Felony DUI Lawyer in Memphis

Serious Help for Serious DUI Charges in Tennessee

A felony DUI arrest can turn your life upside down in a single night. You may be worried about prison, losing your license, and how a felony record might affect your job and your family. If you are facing a serious drunk driving charge here in Memphis, you do not have to work through this alone.

At Francavilla Law Firm, we defend people accused of felony-level DUI offenses and other serious criminal charges. With more than 25 years of legal experience, our team understands how Tennessee DUI laws work in real Memphis courtrooms. We listen carefully, explain each step in plain language, and work to protect both your rights and your future.

Attorney Francavilla has unique expertise in DWI Detection and Field Sobriety Testing, along with a long history of client-focused representation. That combination allows us to dig into the details of your stop, your tests, and your prior record, then build a strategy that fits the facts of your case and your goals.

Facing a felony DUI? Call our Memphis DUI lawyer today at (901) 979-9992 for serious legal representation.

Why People Turn to Francavilla Law Firm for Felony DUI Defense

Attorney Tim Francavilla has spent more than 25 years representing people accused of crimes, including serious and repeat DUI offenses. That depth of experience helps us anticipate how prosecutors may approach your case and what the court may consider important.

Attorney Francavilla also holds certifications in DWI Detection and Field Sobriety Testing. These certifications are based on the same training materials that many officers receive. This means we understand how DUI investigations are supposed to be conducted and where mistakes often happen. We use that knowledge when we review every step of the stop, the roadside tests, and the arrest.

We are a Memphis-based firm that serves people from across the area, including Cordova, Germantown, and surrounding communities. Clients come to us during some of the hardest moments of their lives. We respond with one-on-one attention, clear explanations, and careful preparation. Our goal is to help you feel informed, supported, and heard at every stage of your felony DUI case.

What Makes a DUI a Felony in Tennessee

Not every drunk driving case in Tennessee is charged as a felony. Understanding what might turn your case into a felony can help you see why your situation feels so different from a first-time misdemeanor DUI. Our firm regularly explains these concepts to clients in straightforward terms so they can make informed decisions.

Some common factors that can lead to felony-level DUI charges include multiple prior DUI convictions, especially when a person already has several DUI offenses on their record. Allegations that someone was seriously injured or killed in an accident that involves alcohol or drugs can also lead to felony charges, even for a driver with no prior history. Other aggravating circumstances can come into play as well, depending on the facts and the applicable laws.

Sentencing for some felony DUI convictions in Tennessee may involve mandatory minimum jail or prison time. The judge’s options can be limited by statute, especially in cases involving multiple prior convictions or serious injuries. However, each case still depends on its own facts. When we review a case, we look closely at why the state believes a felony charge applies, how your prior record is being used, and whether the evidence supports the level of charge that has been filed.

Potential Penalties & Life Impact of a Felony DUI

It is natural to focus first on whether you might go to jail or prison. Felony DUI convictions can carry significant periods of incarceration, along with fines, court costs, and other conditions. Depending on the specific charge and prior record, a sentence may involve supervision, treatment requirements, or strict conditions that affect your day-to-day life.

Driver's license consequences can also be severe. A felony DUI may bring a long-term loss of driving privileges, as well as the possible requirement that you use an ignition interlock device to drive again in the future. Losing the ability to drive can create real hardship for work, school, and family responsibilities, especially in a city where many people rely on their vehicles to get around.

Employment Consequences of a Felony DUI

Criminal penalties are only part of the story. Beyond the courtroom and the license issues, a felony conviction can affect how employers, licensing boards, and landlords view you. Certain professions take felony drunk driving convictions very seriously, especially if you have a security clearance. A felony DUI can also strain family relationships and affect ongoing matters in family court.

People sometimes find that a single night results in years of challenges. When we work with clients, we keep these long-term consequences in mind and look for legal strategies that can help reduce the impact on your future wherever possible.

The consequences of a felony DUI conviction are too great to risk. Call our experienced Memphis DUI lawyer at (901) 979-9992 to fight your arrest with our skill and expertise.

How We Defend Felony DUI Cases in Memphis Criminal Courts

Effective felony DUI defense requires more than just appearing in court and asking for a deal. It involves a close, methodical review of the facts, the procedures, and the evidence. At Francavilla Law Firm, we take a structured approach that reflects our training and years of work in Memphis criminal courts.

