Memphis, TN DUI Lawyer

If you’ve just been arrested for your first DUI in Memphis, Tennessee, you’re likely experiencing a whirlwind of emotions; fear, confusion, embarrassment, and uncertainty about what comes next. I understand how unsettling this is.

As a Memphis DUI lawyer who has represented many first-time DUI offenders, I want you to know that while the situation is serious, there are steps you can take right now to protect yourself, your license, and your future.

The actions you take in the coming days can make the difference between a conviction that follows you for years and a resolution that allows you to move forward.

If you’re facing a DUI charge in Memphis, call 1-888-839-4384 or use our online contact form to speak with a top rated Tennessee DUI lawyer for a free consultation today!

Understanding a First DUI in Memphis

In Tennessee, a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge means you are accused of operating a motor vehicle while your ability to drive was impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medications, or a combination of these substances. The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08%.

If your BAC tests above this level, you can be charged with DUI. However, even if your BAC is lower, you can still face charges if law enforcement believes your driving was impaired.

If you’ve been arrested for your first DUI in Memphis, it’s important to understand the potential consequences you could be facing under Tennessee law. While the penalties are set statewide, local court practices in Shelby County can influence how these sentences are applied.

The table below outlines the typical first-time DUI in Memphis legal penalties including how your blood alcohol concentration level can affect jail time, fines, license suspension, and other requirements.

Offense	Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)	Minimum Jail Time	Fines	License Suspension	Other Penalties
First DUI in Memphis	0.08% – 0.19%	48 hours	$350 – $1,500	1 year	Alcohol Safety Program, community service, possible Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation
First DUI in Memphis	0.20% or higher	7 consecutive days in jail	$350 – $1,500	1 year	Mandatory IID, Alcohol Safety Program, community service
First DUI – Refusal to submit to BAC test	N/A	Varies by case	Up to $1,500	1 year (administrative suspension)	No restricted license eligibility during suspension

 

These penalties come directly from Tennessee law and apply statewide, but in Memphis, local court practices and prosecutors can influence how your case unfolds. This is why hiring a Memphis DUI lawyer who understands the Shelby County court system is so important.

Which Court Handles DUI Cases in Memphis?

After a DUI arrest in Memphis, your case will almost always begin in Shelby County General Sessions Criminal Court. This court is located at 201 Poplar Ave Suite LL81, Memphis, TN 38103, and it handles misdemeanor criminal matters, including most first DUI in Memphis cases.

Your first appearance, known as an arraignment, will typically be scheduled within a few weeks of your arrest. At this hearing, you’ll be formally advised of your charges and asked to enter a plea. If your case remains a misdemeanor, it will proceed in General Sessions Court.

However, if there are aggravating factors, such as serious injuries, a high BAC, or repeat DUI offenses, your case could be transferred to Shelby County Criminal Court for felony-level proceedings.

Because the Memphis court system can be intimidating and fast-moving, having a Memphis DUI lawyer who is familiar with both General Sessions and Criminal Court procedures is critical. Local attorneys know the prosecutors, judges, and court staff, and can help ensure you meet all deadlines, appear at the correct courtroom, and present your strongest possible drunk driving defense from day one.

Immediate Steps to Take After Your Arrest

When you’re dealing with your first DUI in Memphis, the clock starts ticking the moment you are arrested. Acting quickly can preserve important legal rights.

1. Contact a Memphis DUI lawyer immediately. Local experience matters! Your criminal defense attorney will know the prosecutors, judges, and how DUI cases are typically handled in Shelby County Criminal Court.
2. Write down everything you remember. Include details about the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, breath or blood tests, and anything the officer said. Seemingly small details can make a big difference in your defense.
3. Do not discuss your case with anyone but your lawyer. Anything you say to police officers, friends, or on social media could be used against you.
4. Address your driver’s license suspension. In Tennessee, you may have only a short window to request a restricted license or challenge a suspension; often just days after your arrest.

How a Memphis DUI Lawyer Builds Your Defense

If this is your first DUI in Memphis, you may feel tempted to simply plead guilty and “get it over with.” That would be a mistake. A qualified Memphis DUI lawyer will thoroughly review your case to identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. This can include:

• Challenging the traffic stop: Was there a valid reason to pull you over in the first place?
• Questioning field sobriety tests: These are often subjective and can be affected by nerves, medical conditions, or poor testing conditions.
• Reviewing breathalyzer or blood test procedures: Any errors in calibration, handling, or chain of custody can lead to suppressed evidence.
• Negotiating for reduced charges or alternative sentencing: In some cases, a Memphis DUI lawyer can work with the prosecutor to secure a plea to a lesser charge like reckless driving, which carries fewer long-term consequences and can avoid a DUI conviction.

Why Local Experience Matters in a First DUI in Memphis

Memphis courts handle thousands of DUI cases each year, but every case is unique. A lawyer with experience in the local system knows how certain judges approach sentencing, which prosecutors are more open to plea negotiations, and which diversion programs might be available to first-time offenders. This insight can be critical in getting you the best possible outcome.

For example, in Shelby County, some judges may allow a first-time offender to participate in certain education or treatment programs that could help reduce the overall penalties. Others may be more focused on jail time or ignition interlock requirements. Without a Memphis DUI lawyer who regularly practices in these courts, you may not know what options are realistically available.

Moving Forward After a First DUI in Memphis

A DUI charge, especially your first, does not have to define you. With the right legal defense strategy, it’s possible to protect your record, minimize penalties, and move forward with your life. The key is to take action now, before deadlines pass and evidence becomes harder to challenge.

Talk To An Experienced Memphis DUI Attorney Today!

If you or someone you love has been arrested for a first DUI in Memphis, I urge you to speak with an experienced Memphis DUI lawyer as soon as possible. I am here to guide you through every step, from the initial court appearance to negotiating with prosecutors, and if necessary, defending you at trial.

Together, we can work toward the best possible resolution so you can put this chapter behind you.

Call 1-888-839-4384 for a free consultation with a top-rated DUI attorney in Memphis, Tennessee today!