Charged With a DUI or Misdemeanor in West Tennessee? Get an Attorney on Your Side Now.
A criminal charge moves fast — and the decisions made in the first 24 to 48 hours matter more than most people realize. We are available by phone or text around the clock to answer your questions and start working on your defense.
What We Handle: DUI and Misdemeanor Defense in Jackson and Madison County
Our criminal defense practice covers DUI charges, misdemeanor driving offenses, and related misdemeanor matters for clients across West Tennessee. We represent people in proceedings at the J. Alexander Leech Justice Complex at 505–515 South Liberty Street in Jackson — the courthouse that handles criminal matters for Madison County.
We do not handle felony cases. If your charge is a misdemeanor or DUI, you are in the right place.
The areas we handle include:
- DUI defense (first offense, second offense, and related charges)
- Misdemeanor driving offenses, including reckless driving and driving on a suspended license
- Other misdemeanor criminal charges in West Tennessee
DUI Defense
Misdemeanor Charges
Driving Offenses
What Happens After a DUI Charge in Tennessee — and Why Timing Is Everything
A DUI charge in Tennessee triggers two separate processes: the criminal case and the administrative action against your driver's license. Most people focus on the court date and miss the deadline that costs them their license automatically.
You have seven days from the date of your arrest to request a license suspension hearing with the Tennessee Department of Safety. If that request is not filed within that window, your license is suspended — no hearing, no appeal, no exceptions. An attorney involved on day one can file that request for you while you are still processing what happened.
Tennessee DUI law sets BAC thresholds that apply differently depending on who is driving:
- 0.08% — standard legal limit for most drivers
- 0.04% — legal limit for commercial driver's license (CDL) holders
- 0.02% — legal limit for drivers under age 21
A conviction can mean license suspension, mandatory ignition interlock device installation, fines, and potential jail time even on a first offense. The earlier we are involved, the more options we can put in front of you.
A First Offense Is Not Necessarily a Permanent Record
Many people who come to us after a first DUI or misdemeanor charge assume the worst — that this is going on their record forever and there is nothing to be done about it. That is not always the case.
Tennessee offers diversion programs for qualifying first-time offenders that can result in a charge being dismissed rather than prosecuted. Certain misdemeanor and DUI dispositions may also qualify for expungement, which removes the record of the charge entirely. These options exist, but they require an attorney to evaluate your eligibility and act on them at the right point in the process.
We are not going to promise you an outcome we cannot guarantee. What we will do is review your situation honestly and tell you exactly what your options are.
We Are Here to Help — Not to Judge
Most people who call us after a criminal charge are not career criminals. They made a mistake, or they were in the wrong place at the wrong time, or they had one drink too many and made a decision they regret. We have represented clients from every walk of life and every set of circumstances.
You will not be lectured. You will not be made to feel embarrassed about why you are calling. You will get a straight answer about where you stand and what we can do.
We also offer interpreter support for Spanish-speaking clients throughout the entire process, from the first phone call through resolution.
40 Years of Local Legal Experience in West Tennessee
The Law Office of T. Verner Smith has been part of this community for more than four decades. We know the courts, we know how Madison County handles these cases, and we know what it takes to get a good result for our clients at the J. Alexander Leech Justice Complex.
Our criminal defense attorney in Jackson, TN is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can call or text — whichever is easier when you need to reach us.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI and Misdemeanor Defense in Tennessee
What is the first thing I should do after a DUI arrest in Tennessee?
Contact an attorney as soon as possible — ideally within 24 hours. Tennessee gives you only seven days to request a license suspension hearing with the Department of Safety. If that deadline passes without a request on file, your license is suspended automatically. An attorney can file that request and begin reviewing your case at the same time.
Can a first-time DUI charge be expunged in Tennessee?
It depends on how the case resolves. Certain first-time DUI dispositions and misdemeanor convictions may qualify for expungement under Tennessee law, and some first-time offenders may be eligible for a diversion program that results in dismissal rather than conviction. Eligibility is fact-specific — an attorney review is the necessary first step.
Will a misdemeanor show up on my background check?
Yes, unless it has been expunged. Tennessee law allows expungement of certain misdemeanor offenses after a waiting period and upon meeting eligibility requirements. If you are concerned about how a charge will affect your record, we can review your case and tell you whether expungement is a realistic option.
Does the Law Office of T. Verner Smith handle felony cases?
No. Our criminal defense practice is focused on DUI charges, misdemeanor driving offenses, and related misdemeanor matters. If you are facing a felony charge, we will be straightforward with you about that from the start and can help point you in the right direction.
How do I reach you after hours?
Call or text us any time. Our phone line at 731-423-1888 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text us at 731-244-2868 if that is easier.
Take the First Step Today
Talk to a Criminal Defense Attorney in Jackson, TN Today
If you have been charged with a DUI or misdemeanor in West Tennessee, the time to act is now. We are available around the clock — call or text us today and let us tell you exactly where you stand.