Felony DUI Attorney in Memphis

Trusted Advocacy For Felony DUI Charges In Memphis

When you are facing a felony DUI charge in Shelby County or the greater Memphis area, securing knowledgeable legal support is crucial. At the Law Office of Stephen R. Leffler, P.C., our felony drunk driving attorneys in Memphis leverage decades of experience to provide individuals and families with the steady guidance and strong defense they need. We are committed to safeguarding your rights and minimizing the impact of felony DUI allegations, whether this is your first felony DUI arrest or your charges involve aggravating factors. Throughout every stage, our personalized counsel keeps you informed and supported as we work together to achieve the best possible outcome.

Because felony DUI cases in Shelby County carry severe consequences, it is crucial to partner with a defense team that understands Tennessee law and local court procedures. Our in-depth familiarity with the Memphis criminal justice system helps us anticipate how prosecutors will build their case and allows us to prepare tailored legal strategies. We believe that empowering our clients with information—about court expectations, timelines, and potential case outcomes—enables you to make decisions confidently as your case progresses.

Learn how we can fight for you today! Call (901) 509-9112 or schedule your FREE consultation.

Why Work With Our Felony Drunk Driving Attorneys In Memphis?

Choosing the right felony drunk driving lawyer in Memphis can make a significant difference in your case outcome. Our firm has provided comprehensive legal services for Memphis residents since 1985, offering the capabilities of a well-established office with the personal attention of a boutique firm. When you work with us, our legal team listens to your story, addresses your concerns directly, and adapts our defense to your personal circumstances. From your initial call to the final verdict or resolution, we focus on communication and ensure you are always up-to-date and confident in the steps moving forward.

We have built our practice on strong attorney-client relationships, prompt follow-ups, and transparent feedback. This approach fosters trust and clarity during what can be an overwhelming time. By scheduling regular client updates and providing direct access to your felony DUI attorney in Memphis, you’ll always know what’s happening in your case and what to expect next. Our experienced counsel, combined with client-focused service, has led many in the Memphis community to trust us with their most serious legal matters—especially those involving felony DUI charges.

Felony DUI Charges In Memphis: What To Expect

Felony DUI charges in Memphis are governed by Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-10-402 and related statutes. A DUI becomes a felony offense once you are charged with your fourth or subsequent DUI or when specific aggravating factors, such as causing serious injury or death, are present. In Shelby County, prosecutors are particularly diligent in pursuing felony DUI cases, often seeking maximum penalties under state law. The consequences can be extensive and life-changing, including incarceration, heavy fines, and permanent marks on your record.

• Lengthy incarceration: Felony DUI convictions typically require mandatory prison terms, not just time in county jail.
• High fines & costs: Fines, restitution, and court-imposed fees can reach thousands of dollars or more.
• License revocation: Driver’s license revocation periods are typically lengthy or even permanent after a felony DUI conviction.
• Lifelong consequences: Felony convictions impact employment, housing, civil rights, and more, with effects lasting years into the future.

If you have been accused of felony DUI in Memphis, it’s important to understand how regional policies may influence your defense. Shelby County uses structured court dockets, including dedicated sessions for felony drunk driving cases. The courts also collaborate with probation, alcohol assessment programs, and local treatment providers to monitor compliance closely. Our felony DUI defense attorneys in Memphis leverage insight into these systems, guiding clients to take proactive steps—like voluntary alcohol treatment or compliance programs—that may impact outcomes and show a willingness to change. Local experience gives you a critical edge when your future is on the line.

Our Strategic Approach To Felony DUI Defense In Memphis

Felony DUI defense in Memphis requires a methodical and informed approach. Every case we handle is unique, shaped by individual circumstances, law enforcement procedures, and the facts presented by the prosecution. Here’s how our felony DUI attorney in Memphis will work through your case:

• Comprehensive case review: We analyze all available evidence, including arrest records, field sobriety and chemical test results, and possible rights violations.
• Clear communication: We keep you updated on every hearing, filing, negotiation, and trial step so you are never caught off guard.
• Strategic negotiation: Utilizing our familiarity with Memphis prosecutors and judges, we negotiate to reduce or dismiss charges where possible based on weakness or gaps in the state’s case.
• Prepared litigation: If necessary, we rigorously challenge the prosecution’s evidence in court, advocating for the highest level of defense.
• Personalized support: Our office remains available to answer questions, provide reassurance, and help you fully prepare for each phase of your criminal matter.

