Tennessee DUI Defense Attorney
First, Second & Third OffenseStatewide Aggressive Representation in All Major Metro Areas
Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville and Beyond
If you are facing a DUI charge anywhere in Tennessee, you are up against serious criminal penalties that can impact your freedom, your driver’s license, your insurance and your future. At our law firm, we provide statewide DUI defense across Tennessee — including Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Jackson, Franklin and other markets — with a fierce commitment to protecting your rights. Whether it’s your first DUI or a repeat offense, we fight aggressively and can take your case to trial if needed.
You deserve award-winning DUI defense lawyers by your side. We are available 24/7 to take your call and begin protecting you today.
What Is a DUI in Tennessee?
Under Tennessee law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while:
- Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, or
- You are otherwise “under the influence” of alcohol or drugs to the extent your ability to safely drive is impaired.
This applies whether you are driving or simply in actual physical control of a vehicle. Even marijuana or drugs can qualify as impairment under Tennessee’s DUI statute.
Tennessee DUI Penalties by Offense
Tennessee treats DUI charges seriously. Penalties escalate significantly with each subsequent conviction within a 10-year look-back period.
First DUI Offense (Class A Misdemeanor)
A first DUI conviction carries substantial criminal penalties, including:
Jail & Fines
- 48 hours to 11 months, 29 days in jail;
- Minimum 7 consecutive days in jail if your BAC was 0.15% or higher.
- Fines between $350 and $1,500.
License & Other Consequences
- Driver’s license suspension for 1 year.
- Mandatory alcohol and drug assessment/treatment.
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID) may be required at your expense upon reinstatement.
A first offense can still significantly disrupt your life — and the stakes grow dramatically with subsequent offenses.
Second DUI Offense (Class A Misdemeanor)
A DUI conviction after a prior conviction within 10 years brings harsher penalties:
Jail & Fines
- 45 days to 11 months, 29 days in jail.
- Fines between $600 and $3,500.
License & Other Consequences
- Driver’s license suspension for 2 years.
- Ignition interlock device required for a period after reinstatement.
- Alcohol and drug treatment programs and assessments.
- Vehicle seizure/forfeiture may be possible under Tennessee law.
Third DUI Offense (Class A Misdemeanor)
Three DUI convictions within 10 years expose you to very severe penalties:
Jail & Fines
- 120 days to 11 months, 29 days in jail.
- Fines from $1,100 up to $10,000.
License & Other Consequences
- Driver’s license suspension for up to 6 years.
- Ignition interlock requirements.
- Mandatory substance abuse assessment and treatment.
- Vehicle seizure/forfeiture may apply.
Third offenses often carry mandatory jail time and can destroy your driving privileges for years. For that reason, aggressive legal defense is critical.
Other Enhanced DUI Consequences
Even beyond the standard DUI penalties, Tennessee law also imposes:
- Enhanced minimum sentences for high BAC levels.
- Mandatory treatment programs and community service.
- Victim restitution and court-ordered programs.
If your case involves accidents, injuries or fatalities, the charges and penalties can escalate to vehicular assault or vehicular homicide, which are serious felonies.
Why You Need an Experienced DUI Defense Lawyer in Tennessee
A DUI conviction is more than just a fine or a short jail term — it can affect:
- Your driver’s license
- Your job and professional license
- Your insurance rates for years
- Your criminal record and future employment
With so much on the line, the right legal representation matters.
Award-Winning DUI Defense
Our firm includes award-winning criminal and DUI defense attorneys with proven experience across Tennessee’s courts.
We handle cases in:- Nashville and Davidson County
- Memphis and Shelby County
- Knoxville and Knox County
- Chattanooga and Hamilton County
- Clarksville and Montgomery County
- Murfreesboro and Rutherford County
- Jackson, Franklin and all other TN jurisdictions
No matter where your DUI charge originated, we can defend you statewide.
Aggressive defense from arrest through trial. We are not just negotiators — we are trial lawyers.
What we do for you:
- Investigate police procedures, traffic stops and BAC tests
- Challenge improper or unlawful arrests
- Scrutinize breath- and blood-test accuracy
- Negotiate for lesser charges when appropriate
- Defend your rights at trial when plea deals are insufficient
We won’t settle for the easy way out if it’s not in your best interest. We fight for the best possible outcome every time.
Speak With a DUI Defense Lawyer — We Are Available 24/7
If you or someone you care about is charged with a DUI — do not wait. Call our office immediately — we are available 24/7 to take your call and get started on your defense.
Experienced DUI defense is a phone call away — anytime, day or night.
Statewide representation in Tennessee’s major markets and beyond.
A DUI charge doesn’t have to define your future — but your legal choice today matters. Contact us now for a free consultation.
We're here to help answer your questions
Garza Law’s lawyers are ready to assist with your legal needs. Call us day or night at (865) 351-2818 — we are here for you.
Meet Our Criminal Defense Team
Our Tennessee-based lawyers are here for you
Liza Wells
Attorney at LawLiza Guben Wells was born and raised in Miami, Florida. Liza attended Florida State University where she graduated cum laude... Read Profile
Andrew Varney
Attorney at LawAndrew Varney was born and raised in Harlan, Kentucky. Mr. Varney moved with his family to Morristown, Tennessee and graduated... Read Profile
Willow Van Skyhawk
Attorney at LawWillow Van Skyhawk was born and raised in St. Pete Beach, Florida, before moving to Knoxville to attend the University of... Read Profile
Brady Smith
Attorney at LawBrady D. Smith was born in Reston, Virginia and raised in Mount Airy, Maryland where he graduated from Mount Airy... Read Profile
Daniel Morrell
Attorney at LawDaniel Morrell was born and raised in Elizabethton, Tennessee. Daniel earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology from East Tennessee State... Read Profile
Marcos Garza
Attorney at LawMr. Garza is a native of East Tennessee. He is a graduate of Vanderbilt University. He obtained his Masters of... Read Profile
M. Hallie Dyer
Attorney at LawHallie Dyer grew up in middle Tennessee. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in studio art with a painting concentration, Ms.... Read Profile
Jerome Cochran
Attorney at LawJerome Cochran grew up in Johnson City, Tennessee. Jerome attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and Regent University School... Read Profile
Michael Clement
Attorney at LawMichael Clement is a Knoxville native with deep roots in East Tennessee. After graduating from Holston High School, he earned his... Read Profile
