waive these minimums once a conviction is entered.
A fourth offense may result in:
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1 to 6 years in prison
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A minimum of 150 days of confinement
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Fines between $3,000 and $15,000
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Eight-year driver’s license revocation
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Mandatory ignition interlock device
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Court-ordered alcohol or drug treatment
Unlike earlier offenses, probation options may be more limited. The risk of extended incarceration is very real.
The eight-year license revocation alone can affect nearly every part of daily life.
How Prior DUI Convictions Affect a Fourth Offense
In order to charge someone with a fourth DUI, the state must prove three prior DUI convictions. Those prior cases matter. The timing between convictions, how they were documented, and whether they were handled properly all come into play.
The team at Herbert & Lux will review your prior DUI history carefully. If there are legal issues with how a prior conviction is being used for enhancement, that can affect sentencing exposure. Not every prior case automatically qualifies. A close review is critical.
Defending a Felony DUI in Nashville
Even though this is a fourth offense, the prosecution still has to prove the current DUI beyond a reasonable doubt.
Defense strategies may involve reviewing:
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The legality of the traffic stop
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Whether probable cause existed for arrest
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How field sobriety tests were administered
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Breathalyzer or blood test procedures
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Chain of custody for blood samples
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Calibration and maintenance records
Felony DUI cases often involve technical evidence. Small procedural errors can have significant consequences for the prosecution’s case.
License Revocation After a Fourth DUI
Tennessee law requires an eight-year license revocation following a fourth DUI conviction.
Some drivers may qualify for restricted driving privileges after a portion of that period, but strict conditions apply. Ignition interlock devices are typically required, and driving is limited to specific purposes.
Managing the license process properly is an important part of handling a felony DUI case. Mistakes can lead to additional charges for driving on a revoked license.
Negotiation and Trial in Fourth DUI Cases
Some felony DUI cases involve plea negotiations. Others move toward trial.
The right approach depends on:
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The strength of the evidence
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The circumstances of the arrest
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The severity of alleged impairment
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Your prior criminal history
The team at Herbert & Lux prepares each fourth DUI case thoroughly. Preparing as though the case may go to trial often strengthens your position during negotiations.
You should not assume the outcome is predetermined.
Speak With Herbert & Lux About Your Fourth DUI Charge
If you’ve been arrested for a fourth DUI in Nashville or anywhere in Middle Tennessee, you are facing felony-level consequences.
Herbert & Lux will review the evidence, examine your prior record, and explain your options clearly. We defend felony DUI cases throughout Davidson County and surrounding communities. Contact Herbert & Lux to discuss your fourth DUI charge and take the next step toward protecting your future.
