July 1, 2023, marked the implementation of a significant legal change in Tennessee, particularly in the area of DUI legislation – the Silas Gable Flatt Law, officially known as T.C.A 55-10-427.
T.C.A. 55-10-427 makes it a Class A misdemeanor for a person to knowingly provide a motor vehicle to another person who the provider of the vehicle knows or reasonably should know is under the influence of an intoxicant. This means you can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor if you loan your car to someone you know is under the influence of alcohol or other substances – without even driving the car yourself!
While the burden is on the State, as it is for every criminal charge, to prove this beyond a reasonable doubt, it’s important to know that a first conviction for T.C.A. 55-10-427 requires a mandatory 48 hours in jail as a minimum punishment.
As a legal professional in Franklin, Tennessee, I advise my clients to take this law seriously and to act responsibly when it comes to lending their vehicles. It is essential to understand the potential consequences of violating this law, including criminal charges and a criminal record.
If you or someone you know is facing charges under T.C.A. 55-10-427, or any other DUI related offense, it is crucial to hire legal counsel promptly to protect your rights and explore potential defense strategies. My law office is here to provide guidance and support throughout the legal process. Call today: 615-861-1298.
