DUI Lawyer
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Memphis DUI Lawyer
DUI convictions can have many severe consequences for an alleged offender, so you will want to have legal representation for assistance in fighting to retain your freedom. Many people are confused about their rights during DUI stops and assume they are automatically guilty when there is an arrest made. Still, the truth is that DUI charges can be dismissed for many reasons, and a Memphis DUI lawyer can help.
Tennessee Crime Statistics
The annual Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Crime in Tennessee report for 2020 reported a total of 18,167 driving under the influence (DUI) arrests in the state in 2020. That translates to an average of almost 50 arrests per day. Hence, DUI remains a very common criminal offense, and people facing DUI charges need to quickly hire a Memphis criminal defense lawyer to help fight the charges.
Types of DUI Offenses Our Memphis DUI Lawyer Handles
Our firm handles many kinds of DUI cases in the greater Memphis area, including:
- First DUI
- Second DUI
- Third DUI
- Fourth or subsequent DUI
- Implied consent violations
- Vehicular assault
- Child endangerment
- Vehicular homicide
- Aggravated vehicular assault while driving intoxicated
Possible Criminal Penalties in Memphis
The Tennessee state drunk driving statute is Tennessee Code § 55-10-401, which establishes that it is illegal for any person to drive or be in physical control of a motor vehicle while they are under the influence of alcohol, any controlled substance, controlled substance analogue, intoxicant, marijuana, substance affecting the central nervous system, drug, or any combination impairing their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. By depriving them of the clearness of mind and control of oneself that a driver would otherwise possess; the alcohol concentration in the alleged offender’s blood or breath is eight-hundredths of one percent (0.08 percent) or more, or with a blood alcohol concentration of four-hundredths of one percent (0.04 percent) or more and the vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle.
Tennessee Code § 55-10-415 further prohibits minors from driving under the influence, and underage driving while impaired (DWI) is a crime stating that a person under 21 years of age cannot drive or be in physical control of an automobile or other motor-driven vehicle while they are under the influence of any intoxicant, drug, marijuana, controlled substance, controlled substance analogue, substance affecting the central nervous system, or any combination impairing the alleged offender’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle by depriving the driver of the clearness of mind and self-control that a driver would otherwise possess; or the alcohol concentration in the person’s blood or breath is two-hundredths of one percent (0.02 percent) or more.
DUI offenses are typically punishable as follows:
- First DUI – Punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, a $1,500 fine, license revocation for one year, restitution to any person suffering physical injury or personal loss, possible drug and alcohol treatment
- Second DUI – Punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, a $3,500 fine, license revocation for two years, restitution to any person suffering physical injury or personal loss, possible drug and alcohol treatment, ignition interlock device (IID) requirement for six months after reinstatement at alleged offender’s expense when two DUI convictions within five years
- Third DUI – Punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, a $10,000 fine, license revocation for six years, restitution to any person suffering physical injury or personal loss, possible drug and alcohol treatment, ignition interlock device (IID) requirement for six months after reinstatement at alleged offender’s expense when two DUI convictions within five years
- Fourth or subsequent DUI – Class E felony punishable by -up to six years in prison, a $15,000 fine, license revocation for eight years, restitution to any person suffering physical injury or personal loss, possible drug and alcohol treatment, ignition interlock device (IID) requirement for six months after reinstatement at alleged offender’s expense when two DUI convictions within five years
- Implied consent violations – Revocation of license for one year for a first offense, revocation of license for two years for a second offense, revocation of license for two years if the crash resulted in bodily injury, revocation of license for five years if the crash resulted in death
- Vehicular assault – Class D felony punishable by up to 12 years in prison, a $5,000 fine, license revocation for up to five years depending on the number of prior offenses with no restricted license
- Child endangerment – Class D felony if a child suffers serious injury punishable by up to 12 years in prison, Class B felony if a child is killed punishable by up to 30 years in prison, license revocation
- Vehicular homicide – Class B felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison, license revocation for up to 10 years with no restricted license
- Aggravated vehicular assault while driving intoxicated – Class A felony punishable by up to 60 years in prison
Memphis Courts
Many DUI cases in Memphis are handled in the General Sessions Criminal Courts, which are comprised of nine criminal courts. It is Divisions 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 15 that handle misdemeanor cases, while one court handles felony cases each month.
The felony court will rotate among courts on a monthly basis, and no jury trials are held in General Sessions Criminal Courts. Criminal courts in the Memphis area include the following 15 courts and judges, all sharing the same location.
- Judge Paula Skahan
Division 1
Criminal Justice Center
201 Poplar Ave., 5th Floor
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 222-3328
- Judge Glenn Wright
Division 2
Criminal Justice Center
201 Poplar Ave., 5th Floor
Memphis, TN 38103
- Judge Bobby Carter
Division 3
Criminal Justice Center
201 Poplar Ave., 5th Floor
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 222-3328
- Judge Carolyn Wade Blackett
Division 4
Criminal Justice Center
201 Poplar Ave., 5th Floor
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 222-3208
- Judge James M. Lammey, Jr.