We start by examining why you were stopped and how the investigation unfolded. This includes looking at the officer’s stated reason for the stop, any roadside observations, and how field sobriety tests were explained and administered. Because Attorney Francavilla is certified in DWI Detection and Field Sobriety Testing, he is familiar with the standards officers are taught to follow. This helps us identify when the procedures appear inconsistent with that training.

We also review any breath or blood test evidence that the state intends to use. This can involve checking the timing of the test, the maintenance records for the device when applicable, and the way your sample was collected and handled. We compare those details with your own account of the night, as well as any available reports, videos, or witness statements.

Felony DUI cases often involve additional layers, such as prior convictions, accident reports, and injury claims. We look at those records carefully to see how they are being used to support the charge and whether there are issues that can be addressed. Our goal is to understand the full picture, then develop a defense strategy tailored to the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence in your case.

Our Step-By-Step Approach To Building Your Defense

We follow a consistent process when we take on a felony DUI case so that important details are not overlooked. While every situation is unique, our work typically includes the following steps:

• Reviewing the citation, charging documents, and prior record to understand how the case has been framed
• Analyzing the traffic stop and roadside investigation to evaluate whether proper procedures were followed
• Examining field sobriety tests in light of Attorney Francavilla’s DWI Detection and Field Sobriety Training
• Evaluating breath or blood test results, including timing, collection, and maintenance records when available
• Identifying potential legal issues and factual weaknesses that may support motions or negotiations
• Discussing options with you in plain language so you can make informed decisions about how to proceed

What To Do After a Felony DUI Arrest in Memphis

After a felony DUI arrest, it can be hard to know what steps to take and what to avoid. You may have just been released from custody, or a family member may be trying to help from home. Taking a few practical actions early can help protect your rights and give your attorney more to work with.

You will typically receive paperwork that includes your charges and your next court date, often in a Memphis or Shelby County courthouse. Keep these documents in a safe place and bring them to your meeting with us. It can also help to write down what you remember about the hours before the stop, including where you were, what you drank, and how you felt.

It is generally wise to avoid discussing the details of your case with anyone other than an attorney. Comments made to friends, co-workers, or on social media can sometimes find their way back into a case file. Instead, focus on following any bond conditions you have been given, such as travel limits or testing requirements.

Contacting a lawyer promptly can be important for several reasons. There may be deadlines that affect your driver license, evidence that should be preserved early, or opportunities for early discussions with prosecutors. When you reach out to us, we can review your situation, explain the next steps, and start planning how to approach your felony DUI case in Memphis.

Practical Steps You Can Take Right Away

After an arrest, these actions can help protect you:

• Safeguard your paperwork. Keep copies of citations, bond documents, and any court notices together so nothing is lost.
• Write down details. Record your movements, what you drank, and interactions with officers while your memory is fresh.
• Avoid public comments. Do not post about your case on social media or discuss details with people who do not need to know.
• Follow bond conditions. Comply with any testing, travel, or contact rules to avoid new problems.
• Contact an attorney. Speak with a felony DUI attorney Memphis residents can consult for guidance on next steps.

If you've been arrested for a felony DUI in Memphis, don't hesitate to secure the experienced representation of Francavilla Law Firm. Schedule a consultation with us today!

Working With Francavilla Law Firm on Your Felony DUI Case

Choosing a felony drunk driving lawyer Memphis residents trust is not just about credentials. It is also about how you will be treated during a very stressful time. When you contact Francavilla Law Firm, our first priority is to listen. During an initial consultation, we discuss what happened from your point of view, review any paperwork you bring, and answer your questions in clear, direct language.

As your case moves forward, we keep you informed about upcoming court dates, deadlines, and developments. We take time to explain your options, whether that involves negotiation, motion practice, or trial preparation. Clients have direct access to their attorney, and we encourage you to raise concerns, ask for clarification, and stay involved in important decisions.

We also understand the personal side of a felony DUI. Many clients worry about family, work, and their reputation in the community. Our approach is to treat every client with respect and discretion. We do not judge how you ended up here. We focus instead on where you want to go from here and how we can help you move in that direction.

