1. The Law Office of J. Jeffrey Lee
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, trial advocacy
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, drug crimes, violent crimes, DUI, sex crimes, domestic violence, federal crimes, white collar crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, bench trials, plea negotiations, suppression hearings, appeals, post-conviction relief
Background: J. Jeffrey Lee is one of only five Certified Criminal Trial Specialists in Memphis, Tennessee. He has been Certified as a Criminal Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He has attended the Tennessee Criminal Defense College on numerous occasions, along with the National Criminal Defense College in Macon, Georgia. He was inducted into The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers. He has been rated as one of the Three Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Memphis.
Location: 2670 Union Avenue Extended, Suite 1020, Memphis, TN 38112
Contact: (901) 332-1500 | https://www.jjeffreyleelaw.com
Consultation: Contact office for consultation details
2. Ballin, Ballin & Fishman, P.C.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Drug crimes, DUI, domestic violence, assault, sex crimes, violent crimes, murder, theft crimes, federal crimes, white collar crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, appeals, motion practice, jury trials
Background: Ballin, Ballin & Fishman has over 50 years of experience in criminal defense. The firm was founded by Marvin Ballin and has grown to become one of the most respected criminal defense law firms in the Mid-South. The firm has earned recognition for intelligent, aggressive work on high-stakes cases, including nationally televised homicide trials. The attorneys bring legal knowledge, research capabilities, and courtroom skills to both criminal defense and personal injury matters.
Location: 175 Toyota Plaza, Suite 800, Memphis, TN 38103
Contact: (901) 525-8400 | https://www.bbfpc.com
Consultation: Contact office for consultation details
3. Law Offices of Stephen R. Leffler, P.C.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, federal criminal defense
Case Types Handled: Federal crimes, felonies, misdemeanors, drug crimes, DUI, sex crimes, domestic violence, white collar crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, plea negotiations, motion practice, appeals
Background: Attorney Stephen Leffler graduated from the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, University of Memphis. He is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the American Bar Association. He has represented clients facing charges involving federal crimes, felonies, drug crimes, DUIs, sex crimes, and domestic violence. He provides representation throughout the criminal process from investigation through trial.
Location: 1661 International Drive, Suite 400, Memphis, TN 38120
Contact: (901) 527-8830 | https://www.stephenrleffler.com
Consultation: Consultation available
4. Donati Law Firm (Ruchee J. Patel)
Practice Focus: Federal criminal defense, state criminal defense
Case Types Handled: Federal crimes, drug trafficking, firearms violations, crimes of violence, mail fraud, organized crime, RICO, white collar crimes, state felonies, state misdemeanors
Legal Services: Federal court representation, trial defense through all stages of litigation from arraignment through jury trial, plea negotiations, motion practice
Background: Attorney Ruchee J. Patel joined Donati Law Firm in January 2024, focusing on federal and state criminal defense. She has been practicing law since 2007. She is a member of the Criminal Justice Act Panel for the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee since 2015 (Western Division) and 2017 (Eastern Division). CJA Panel attorneys must possess strong litigation skills and demonstrate proficiency with federal sentencing guidelines, the Bail Reform Act, the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and the Federal Rules of Evidence. She is licensed in all Tennessee state courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. She earned her J.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Law and her B.S. from the University of Tennessee School of Business.
Location: 1545 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104
Contact: (901) 278-1000 | https://www.donatilaw.com
Consultation: Contact office for consultation details
5. Law Office of Kenneth W. Brashier
Practice Focus: Criminal defense
Case Types Handled: Murder, DUI, rape, felonies, misdemeanors, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, suppression hearings
Background: Attorney Kenneth W. Brashier has over a decade of experience in criminal law. He approaches criminal defense with the perspective of a former prosecutor. He has successfully handled thousands of criminal cases. His documented results include dismissals of First Degree Murder charges, DUI dismissals, dismissal of rape charges before trial, and Not Guilty verdicts at trial for DUI. The firm provides personalized service ensuring clients understand their options at every stage.
Location: 200 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 1150, Memphis, TN 38103
Contact: (901) 753-3838 | https://www.brashierlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
Criminal Defense Regulations in Tennessee
Tennessee requires attorneys to pass the Tennessee Bar Examination and maintain membership in the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility. Criminal defense attorneys may obtain certification as a Criminal Trial Specialist through the National Board of Trial Advocacy, which requires demonstration of substantial trial experience, peer review, and passing examinations.