Division 5
Criminal Justice Center
201 Poplar Ave., 6th Floor
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 222-3328
- Judge John W. Campbell
Division 6
Criminal Justice Center
201 Poplar Ave., 6th Floor
Memphis, TN 38103
- Hon. Lee Coffee
Division 7
Criminal Justice Center
201 Poplar Ave., 6th Floor
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 222-3216
- Judge Christopher B. Craft
Division 8
Criminal Justice Center
201 Poplar Ave., 6th Floor
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 222-3328
- Judge W. Mark Ward
Division 9
Criminal Justice Center
201 Poplar Ave., 7th Floor
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 222-3328
- Judge Jennifer Mitchell
Division 10
Criminal Justice Center
201 Poplar Ave., 7th Floor
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 222-3328
- Judge Karen Massey
Division 11
Criminal Justice Center
201 Poplar Ave., Suite LL-56
Memphis, TN 38103
- Judge S. Ronald Lucchesi
Division 12
Criminal Justice Center
201 Poplar Ave., Suite LL-56
Memphis, TN 38103
- Judge Louis J. Montesi, Jr.
Division 13
Criminal Justice Center
201 Poplar Ave., Suite LL-56
Memphis, TN 38103
- Judge Larry E. Potter
Division 14 (Environmental Court)
Criminal Justice Center
201 Poplar Ave., Suite LL-56
Memphis, TN 38103
- Judge Loyce Lambert-Ryan
Division 15
Criminal Justice Center
201 Poplar Ave., Suite LL-56
Memphis, TN 38103
Call Us Today to Schedule a Free Consultation with a Memphis DUI Attorney
Are you now facing any kind of drunk driving charges in the Memphis area? One of the most important things for you to do after being arrested for DUI is to get in touch with Pickford Law so we can fight to make sure that you can achieve the most favorable possible outcome to your criminal case.
Our firm handles scores of DUI cases and knows how to help people earn reductions in or dismissals of criminal charges. Contact us today to receive a free consultation so we can sit down with you and go over your case details while answering every question you might have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I expunge or seal a DUI offense on my criminal record?
There is no expungement for DUI convictions in Tennessee unless there was a dismissal of the DUI charges or you did not receive a conviction.
What is the difference between a DUI and a DWI?
DUI is the general term used for the crime of driving under the influence, while DWI in Tennessee refers to the minor-related drunk driving offense of driving while impaired. DWI is also used in other jurisdictions for the offense of driving while intoxicated.
How do DUI offenses affect individuals with commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs)?
Again, people operating commercial vehicles are held to a much higher standard in Tennessee and must have blood alcohol concentrations that are 0.04 percent, or only half as much as the legal limit for all other drivers. A DUI conviction in Tennessee can mean the loss of a CDL for one year. It is important that you can lose your CDL even if your arrest occurs while you are driving a traditional personal passenger vehicle.
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Shalondra Grandberry Pickford
Shalondra Grandberry Pickford is the founding attorney and owner of Pickford Law. Her practice focuses on Social Security disability, Veterans’ disability and Car and Trucking accidents. Prior to founding Pickford Law, Shalondra worked as an Associate Attorney at Memphis’ most prominent Social Security disability firm. She later joined a personal injury firm where she oversaw the Social Security practice area and handled personal injury claims until hanging out her own…
Pamela Thomas
Pamela Thomas is the receptionist at Pickford Law and the newest addition to the team. With over five years of experience working at a boutique law firm, she brings a strong foundation of legal office knowledge, professionalism, and client care to her role.
As the first point of contact for the firm, Pamela plays a vital role in creating a welcoming and organized experience for every client. She manages incoming calls, greets clients, and ensures that all communications are directed efficiently to the appropriate team members.
Maria Flemati
Maria Flemati serves as the Intake Specialist at Pickford Law and has been a valued member of the firm for the past three years. As the first point of contact for many clients, Maria plays a vital role in creating a welcoming, supportive, and professional experience from the very first interaction.
Maria takes pride in guiding clients through the initial steps of the legal process, helping them feel comfortable, confident, and supported as they begin their journey with Pickford Law.
Alexiah Woods
Alexiah Woods is a rising legal professional and Personal Injury Case Manager at Pickford Law, where she plays an integral role in supporting clients and building strong personal injury cases. As a recent college graduate with aspirations of attending law school, Alexiah represents the next generation of legal advocates being developed within the firm.
In her role, Alexiah works closely with clients, medical providers, and insurance companies to ensure cases progress efficiently and effectively. She assists with gathering and organizing medical records and bills…
Ysabelle Mangubat
Ysabelle Mangubat serves as the Medical Records Clerk at Pickford Law, where she plays a critical role in supporting case development through the accurate collection and organization of medical documentation. She is currently a law student with aspirations of practicing corporate law and is actively building her legal foundation through hands-on experience at the firm.
In her role, Ysabelle is responsible for requesting, tracking, and organizing medical records and billing statements, ensuring that each file is complete, accurate, and ready for review.
Sharon Warren
Sharon Warren is a dedicated Case Manager at Pickford Law, where she focuses exclusively on Social Security Disability (SSDI/SSI) cases. With over two years at the firm and more than 13 years of prior experience with the Social Security Administration, Sharon brings a depth of knowledge and practical insight that is invaluable to both the legal team and the clients she serves.
Carla Valente
Carla Valente serves as a Social Security Case Manager at Pickford Law, where she assists clients in navigating the Social Security disability process and supports the attorney in managing cases from start to finish. With a strong foundation in public service and over 17 years of experience with the Social Security Administration, Carla brings a depth of knowledge and insight that is invaluable to both clients and the firm.
During her tenure with the Social Security Administration, Carla served as a Technical Expert, providing guidance and support to local field offices.
Pearl Cummings
Pearline “Pearl” Cummings, also known as Lady P!, is an experienced Personal Injury Case Manager and Paralegal with more than 25 years of combined experience in the insurance and legal industries. Her background as a former Property Damage and Bodily Injury Claims Adjuster provides her with strong investigative insight and skilled negotiation abilities, helping attorneys and clients achieve successful claim resolutions.
