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Felony DUI Charges in Memphis

A Memphis Criminal Attorney May Be Able To Help

DUI convictions in the state of Tennessee are harsh. They come with strict penalties and long-term consequences. In Tennessee, an individual 21 years or older cannot drive with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08% or over.

If a driver is under the age of 21, they cannot have a BAC level of .02% or above. DUI laws do not only refer to alcohol consumption. Drivers can be arrested for a DUI if they are under the influence of any type of controlled substance including marijuana.

Contact our firm online or call (901) 878-5434 today to schedule your free case evaluation and discuss your case with one of our Memphis felony DUI attorneys.

Is a DUI a Felony in TN?

In Tennessee, a DUI is a felony if the defendant performed one of the following acts:

What Are the Penalties for a Felony DUI in Tennessee?

If you are facing a felony DUI penalty in Tennessee it is imperative to consult with a Memphis criminal defense lawyer from The Claiborne Ferguson Law Firm, P.A. Any type of DUI offense holds harsh penalties but a felony DUI comes with a significant amount of jail time along with fines. A third offense misdemeanor DUI is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.

The punishment for a fourth DUI offense includes:

  • Class E felony conviction
  • Minimum of 150 days in jail and up to six years
  • Fines between $3,000 and $15,000
  • License suspension for a minimum of 5 years but could be indefinite
  • Mandatory Ignition interlock device installation
  • Possible drug treatment program
  • Possible alcohol safety DUI program
  • Possible community service (litter pick up)
  • Possible vehicle seizure

A Class D felony could follow a vehicular assault offense. The penalties for a Class D felony include: fines, license revocation between one and five years, and a jail sentence between two and 12 years. Drinking and driving with a child 13 years and younger and injuring the child in an accident could also lead to a Class D felony. This conviction can lead to a jail sentence between two and four years.

If the child is killed in the accident; however, the penalties are increased. If your DUI offense led to a vehicular homicide you could be facing a Class B felony with even stricter penalties. The jail time for this type of felony is a minimum of 3 years in jail and a license suspension of up to 10 years. Any felony DUI offense comes with the possibility of treatment programs, a mandatory ignition interlock devise, and possible vehicle seizure. In order to fight against these penalties you need to have an experienced DUI attorney representing you.

Understanding the Impact of a Felony DUI Conviction

A felony DUI conviction can have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond legal penalties. It can affect your employment opportunities, personal relationships, and even your ability to travel. At The Claiborne Ferguson Law Firm, P.A., we believe it’s crucial for our clients to understand these implications fully.

Here are some key areas where a felony DUI conviction can impact your life:

  • Employment Opportunities: Many employers conduct background checks, and a felony record can limit your job prospects or lead to termination from your current position.
  • Professional Licenses: Certain professions require licenses that can be revoked or denied due to felony convictions, impacting your career trajectory.
  • Insurance Rates: A felony DUI can lead to higher insurance premiums or difficulties in obtaining coverage altogether.
  • Travel Restrictions: Some countries may deny entry to individuals with felony convictions, affecting your ability to travel abroad.
  • Social Stigma: The societal perception of a felony DUI can affect personal relationships and community standing.

Understanding these potential consequences can help you make informed decisions about your legal strategy. Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through this challenging time and work to mitigate the impact of a felony DUI conviction on your life.

Need a Lawyer for a Felony DUI Case in Memphis, TN?

If you are facing any type of felony DUI charge in Tennessee, you need a knowledgeable Memphis DUI lawyer by your side. The attorneys at our firm have more than 35 years of experience and ample success in helping clients get their DUI charges reduced or even dismissed.

The possible penalties are severe and you need to make sure your rights are fought for. The skilled criminal defense lawyers at The Claiborne Ferguson Law Firm, P.A. are skilled when it comes to the felony DUI defense process and they may be able to help.

Contact our firm online or call (901) 878-5434 today to schedule your free case evaluation and discuss your case with one of our Memphis felony DUI attorneys.

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We take the time to answer all your questions, explain your options, and ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.

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Blog & FAQ Stay Updated

  • Will I Go to Trial?
    Depending on your case and the way that your attorney approaches the case. If you and your attorney are able to reach a resolution through negotiations before trial, that you may not have to go to court. But if a remedy cannot be reached than you will have to go to trial. There are times that a case is dismissed before trial so there is a chance that your will not have to appear in court.
  • The Police Are Asking to Search My Car. Should I Let Them?
    No. As a U.S. citizen, you have rights to protection from unlawful search and seizure, which means that officials must have your consent or a warrant in order to search your person as well as places such as your car, home, or office.
  • The Police Officer Says That It Will Go Better for Me if I Confess. Should I?
    No. It is true that a deal may be worked out in exchange for a guilty plea in some cases; however, it is also important to know that police officers can lie to you in order to elicit information or a confession. With this being said, it is crucial that you do not confess or deny anything until you can speak with a legal representative.

Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Memphis, TN

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