Memphis DUI Lawyer

DUI Defense Firm with More Than 30 Years of Experience

Are you facing charges for drunk driving in Tennessee? Do not face the penalties that come with drunk driving alone! If you have been arrested for a DUI in Memphis, the penalties can be very serious, even on a first offense. At the Law Office of Stephen R. Leffler, P.C., our Memphis DUI lawyer has helped clients navigate the confusing and taxing process following being arrested for a DUI. In Tennessee, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) that is 0.08% or above. This law also applies to driving under the influence of narcotics or any prescription medications that might affect the ability to operate the car.

Have you or a loved one been charged with a DUI? Don’t hesitate to call our Memphis DUI lawyer at (901) 509-9112 or contact us online!

BAC Rules in Tennessee

• While the 0.08% is a baseline, you can face arrest for a lesser blood alcohol content:
• For drivers 21 years old and over, the legal BAC is 0.08%.
• Drivers who are under 21 years old must be under 0.02%.
• Commercial drivers have a legal limit of 0.04%.

Field Sobriety & Chemical Tests 

If you are pulled over by a police officer, they may ask you to participate in field sobriety tests to determine if you are intoxicated. The purpose of these tests is to gather enough evidence to support a DUI arrest. You are not required to participate in the field sobriety tests. Should you be arrested, you will be subject to a chemical test to determine your BAC by breath, blood, or urine. Refusing to participate in this test will result in an automatic suspension of your license for one year on your first offense.

Many people are unsure what to do in the moment, especially when a stop happens at night on roads like I-240, I-40, or near downtown Memphis entertainment areas. We can help you understand what your rights are during a stop, what officers may be looking for when they administer field tests, and how your decisions can affect your driver’s license and your case. Our goal is to prepare you so that you feel more in control of the situation rather than caught off guard by each question or request from law enforcement.

Understanding DUI Penalties in Tennessee

Being charged with a DUI in Tennessee can have serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. It's important to understand the potential penalties you may face if convicted of a DUI in the state.

Common consequences of a Tennessee DUI conviction can include:

• Criminal penalties: Possible jail time, probation, and court-ordered programs such as DUI school or treatment.
• Driver’s license issues: Suspension or revocation of your driving privileges, ignition interlock requirements, and reinstatement fees.
• Financial impact: Fines, court costs, higher insurance premiums, towing and storage fees, and other related expenses.
• Personal and professional effects: difficulty passing background checks, problems with certain professional licenses, and strain on your family and employment.

Penalties for a DUI in Tennessee may include:

• First offense: Fine of up to $1,500, license suspension for up to 1 year, mandatory DUI school
• Second offense: Fine of up to $3,500, license suspension for up to 2 years, mandatory ignition interlock device
• Third offense: Fine of up to $10,000, license revocation for up to 6 years, mandatory jail time

Our experienced Memphis DUI defense attorneys at the Law Office of Stephen R. Leffler, P.C., have the knowledge and skills to help you navigate the legal process and pursue the best possible outcome in your case. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Beyond fines and jail time, a conviction can affect many areas of your life, including employment, professional licensing, and the ability to drive to work or school. Judges in Shelby County Criminal Court and other local courts have discretion in setting certain conditions, such as probation terms, alcohol treatment requirements, and ignition interlock usage. When you work with a drunk driving attorney Memphis residents can turn to for guidance, we can explain how these penalties are usually applied in local courts and help you evaluate options such as negotiating a plea, challenging evidence, or proceeding to trial based on the specific facts of your case.

Have you or a loved one been charged with a DUI? Don’t hesitate to call our Memphis DUI lawyer at (901) 509-9112 or contact us online!

How We Approach DUI Defense in Memphis

When you are arrested for DUI in the Memphis area, you are suddenly faced with court dates, paperwork, and decisions that can feel overwhelming. We focus on breaking the process down into clear steps so you understand what will happen in General Sessions Court, what options might be available, and how long each stage may take. From the first consultation, we review the stop, the arrest, and any testing in detail so that you know what issues might be raised in your defense and what goals are realistic in your situation.

Our work often begins with obtaining and reviewing police reports, dash cam or body cam footage, and any breath or blood test records. We look for whether the officer had a valid basis to stop you, whether field sobriety tests were administered correctly, and whether the chemical testing equipment was properly maintained and operated under Tennessee law. In many cases, we will also discuss how a license suspension could affect your daily life and what steps you can take, such as requesting a hearing or exploring restricted license options, to preserve as much of your driving privilege as possible.

Because every case is different, we spend time discussing your priorities, such as avoiding jail, protecting a professional license, or limiting the impact on your record. We will talk through possible outcomes in Shelby County and nearby courts, including whether diversion, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing may be available based on your history and the facts of the case. When you work with a drunk driving lawyer, Memphis drivers can call for guidance; you are not just hiring someone to appear in court; you are gaining a team that will prepare you for each hearing, help you gather helpful documents or witnesses, and stand with you from the first court date until your case is resolved.