Felony DUI Attorney in Clarksville

Charged With a Felony DUI in Clarksville? Our Team Is Here to Help You Take Control

Are you searching for guidance after being charged with a felony DUI in Montgomery County, Tennessee? Facing a felony charge can bring fear, confusion, and the pressure of not knowing what to do next. At Grimes & Warren PLLC, we understand how serious the situation feels, with the potential for jail, loss of your license, and lasting damage to your reputation.

Our team has over 30 years of combined experience representing people in Clarksville who are in your position right now. We know the process and the impact a conviction can have, both in the short-term and down the road. When you need a felony DUI attorney in Clarksville, we deliver clear answers and focused, respectful support throughout your case.

You deserve clarity and experienced representation from day one. Here is how we help clients move forward in Clarksville and throughout Montgomery County.

Contact a felony DUI attorney in Clarksville at Grimes & Warren PLLC today. Call us at (931) 398-5308 or reach out online to start building your defense.

Understanding Felony DUI Laws in Tennessee

In Tennessee, the transition from a misdemeanor to a felony DUI is governed by Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-10-401 and subsequent sections regarding sentencing. A DUI charge becomes a felony primarily based on the driver’s prior criminal history or the presence of "aggravating factors" that increase the severity of the offense.

While a first or second DUI is typically a misdemeanor, a fourth or subsequent DUI conviction is classified as a Class E felony. Unlike some states that have a "look-back" period of only five or ten years, Tennessee law allows the state to consider a driver's entire history. 

Additionally, if a DUI results in serious bodily injury to another person, it is charged as Vehicular Assault, a Class D felony. If a death occurs, the charge is elevated to Vehicular Homicide, which is a Class B felony. Driving with a minor in the vehicle can also be classified as a felony DUI.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Felony DUI Conviction in Tennessee

The consequences of a felony DUI conviction in Tennessee are among the most severe in the nation. Because these are felony-level offenses, the penalties move beyond simple fines and short jail stays into the realm of state prison sentences and long-term loss of freedom.

• Imprisonment: For a Class E felony (4th offense), the law mandates a minimum of 150 consecutive days in jail, with a maximum sentence of up to six years. For Class D or B felonies involving injury or death, prison terms can range from two to 30 years, depending on the classification and your prior criminal history.
• Hefty Fines: Fines for a fourth-offense DUI range from a minimum of $3,000 to a maximum of $15,000, excluding court costs and restitution to victims.
• License Revocation: A felony DUI conviction results in a driver’s license revocation for a minimum of eight years. While a restricted license with an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) may be available in some instances, the process is rigorous and costly.
• Vehicle Forfeiture: In Tennessee, the state has the authority to seize and forfeit the vehicle you were driving at the time of the arrest if you have prior DUI convictions.
• Loss of Civil Rights: As a convicted felon, you will lose your right to vote, your right to possess a firearm, and your ability to serve on a jury.
• Professional and Personal Impact: A felony record often results in the immediate loss of professional licenses (such as nursing, commercial driving, or teaching) and creates significant barriers to future employment, housing, and educational opportunities.

Our Comprehensive Approach to DUI Defense

At Grimes & Warren PLLC, we do not believe in a "one-size-fits-all" defense. We treat every felony case with the meticulous attention it deserves, knowing that your freedom is on the line. Our strategy involves a multi-pronged investigation into the facts of your arrest and the science used by the state.

We begin by scrutinizing the legality of the initial traffic stop. Law enforcement must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over; if they didn't, the entire case could be dismissed. We also look closely at how Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) were administered. These tests are notoriously subjective and can be influenced by weather, uneven pavement, or your own physical health conditions.

Furthermore, we challenge the forensic evidence. Whether the state used a breathalyzer or a blood draw, there are strict protocols for how these samples must be collected, stored, and analyzed. We look for "chain of custody" errors or calibration issues with the testing equipment. 

By working with independent forensic experts, we aim to cast doubt on the accuracy of the state's chemical evidence. We also explore "rising blood alcohol" defenses, where we argue that your BAC was below the limit while you were driving but rose during the time between the stop and the actual test.

For each client, we follow a process that includes:

• Full investigation: We analyze procedural details, test results, and any irregularities that may support a strong defense.
• Planning and case review: Our attorneys walk clients through hearing dates, paperwork, and court appearances in the General Sessions or Circuit Court, making sure you are prepared for every step.
• Negotiation and alternatives: When possible, we seek options like reduced charges or diversion programs available to eligible defendants in Montgomery County courts.
• Ongoing client support: You receive regular updates and strategic advice from a team dedicated to your outcome.

Our goal is to give you the confidence of knowing experienced felony DUI defense attorneys in Clarksville are in your corner—helping you face each proceeding with information and support.

Why Experience & Local Knowledge Matter for Felony DUI Defense

Your case deserves a defense built on proven experience and familiarity with the courts involved. With more than 30 years of combined practice, our attorneys have built deep local relationships and procedural knowledge. 

We appear regularly before Montgomery County's General Sessions and Circuit Courts, giving us up-to-date insight into how prosecutors and judges in Clarksville handle felony DUI cases. This experience lets us recognize how these charges are viewed, identify negotiation opportunities, and guide your case with a focus on both immediate and long-term goals.

With Grimes & Warren PLLC, you benefit from representation that is based in Clarksville and reflects the realities of defending DUI charges here.

What Sets Our Felony DUI Defense Apart in Clarksville

Not every felony DUI attorney in Clarksville offers the same approach. Our firm sets itself apart by delivering:

When you choose our team, you can expect these core benefits:

• Personalized strategy: We examine every aspect of your situation, including the stop, your background, and any details that could affect your case outcome.
• Open, non-judgmental advocacy: We focus on your priorities and address your concerns, never making assumptions or treating you as just another file.
• Consistent, clear communication: You are regularly updated on your case and can expect answers, explanations, and honest advice at each stage of the process.

Our attorneys understand the importance of transparency and integrity for clients in Clarksville. We believe that the best legal defense is built on respect and ongoing communication, backed by real experience in the local courts.

Your Next Step: Protect Your Future With Trusted Legal Guidance

If you are dealing with felony DUI charges in Clarksville, contact us for help can feel overwhelming. We make it as easy as possible to take control of your circumstances. At Grimes & Warren PLLC, we offer confidential consultations where you can get answers, understand your risks, and see what options are available—without being judged.

To speak with our experienced team, call (931) 398-5308 or reach out online now. We are ready to help you start moving forward today.