WGNS often hears from residents who say, “Not enough is being done about repeat DUI offenders.” We have one case to bring you up to date on.

A man who was convicted in a Rutherford County Courtroom on a “Driving under the Influence” charge, driving on a suspended license and leaving the scene of an accident (times 2) charges, was told that he cannot have a new trial.

Defendant James M. Smith was arrested after an accident in 2011. Smith rear-ended another car near Florence Road. He was later indicted on a charge of DUI number 9 in Rutherford County. After being convicted, he was sentenced to serve six years in confinement followed by four years on probation.

Smith filed an appeal in the case suggesting the prosecutor made improper comments during opening and closing arguments in the case. The Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee disagreed and Smith will remain behind bars.

Court Case Number:

No. M2013-00733-CCA-R3-CD