Wrongful Tennessee DUI Arrests: Ex-Prosecutor Case Highlights Risk

Tennessee DUI Arrests Under Scrutiny After Former US Attorney Wrongfully Charged/A former US Attorney is the latest sober driver wrongfully arrested for DUI in Tennessee. Jane Bondurant was arrested by a state trooper following a minor traffic incident in November 2024. Her case highlights a systemic issue with over 600 similar wrongful arrests since 2017.State officials point to new transparency laws as a solution. However, victims like Bondurant say the damage is already done and the problem persists.

Field Sobriety Tests Lead to Flawed Arrests

According to WSMV, Trooper Sam Zahn conducted a field test on Bondurant. He reported she had bloodshot eyes and showed signs of impairment. Bondurant was arrested and charged with driving under the influence.Blood test results later proved her innocence. They found only a trace of sleep medication from the night before. All DUI charges against her were promptly dropped by prosecutors.

Systemic Issue Prompts Legislative Response

This incident is not isolated. Reports from local media indicate Trooper Zahn alone has made at least eight such wrongful arrests. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has recorded hundreds of similar cases across the state.This pattern prompted Governor Bill Lee to sign new legislation. The law requires the TBI to collect and report data on wrongful DUI arrests. The goal is to increase accountability and identify training gaps within law enforcement.

Victims Face Lasting Personal Consequences

The fallout for wrongfully accused individuals is severe. Bondurant described the experience as traumatic and shocking. She also lost her auto insurance coverage because of the arrest.Other victims report similar long-term struggles. The legal and financial repercussions can create a nightmare scenario for innocent people. The new data law does not address this personal fallout for affected drivers.

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The growing number of wrongful Tennessee DUI arrests reveals a critical flaw in enforcement protocols. While new laws aim for transparency, victims continue to suffer the profound consequences of these errors.

Info at your fingertips

How many sober drivers have been arrested for DUI in Tennessee?

Over 600 sober drivers have been wrongly arrested for DUI since 2017. This data comes from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

What evidence cleared Jane Bondurant?

A blood test cleared Jane Bondurant. It found no alcohol or impairing drugs in her system, only a sleep aid from the previous night.

What is Tennessee doing to fix this problem?

Governor Lee signed a new law requiring the TBI to track wrongful DUI arrests. This data is intended to improve training and accountability.

Are field sobriety tests reliable?

They can be subjective. In Tennessee, portable breath test results are not court-admissible, so officers often rely heavily on these physical tests.

What happened to the trooper involved?

Reports indicate Trooper Sam Zahn remains on active duty. He has been involved in at least eight of these wrongful arrest cases.