DUI Conviction affirmed. Criminal DRL reversed.

In Sevier County a Defendant prior to trial pled guilty to driving on a revoked license. A jury found him guilty of DUI 3rd offense and a violation of the mandatory insurance (financial responsibility) law.

No proof was presented that he was driving on a revoked license due to a DUI conviction. Since he had already pled to the DUI, the reason for the revoked driving charge would have necessarily

informed the jury, the defendant had a prior DUI. That would have caused a reversal for the DUI.

So, prosecutors need to read this case and beware of the tactic of the pre-trial plea to DRL.

Read it at:

http://www.tsc.state.tn.us/OPINIONS/tcca/PDF/112/State%20of%20Tennessee%20v%20Ralph%20Wilhoite.pdf