Facing a DUI Charge and Need Legal Representation? Our DUI Lawyers Are Here To Help
If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving in Tennessee, you’re likely feeling anxious, confused, and uncertain about what happens next. You don’t have to face this alone. At Byron Pugh Legal, we understand the stress and fear when you’re accused of driving under the influence. Our DUI lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the legal process with compassionate, experienced representation.
Whether negotiating for reduced charges, seeking case dismissal, or taking your case to trial, we’re committed to fighting for your rights. Our track record speaks for itself. Our lawyers have successfully defended clients facing everything from first-time misdemeanors to serious felony charges.
Contact us or call 615-255-9595 today for a free consultation.
Why You Need a DUI Lawyer To Defend Your Case
You don’t have to navigate the criminal justice system alone. The decisions you make immediately after your arrest will significantly impact the outcome of your case and your future. Having a skilled DUI lawyer from the start gives you the best chance at protecting your rights, preserving your freedom, and minimizing the life-altering consequences of a conviction.
The Stakes Are Too High to Face a DUI Charge Alone
Facing a drunk driving charge without a DUI lawyer puts your freedom, license, and future at serious risk. Tennessee’s DUI laws are complex, and prosecutors aggressively pursue convictions that result in jail time, hefty fines, permanent criminal records, and license suspension.
Insurance companies, employers, and licensing boards all scrutinize drunk driving convictions, making the long-term consequences far more damaging than the immediate penalties. A conviction affects employment opportunities, professional licenses, housing applications, and your financial stability for years to come.
Our defense lawyers protect your future by fighting to have charges reduced or dismissed.
How Our DUI Lawyers Help Protect You During Your Case
From the moment you contact Byron Pugh Legal, our DUI lawyers begin building your defense strategy. We understand that every case is unique, and we take a comprehensive approach to protecting your rights and fighting for the best possible outcome. Here’s how our drunk driving lawyers advocate for you at every stage of the legal process.
We Thoroughly Investigate Your DUI Arrest
Our DUI lawyers examine every detail of your traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and chemical testing procedures to identify violations of your constitutional rights or errors in law enforcement protocol. We review dashcam footage, police reports, calibration records for breathalyzer devices, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
DUI Lawyers Challenge Questionable Evidence
If the traffic stop was unlawful, the field sobriety tests were improperly administered, or the breathalyzer wasn’t properly calibrated, our DUI lawyers file motions to suppress evidence. Excluding key evidence can result in reduced charges or complete dismissal of your case.
DUI Attorneys Are Prepared to Take Your Case to Trial
Our DUI lawyers are ready to defend you aggressively in court. Our trial experience and knowledge of defense strategies give you the strongest possible chance at acquittal or reduced penalties before a judge or jury.
Types of Cases Our DUI Lawyers Handle for You
At Byron Pugh Legal, our DUI lawyers have extensive experience defending clients against all types of impaired driving charges throughout Tennessee. No matter the specifics of your arrest, our legal team has the knowledge and courtroom experience to build a strong defense tailored to your situation. Our lawyers handle:
- First-Time DUI Offenses — Our DUI lawyers work to minimize the impact on your record, explore diversion programs, and pursue alternative sentencing options that protect your future.
- Second and Subsequent DUI Charges — Our attorneys understand the mandatory jail time and enhanced penalties you’re facing and fight aggressively to challenge evidence, negotiate reduced charges, and identify procedural errors.
- High BAC Cases (.20 or Higher) — Our lawyers challenge breathalyzer accuracy, examine calibration records, and scrutinize testing procedures to protect you from enhanced penalties.
- DUI With Child Endangerment — Our law firm defends against additional charges and works to protect both your parental rights and your freedom.
- Felony DUI Charges — Our lawyers provide experienced criminal defense when you’re facing fourth or subsequent offenses, vehicular assault, or vehicular homicide charges that carry years in prison.
- Drug DUI (DUI-D) — Our attorneys work with toxicology experts to challenge prosecution claims about impairment from prescription medications, illegal drugs, or marijuana.
- Underage DUI — Our defense lawyers help young drivers navigate Tennessee’s zero-tolerance laws while protecting future educational and career opportunities.
- Commercial Driver DUI — Our lawyers understand CDL implications and fight to preserve your livelihood by protecting your professional license.
Byron Pugh Legal: A Law Firm You Can Trust
When you’re accused of driving under the influence, you need skilled legal representation. Our lawyers at Byron Pugh Legal bring extensive courtroom experience and in-depth knowledge of Tennessee laws.
