A recent news story out of Tennessee has sparked important conversations across the country—including here in South Carolina. Tennessee just passed a new law that could change the way DUI (Driving Under the Influence) arrests are handled, especially when the person arrested turns out to be completely sober.

The law was inspired by troubling findings: over 600 people in Tennessee, since 2017, were arrested for DUI even though they hadn’t been drinking. Some had medical conditions or were older adults who had trouble with field sobriety tests. These people were put through stressful arrests, expensive court cases, and public shame—all while waiting months for lab results to prove they were sober.

Now, thanks to this new law—Senate Bill 1166—Tennessee will keep track of these kinds of arrests. Every year, a report will be made showing how many people were wrongly arrested for DUI, and which law enforcement agencies were involved. This information used to be hidden from the public due to privacy rules and database limits. But now, with transparency in place, people and communities can better understand what’s happening—and work toward fixing the problem.

"He has an innate ability to convey to clients what really matters in their cases."

"John Bateman is my absolute go to peer in the legal field when it comes to questions about DUI. . . . He has an innate ability to convey to clients what really matters in their cases. As a fellow attorney, I highly recommend John to anyone in the SC or NC areas who are looking for... legal representation when facing a DUI charge."

M. Brock

"An excellent DUI attorney. He has received the same field sobriety test training as all police officers in the State"

"John is an excellent DUI attorney. He has received the same field sobriety test training as all police officers in the State, and also the same training as the people who are the instructors of the police officer training courses on field sobriety tests. He is very passionate about DUI's and I recommend him often to people who are facing serious charges in the upstate area."

P. Hammond

"He cares for each of his clients and works extremely hard to achieve results."

"Very knowledgeable and thorough in his preparation and representation of his clients. He cares for each of his clients and works extremely hard to achieve results. I highly recommend this lawyer."

C. Grubbs

Why This Matters for South Carolina

Though this law is in Tennessee, its impact reaches further. It shines a light on an issue that could happen anywhere—even in South Carolina.

Imagine being arrested for DUI when you haven’t had anything to drink. You may have health problems that affect your balance, or you might be nervous during the test. The result could still be a DUI arrest. That arrest can hurt your job, your family, and your reputation. Even if you are found not guilty later, the damage may already be done.

At The Bateman Law Firm, we see the real-life consequences of DUI charges every day. Our state takes DUI laws seriously—and rightly so. But the system must also be fair. When mistakes happen, there needs to be a way to fix them and prevent them in the future.

A Step Toward Fairness and Accountability

The law in Tennessee is a step toward better accountability. By tracking when people are wrongly arrested and sharing that data with the public, lawmakers and police departments can learn from these mistakes.

This kind of law could help South Carolina too. While there’s no official plan yet to bring a similar law here, it’s the kind of change that could make a real difference for our communities. Having the facts can help lawmakers make better decisions, help law enforcement improve their practices, and most importantly—protect innocent people from suffering unfairly.

The Role of Breathalyzers and Blood Tests

One part of the Tennessee investigation found that many police departments had stopped using breathalyzers. Instead, they rely only on blood tests. Breathalyzers give quick results and can show if someone has been drinking alcohol. But they can’t detect drugs or medical conditions. Blood tests are more detailed, but results take weeks or months.

When someone is wrongly accused, that long wait can feel like a lifetime. Bringing back breathalyzers as a first step could help prevent these situations and offer another layer of protection for innocent drivers.

What This Means for You

If you’re ever stopped for DUI in South Carolina, it’s important to know your rights. Stay calm, follow instructions, and know that you can ask to speak to a lawyer. If you’re charged, don’t wait—get legal help right away. The sooner you act, the better your chances are to protect your record and your future.

At The Bateman Law Firm, we believe in justice, fairness, and helping people through tough situations. This new law in Tennessee is a powerful reminder that the system isn’t perfect—but it can be improved.

Tennessee’s new law doesn’t change things here in South Carolina—at least not yet. But it starts a conversation about how to protect innocent people from being harmed by a flawed process. It’s a reminder that everyone deserves fairness, even in the most difficult times.

South Carolina may one day follow Tennessee’s lead. Until then, people should know that they are not alone—and that help is available.

For more legal insights or if you need help with a DUI case, visit The Bateman Law Firm. We’re here to help you understand your rights and protect what matters most.