In Memphis, a DUI charge is a collision with a "zero-tolerance" judicial culture in Shelby County. As an analyst of the Tennessee legal system, I can tell you that Memphis courts are notoriously strict, often requiring mandatory 48 hours of jail time even for first-time offenders. If you were stopped on I-240 or near Beale Street, the state is already moving to suspend your license under the "Implied Consent" law. Memphis is a city where "reasonable suspicion" for a stop is often the only thing standing between you and a conviction. I’ve vetted these Memphis DUI specialists based on their ability to dismantle police reports and their technical mastery of the Intoxilyzer machines. These are the "901" defenders I’d trust to keep my record clean and my life in motion.
The Tennessee "Mandatory Jail" Reality
Tennessee law requires a minimum of 48 hours in jail for a first DUI conviction. The following lawyers are experts at finding the evidence gaps that lead to case dismissals or reductions.
Top 12 DUI Lawyers in Memphis, TN
1. Mark S. McDaniel, Sr. - The McDaniel Law Firm
Mark is an AV-rated powerhouse with over 40 years of experience. A former prosecutor, he knows every "back door" in the Shelby County system.
Website: https://www.mcdaniellaw.com
Phone: (901) 324-5000
Email: mark@mcdaniellaw.com
2. Jack P. Sherman - Jack P. Sherman, Attorney At Law
Jack has over 20 years of experience and is known for his technical review of breathalyzer science and his aggressive stance on civil rights violations.
Website: https://www.jackpshermanlaw.com
Phone: (901) 233-3474
Email: jack@jackpshermanlaw.com
3. Massey McClusky Fuchs & Ballenger
This firm is a "heavyweight" in Memphis criminal defense, known for their massive resources and their ability to handle high-profile, complex DUI cases.
Website: https://www.masseymcclusky.com
Phone: (901) 324-4000
Email: info@masseymcclusky.com
4. Ballin, Ballin & Fishman, P.C.
Blake and Leslie Ballin are legendary in Memphis. Their firm provides an elite, sophisticated defense that focuses on protecting the records of professionals.
Website: https://www.ballinlaw.com
Phone: (901) 525-1325
Email: blake@ballinlaw.com
5. Michael Ryan Working - Working Law Firm
Michael is a high-energy advocate known for his transparency and his "warrior" mentality when defending the constitutional rights of Memphis residents.
Website: https://www.workinglawfirm.com
Phone: (901) 278-1004
Email: michael@workinglawfirm.com
6. Joseph D. Fox - The Law Office of Joseph D. Fox
Joseph is a dedicated defender who provides personalized, aggressive representation for those facing their first DUI in Shelby County.
Website: https://www.josephfoxlaw.com
Phone: (901) 450-4355
Email: joseph@josephfoxlaw.com
7. Patrick Mathisen Brooks - Brooks Law Firm
Patrick is highly rated for his clients-first approach, providing aggressive advocacy for those facing felony DUI and vehicular assault charges.
Website: https://www.brookslawfirm.com
Phone: (901) 324-5000
Email: patrick@brookslawfirm.com
8. Stephen R. Leffler - Leffler Law Firm
Stephen is a veteran litigator specializing in the intersection of DUI law and commercial driving (CDL) protection in the Memphis area.
Website: https://www.lefflerlawfirm.com
Phone: (901) 527-8830
Email: steve@lefflerlawfirm.com
9. Jimmy E. McElroy - Jimmy E. McElroy & Associates
Jimmy and his team offer deep institutional knowledge and a record of success in both DUI trials and administrative license hearings.
Website: https://www.jimmymcelroy.com
Phone: (901) 527-5671
Email: jimmy@jimmymcelroy.com
10. Andre Courtney Wharton - The Wharton Law Firm
Andre is known for his sophisticated approach to criminal defense and his dedication to ensuring that every client receives a fair day in court.
Website: https://www.whartonlawfirm.com
Phone: (901) 572-1492
Email: andre@whartonlawfirm.com
11. Marcos Garza - Garza Law Firm (Memphis Office)
Marcos is the "go-to" guy for DUI in Tennessee, known for treating "clients like family" while delivering elite, technical defense strategies.
Website: https://www.garzalaw.com
Phone: (901) 522-9055
Email: marcos@garzalaw.com
12. John Michael Bailey - John Michael Bailey Injury Lawyers
While known for injury law, John Michael’s criminal division is a powerhouse, bringing decades of trial experience to the defense of Memphis drivers.
Website: https://www.johnmichaelbailey.com
Phone: (844) 275-8422
Email: info@jmbailey.com
Tennessee DUI Resources
Compare the law across the state: Memphis DUI Guide, Nashville TN DUI, Knoxville TN Law, Little Rock AR Law, Jackson MS Law, and Tennessee General DUI.