Byron L. Pugh, our law firm’s founder, has been practicing law in Tennessee since 2013. He began his career in the courtroom as an Assistant District Attorney in Davidson County. Byron Pugh’s background as a former prosecutor gives him a strategic perspective when defending people accused of driving under the influence.
Our lawyers work tirelessly to build a robust defense and treat each case with personal attention.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Charges in Tennessee
Can I Refuse a Breath Test After a DUI Arrest in Tennessee?
You can refuse a breath test, but our DUI lawyers want you to understand the consequences. Tennessee’s implied consent law triggers an automatic one-year license suspension for a first refusal. Prosecutors can also use your refusal as evidence of guilt in court, and officers may obtain a warrant for a forced blood draw.
Our team at Byron Pugh Legal analyzes how refusal impacts your specific defense strategy and works to protect your driving privileges through administrative hearings and courtroom challenges. Our lawyers have successfully defended clients who refused testing by challenging the validity of the stop and the officer’s basis for requesting the test.
How Does a DUI Conviction Affect My Driver’s License in Tennessee?
Protecting your license is often just as important as fighting the criminal charge. A drunk driving conviction triggers automatic license suspension: one year for a first offense, two years for a second, and three to ten years for a third or subsequent conviction. Our lawyers fight to prevent conviction in the first place, which is the best way to protect your driving privileges.
If you’re facing suspension, our lawyers can help you qualify for a restricted license with an ignition interlock device after serving the minimum suspension period. Our attorneys also represent clients in administrative license hearings, which are separate from criminal court and offer another opportunity to protect your license.
How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Tennessee?
A DUI conviction remains on your criminal record permanently in Tennessee and cannot be expunged. While Tennessee uses a ten-year lookback period for enhanced sentencing on subsequent offenses, the conviction appears on background checks indefinitely, affecting employment, housing, and professional licensing.
Our DUI lawyers at Byron Pugh Legal understand these permanent consequences and fight to get charges reduced to reckless driving or dismissed entirely. Our lawyers have successfully negotiated outcomes that keep our clients’ records clean, which is why contacting experienced lawyers immediately after your arrest is essential.
What Is the Penalty for DUI in Tennessee?
Our DUI lawyers explain penalties to every client because understanding what you’re facing helps you make informed decisions about your defense.
- First offense: 48 hours to 11 months jail, $350-$1,500 fines, one-year license revocation.
- Second offense: 45 days to 11 months jail, $600-$3,500 fines, two-year license revocation.
- Third offense: 120 days to 11 months jail, $1,100-$10,000 fines, three to ten-year revocation.
- Enhanced penalties apply for high BAC (.20+), child passengers, causing injury, or test refusal.
Our lawyers at Byron Pugh Legal challenge evidence and negotiate with prosecutors to minimize these penalties. Our lawyers have helped clients avoid jail time, reduce fines, and preserve driving privileges through strategic defense work at every stage of the case.
What Constitutes a Felony DUI Charge?
Our lawyers defend clients facing the most serious DUI charges in Tennessee. A fourth or subsequent DUI becomes a Class E felony with one to six years in prison and eight-year license revocation. Vehicular assault (causing serious injury while impaired) is a Class D felony carrying two to twelve years in prison. Vehicular homicide (causing death while impaired) is a Class B felony with eight to thirty years in prison and permanent license revocation.
Felony convictions result in prison time, permanent criminal records, loss of voting and firearm rights, and devastating impacts on employment and housing. Our lawyers at Byron Pugh Legal have extensive experience defending felony DUI cases and work aggressively to challenge evidence, negotiate reduced charges, and protect your freedom. When you’re facing felony charges, our lawyers provide the experienced criminal defense representation you need.
Byron Pugh Legal: DUI Lawyers Here To Protect Your Freedom and Livelihood
At Byron Pugh Legal, we recognize that a drunk driving charge threatens everything you’ve worked hard to build and your personal freedom. Our dedicated team of DUI lawyers brings extensive courtroom experience, in-depth knowledge of Tennessee laws, and a track record of successful outcomes for our clients.
We don’t treat your case as just another file; we understand the real-world impact these charges have on your life, and we’re committed to fighting aggressively on your behalf.
Schedule a Free Legal Consultation for Your DUI Charge
Contact us or call 615-255-9595 to speak with an experienced DUI lawyer who will fight to protect your freedom and livelihood. Your future is too important to leave to chance.
