You need more than a lawyer. You need a fighter. If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Memphis, your future, freedom, and reputation are on the line. Tennessee’s DUI laws are strict and unforgiving. One mistake can cost you your license, your job, and even your freedom. At Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers, we don’t just show up to court—we show up to win.
Our firm is built on a simple but powerful belief: every client deserves aggressive representation and straight answers. We know what’s at stake when you’re facing a DUI. That’s why we act fast, investigate hard, and push back against weak evidence. We’re based right here in Memphis, and we understand how the local courts operate. Our experience can make a critical difference in your case.
Tennessee law prohibits operating or being in “physical control” of a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or any intoxicating substance. That means you can be charged even if the car isn’t moving—even if you’re just sleeping in the driver’s seat with the keys nearby.
Tennessee also enforces implied consent laws. If you’re arrested for DUI and refuse a chemical test, your license can be suspended for up to two years—regardless of whether you’re convicted.
Tennessee doesn’t take DUI charges lightly. Even a first offense carries mandatory jail time and harsh consequences.
Subsequent offenses can result in felony charges, longer jail time, and permanent loss of driving privileges.
From the moment you’re pulled over, the clock is ticking. Here’s what typically happens:
A DUI charge is not a conviction. At Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers, we fight to protect your rights and expose weak points in the prosecution’s case.
We examine:
We’ve secured favorable outcomes for our clients by challenging flawed evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, and taking cases to trial when necessary.
Even if your license is suspended, you may be eligible for a restricted license allowing you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments. In most cases, you’ll need to install an ignition interlock device (IID) to qualify.
An IID requires you to pass a breath test before your car will start. It may also require rolling retests while driving.
We help clients petition the court for restricted licenses and connect them with certified IID providers.
Drivers under 21 face zero-tolerance laws. A BAC of just 0.02% can lead to arrest.
Penalties include:
If your child is facing a DUI, it’s critical to involve an experienced defense lawyer immediately.
The sooner you call a Memphis DUI lawyer, the better your chances of avoiding the worst-case scenario. Evidence can be lost. Witnesses forget. Prosecutors begin building their case immediately.
We move fast to:
Don’t gamble with your future. A DUI conviction can affect everything from job prospects to insurance rates to your reputation. At Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers, we take these charges as seriously as you do.
Let us fight for your freedom, your license, and your peace of mind.
Contact us now for a consultation.
Yes, jail time is mandatory under Tennessee law—even for first-time offenders. The minimum is 48 hours, but it can go up to nearly a year depending on the circumstances. However, with a strong defense, it may be possible to negotiate alternatives like probation, treatment, or community service.
Tennessee’s implied consent law allows the state to suspend your driver’s license even if you’re not convicted of DUI. A first refusal can mean a 1-year suspension. A second refusal or refusal after an accident with injury can lead to a 2-year suspension.
You may be eligible for a restricted license that allows you to drive to work, school, and medical appointments. In most cases, the court will require you to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle to qualify.
A DUI conviction stays on your criminal record permanently. For sentencing purposes, prior DUI offenses within the last 10 years count toward enhanced penalties. Expungement is not an option for DUI convictions in Tennessee.
Tennessee law allows police to arrest you for DUI if you’re in “physical control” of a vehicle—meaning the keys are accessible and you’re in a position to operate it. Even if the car wasn’t moving, you can still be charged. These cases are highly fact-specific and often winnable with the right defense.
The prosecutors are already building their case against you. Every day you wait is another day they get stronger.
But you don’t have to face this alone.
