Nashville Felony DUI Attorney

Nashville Felony DUI Lawyer

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious crime in Tennessee. DUI can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony under Tennessee law, depending on the severity of the situation. Felony charges are reserved for more severe cases and carry harsher penalties. If you’re facing charges, it’s wise to contact a Nashville felony DUI attorney to help you navigate your case and build a solid defense.

The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez has years of experience navigating complex criminal charges in Tennessee. We have experience forming defensive strategies against these types of charges and handling legal matters through the Davidson County General Sessions Recovery Court. We understand how much is at stake, especially with a felony, and we’re committed to helping you through your case as much as we can.

DUI Cases in Nashville, TN

In recent years, one in three fatal crashes in Tennessee involved a DUI. There were a total of 148 DUI citations issued in Tennessee in 2024 alone, and even more physical arrests made. The following year, there were 909 known alcohol-related traffic crashes reported in Davidson County alone.

Felony DUI Cases in Tennessee

Considering the amount of damage DUI can cause, it makes sense that Tennessee law prosecutes these crimes harshly. You can be charged with DUI for having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. Felony charges come into the picture when cases involve certain aggravating factors. For example, you can expect to be charged with felony DUI if:

• This is your fourth or subsequent DUI offense
• There is a minor passenger in the care
• You cause serious injury to or accidentally kill another person

It’s imperative that you understand the scope of the felony DUI charges against you in order to build the most successful defense. A Nashville felony DUI lawyer can help you through this process.

How a Local Nashville Felony DUI Attorney Can Help You

If you’re facing criminal charges in Tennessee, it’s helpful to work with a local law firm that has experience navigating state DUI laws and resolving cases like yours. That way, you can be sure you’re navigating court procedures correctly and giving yourself a strong chance at a positive outcome.

The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez has nearly a decade of experience in criminal defense and has a track record of positive resolutions. We have represented more than 500 individuals throughout the greater Nashville area, and we’re just getting started. While our past results cannot guarantee future ones, you can rest assured you’re working with a local team that cares about you.

As a local law firm, we’re familiar with court procedures through the Davidson County General Sessions Recovery Court. We’ve also built working relationships with judges and prosecutors across 20 counties in Middle Tennessee over the years. You can count on us to be the partner you need throughout your felony DUI case.

FAQs About Nashville, TN Felony DUI Law

What Are Felony DUI Penalties in Nashville?

Felony DUI penalties in Nashville can vary depending on the unique factors of your case. A felony DUI charge is a Class E felony under Tennessee law, which carries serious penalties, including imprisonment between one and six years and fines up to $3,000. It’s possible to work toward reduced charges and a lighter sentence, but it can be challenging. It’s wise to hire a felony DUI attorney to help you enter a plea deal and secure a lighter sentence.

Can I Have a Felony DUI Charge in Nashville Reduced or Dropped?

You can have a felony DUI charge in Nashville reduced or dropped, but it requires forming a solid defense and presenting enough evidence to support it. This process can be challenging, which is why it’s recommended that you hire a felony DUI attorney to help.

Legal defenses that challenge the validity of your arrest, the collection of evidence, or any of the prosecution’s actions are typically the most successful in reducing or dismissing charges. You can also negotiate a plea bargain.

Can I Get a Felony for a First-Time DUI Offense in Nashville?

Yes, you can get a felony for a first-time DUI Offense in Nashville. Typically, your first DUI offense is going to be charged as a misdemeanor. However, aggravating factors can escalate matters, even if it’s the first time you’ve ever been charged. You can expect to face felony DUI penalties after a first-time DUI if you caused a serious accident or if you were driving with a minor in the vehicle.

Can I Have My License Reinstated After a Felony DUI in Nashville?

Yes, you can have your license reinstated after a felony DUI in Nashville, but the process can be challenging. You must wait for the revocation period to end before submitting all the required documentation and paying all associated fees. For felony offenses, it’s likely that you are going to have to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle. You also must obtain SR-22 insurance. You may be able to get a restricted license while yours is suspended.

Hire a Felony DUI Attorney to Help With Your DUI Case in Nashville

If you’re facing felony DUI charges in Nashville, it’s important to act quickly to start building your defense. Navigating the criminal justice system can be daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Tennessee’s DUI laws. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. In fact, it’s highly recommended that you hire a felony DUI attorney to represent you.

For eight years and counting, The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez has been defending Tennesseans through complex criminal cases. We understand how much is at stake when facing DUI charges, and we’re committed to helping you move through this challenging time as smoothly as possible. If you’re ready to learn more about how we can help with your case, come and see us at our office in Nashville.

You can find us near Riverfront Park on 2nd Avenue. We’re not too far from the U.S. 41 and I-24 interchange. Reach out to the office to set up a meeting with a member of our team to discuss your case in more detail today.

Nashville, TN Felony DUI Law Resources:

• Franklin, TN Crime Rate – Latest Statistics
• Tennessee Crime Rate Statistics
• Murfreesboro, TN Crime Rates and Statistics
• Nashville, TN Crime Rates and Statistics
• What Are the Top Five Crimes Committed in Tennessee?
• What Is the Difference Between Parole and Probation in Tennessee?
• How Much Does a DUI Cost in Tennessee?

Serving Nashville and Middle Tennessee

When you’re facing criminal charges in Nashville or throughout Middle Tennessee, your future, freedom, and reputation hang in the balance. At the Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez, we understand that a conviction can devastate not only your life but also the lives of your family members. Our dedicated criminal defense attorney brings nearly a decade of experience fighting for clients accused of crimes ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies.

Based in Nashville and serving the greater Davidson County area, The Music City Defender has built a reputation for aggressive representation and strategic defense work that protects clients’ Constitutional rights at every stage of the criminal justice process. Whether you’re facing charges in Nashville’s municipal courts, Tennessee state courts, or federal court, our firm has the experience and resources necessary to mount a comprehensive defense tailored to the unique circumstances of your case.

Whether you’ve been arrested for a DUI on Broadway, charged with assault in downtown Nashville, accused of drug crimes, or facing any other criminal allegations in Middle Tennessee, partnering with a Nashville criminal defense lawyer who understands Tennessee’s criminal justice system and is prepared to fight relentlessly for your rights can be the decisive factor between conviction and freedom, between a ruined future and a second chance.