If you are ready to talk about your case, we are ready to listen and provide guidance. A conversation with our firm can help you understand what you are facing and what steps you can take to respond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to jail for a felony DUI in Tennessee?

A felony DUI conviction in Tennessee can include jail or prison time, especially when there are prior DUI convictions or serious injuries involved. The exact length of any sentence depends on several factors, including the specific charge, your prior record, and the facts of the case. Judges also consider issues such as your work history, treatment efforts, and whether there were any aggravating or mitigating circumstances. Our role is to explain the possible ranges that apply to your situation and to work within the legal framework to seek an outcome that reduces the impact on your freedom when the facts allow.

Can you help get my felony DUI reduced to a lesser charge?

It is sometimes possible for a felony DUI charge to be reduced, but no lawyer can promise that result. Whether a reduction is realistic depends on the strength of the evidence, how the investigation was conducted, your prior record, and the policies of the prosecutor’s office involved. When we take on a case, we review the stop, field sobriety tests, and chemical tests in detail, using our DWI Detection and Field Sobriety Training to look for weaknesses. If we find issues with the evidence or procedure, those concerns can sometimes become part of discussions about reducing charges or negotiating a more favorable resolution.

What happens to my driver’s license after a felony DUI arrest?

A felony DUI arrest can lead to serious driver license consequences, including suspension or revocation if there is a conviction or certain test results. The exact impact on your license depends on factors such as your prior record, whether you refused testing, and the specific statutes that apply to your case. In many situations, there are separate administrative processes that affect your ability to drive, in addition to what happens in criminal court. When you meet with us, we can go over the paperwork you received and discuss the typical timelines and options that might be available in cases like yours.

How does your field sobriety and DWI training help my case?

Attorney Francavilla’s training in DWI Detection and Field Sobriety Testing gives us a detailed understanding of how officers are taught to investigate suspected drunk driving. We know what instructions should be given, how tests should be scored, and what conditions can affect performance. When we review your case, we compare the officer’s reports and any available video to those standards. If we see that tests were explained incorrectly, administered under poor conditions, or evaluated in a way that does not match the training, we can raise those issues in negotiations or in court. This kind of analysis can be especially important in felony cases where the stakes are higher.

I already have prior DUIs. Is there anything a lawyer can still do?

Having prior DUI convictions certainly increases the risk and complexity of a new felony DUI case, but it does not mean there is nothing a lawyer can do. The state still has to prove the current charge and rely on prior convictions in specific ways. We can review how those prior cases are being used, along with the facts and procedures in your new arrest. There may be issues with the stop, the tests, or the way the case has been charged that create opportunities for negotiation or legal challenges. We also work with clients to identify positive steps, such as treatment or counseling, that may help present a more complete picture of who you are to the court.

How much does it cost to hire your firm for a felony DUI?

The cost of hiring Francavilla Law Firm for a felony DUI case depends on several factors, including the seriousness of the charges, the complexity of the evidence, and how contested the case is likely to be. We discuss fees openly during an initial consultation so you understand how we structure our representation and what is included. Our goal is to provide clear information so there are no surprises and to respect the financial stress that often comes with serious criminal charges. When we talk with you, we can explain the likely scope of work for a case like yours and how that affects fees.

What should I bring to our first meeting about my felony DUI?

For your first meeting with us, it is helpful to bring any paperwork you received from law enforcement or the court. This often includes the citation or warrant, bond documents, and information about your next court date. If you have documents from prior DUI cases, those can also be useful. Many clients write down a timeline of what happened on the day of the arrest, including where you were, what you drank, and any witnesses who were present. Bringing this information allows us to make better use of our time together and to start evaluating your felony DUI case in detail.

Talk With Us About Your Felony DUI Case

If you are dealing with a felony DUI charge, you deserve clear answers and a defense plan that fits your life. At Francavilla Law Firm, we draw on more than 25 years of criminal defense experience and advanced DUI training to help people in Memphis and nearby communities understand their options and move forward. When you reach out to us, we listen carefully, explain the process, and work to protect your rights at every stage.

A confidential consultation can help you understand what you are facing and what steps you can take right now. There is no need to wait and worry alone. We are ready to talk through your concerns and discuss how our firm approaches felony DUI defense.

To discuss your situation with a felony DUI lawyer in Memphis residents can turn to for guidance, call (901) 979-9992 today.