Beyond reviewing law enforcement procedures for errors, we look into all circumstances leading up to your arrest. That means evaluating medical explanations for alleged impairment and reviewing equipment logs for accuracy—especially given how busy Shelby County’s DUI courts are and the frequency of equipment use. Our attorneys value thorough documentation, including positive contributions you’ve made in the Memphis community, because these factors may impact a prosecutor’s decision or a judge’s assessment. Throughout the process, your felony DUI lawyer in Memphis will stand with you at every hearing and appearance, ensuring you have skilled representation at each turn.

Understanding Felony DUI Penalties & Local Impacts

Punishments for felony DUI under Tennessee law are severe and have far-reaching consequences throughout Memphis. Local courts and prosecutors take a particularly firm approach, imposing harsh penalties to protect public safety and deter repeat offenses. Sentences often include the following:

• Mandatory minimum prison time, often starting at one year for a fourth or subsequent DUI
• Permanent felony record, affecting your ability to find work, hold professional licenses, and retain certain civil rights
• Hefty fines that increase with the number of prior DUIs or if the incident involved injury or fatality
• Ignition interlock device requirements when and if driving privileges are reinstated
• Lengthy probation, required substance abuse treatment, and court-ordered community service

Felony DUI sentences in Memphis often include hidden consequences. In addition to required prison terms, courts may mandate full restitution to victims, while employers in the region frequently conduct background checks that can make job searching even more challenging. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security also imposes its own administrative restrictions, slowing down driver’s license reinstatement. With an experienced felony DUI defense attorney in Memphis at your side, you can take informed steps to address collateral issues, providing stability and peace of mind moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes a felony DUI from a misdemeanor DUI in Tennessee?

A DUI is classified as a felony in Tennessee when it is the fourth or subsequent offense, or if it involves an accident causing serious injury or death. Misdemeanor DUIs generally result in lighter punishment and do not create a felony record.

Can I drive after a felony DUI arrest?

Following an arrest for felony DUI in Memphis, your driver’s license is usually suspended right away. Restricted driving privileges may be available after review, but approval depends on your record and case details.

Is jail time mandatory for a felony DUI conviction in Memphis?

Yes, Tennessee law requires mandatory minimum prison sentences for felony DUI convictions, with specific terms determined by the charge and aggravating circumstances.

Are there alternatives to jail for felony DUI offenders?

While alternatives to incarceration exist for some misdemeanor DUI cases, felony-level convictions nearly always require time in prison. However, factors like legal errors or strong mitigating evidence may influence sentencing.

How soon should I contact a defense attorney after a felony DUI charge?

You should contact a felony DUI lawyer in Memphis as soon as possible to help protect your rights, gather evidence, and receive case-specific advice about the Memphis courts.

Get Help From A Felony DUI Defense Attorney In Memphis

Your future does not have to be defined by a single legal battle. At the Law Office of Stephen R. Leffler, P.C., our seasoned felony DUI lawyers in Memphis provide informed support and reliable guidance for each client. By calling (901) 509-9112, you’ll receive fast answers, careful listening, and direct feedback about your options. We shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on moving forward, giving you reassurance from your very first conversation. If you face felony DUI charges—or fear you may be charged—connect with our team today and start building a defense that protects your rights every step of the way.

Taking the first step is often the hardest, especially when you are uncertain about what to expect. During your initial consultation, we offer a confidential and judgment-free setting to review your goals, concerns, and all details of your matter. We will walk you through your legal options, outline the next steps, and clarify how the Memphis court process works for felony DUI cases. By partnering with Law Office of Stephen R. Leffler, P.C., you gain a defense team that values honesty, clear information, and reliable support—ensuring that you never face this challenge by yourself. Call us and discover how we can make a difference for your future.

Call the Law Office of Stephen R. Leffler, P.C. today at (901) 509-9112 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our felony DUI defense attorney in Memphis.