DUI arrests are changing.

Years ago, most DUI arrests occurred at night and were due to the driver being under the influence of alcohol. Now DUI arrests are common at 10 a.m. with the intoxicating substance often being pills or meth.

Faced with new challenges, our District Attorney’s Office is up to the test. Darrell Julian has proven that as he was recently named DUI Prosecutor of the Year by the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference.

The award is presented annually to a Tennessee prosecutor who exemplifies the goals and ideals of the conference by improving traffic safety. Julian is an assistant district attorney for the 31st District of Warren and Van Buren counties.

“When I first started in the DUI prosecutor position in 2007, I made it my mission to tackle the existing backlog of over 200 cases,” Julian said. “I am honored to receive this award because it is something I am truly passionate about. I vow to continue to work hard for the people of Tennessee by bringing justice in these DUI cases.”

Julian has tried more than 100 DUI, vehicular assault, and vehicular homicide jury trials over the last 11 years, including a conviction in a double-aggravated vehicular homicide case that resulted in one of the longest sentences for such a crime in his judicial district.

“Darrell has truly changed attitudes when it comes to the importance of DUIs within our judicial district,” said District Attorney General Lisa Zavogiannis. “He has worked tirelessly to educate people within the judicial system, but also the public at large. His success speaks for itself. Darrell is committed to Tennessee and I am very proud of all that he has done for our district.”

Julian graduated from Charter Oaks State College in Connecticut with a degree in interdisciplinary studies. He graduated magna cum laude with his law degree from Seattle University School of Law. He is licensed both in Washington state and Tennessee and is originally from McMinnville, where he currently resides with his father.