Tennessee operates a public defender system in most counties. Shelby County has a Public Defender’s Office providing representation to indigent defendants. Eligibility is determined based on income guidelines and inability to afford private counsel.
Attorney advertising in Tennessee is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct adopted by the Tennessee Supreme Court. Advertisements must not be false or misleading and must comply with specific requirements regarding claims of specialization.
Tennessee classifies felonies into five classes: Class A (15-60 years imprisonment), Class B (8-30 years), Class C (3-15 years), Class D (2-12 years), and Class E (1-6 years). Misdemeanors are classified as Class A (up to 11 months, 29 days jail), Class B (up to 6 months), and Class C (up to 30 days). Enhanced sentencing applies to repeat offenders and criminal gang offenders.
Tennessee does not have the death penalty following a 2021 moratorium, though the law remains on the books. Capital cases are still subject to special procedural requirements.
Tennessee expungement eligibility was expanded effective July 1, 2017. Eligible offenses include most misdemeanors and Class E felonies after a 5-year waiting period from sentence completion. Class C and D felonies require a 10-year waiting period. Only individuals with one or two criminal convictions total (including out-of-state and federal convictions) are eligible. All court costs, fines, and fees must be paid before filing. Certain offenses are excluded, including violent crimes, sex offenses, DUI, and domestic assault. Dismissals, acquittals, and nolle prosequi dispositions may be expunged without cost and without a waiting period.
Tennessee bail laws require defendants charged with Class A, B, C, or D felonies to submit to pretrial monitoring if released under conditions, pursuant to 2024 legislation. Courts must forfeit bail and may issue arrest warrants for condition violations. Personal recognizance bonds may be available for certain offenses.
The Western District of Tennessee, based in Memphis, handles federal criminal matters for the region.
Tennessee attorneys must complete 15 hours of continuing legal education annually, including 3 hours of dual credit (ethics or substance abuse/mental health).
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after an arrest in Shelby County?
Following an arrest in Shelby County, the defendant is transported to the Shelby County Jail for booking. An initial appearance before a magistrate or General Sessions Court judge typically occurs within 24 to 48 hours. At the initial appearance, the defendant is advised of charges, informed of rights, and bail is set. For felony charges, a preliminary hearing is scheduled in General Sessions Court to determine probable cause. If probable cause is found, the case is bound over to the grand jury. If indicted, the case proceeds to Criminal Court. Misdemeanor cases may be resolved in General Sessions Court.
How does bail work in Memphis criminal cases?
In Shelby County, magistrates and judges set bail based on the nature of charges, criminal history, ties to the community, employment, and flight risk. Effective July 1, 2024, defendants charged with Class A through D felonies must submit to pretrial monitoring if released. Options include personal recognizance bonds, cash bonds, and surety bonds (through bail bondsmen, typically charging 10-15% of bond amount). For serious violent offenses, bail may be denied. Bond reduction hearings may be requested. Courts must forfeit bail and may issue arrest warrants for violations of release conditions under 2024 legislation.
What are the penalties for a DUI conviction in Tennessee?
A first DUI offense in Tennessee carries 48 hours to 11 months, 29 days in jail (7 days minimum if BAC was 0.20 or higher), fines of $350 to $1,500, license revocation for 1 year, and participation in an alcohol/drug treatment program. A second DUI within 10 years carries 45 days to 11 months, 29 days in jail, fines of $600 to $3,500, and license revocation for 2 years. A third DUI is a Class A misdemeanor with 120 days to 11 months, 29 days in jail. A fourth DUI is a Class E felony with 150 days to 6 years imprisonment. DUI convictions cannot be expunged in Tennessee.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Tennessee?
Tennessee allows expungement of certain criminal records. Dismissals, acquittals, and nolle prosequi dispositions may be expunged without cost and without a waiting period. For convictions, only individuals with one or two total criminal convictions (including out-of-state and federal) are eligible. Eligible offenses include most misdemeanors and Class E felonies after 5 years from sentence completion, and Class C and D felonies after 10 years. All court costs, fines, and fees must be paid. Excluded offenses include violent crimes, sex offenses, DUI, and domestic assault. The expungement petition must be filed in the court where the conviction occurred. Filing fees apply. Expungement removes the conviction from public record, though a confidential record remains accessible to prosecutors for future sentencing purposes.
What should I do if I am charged with a federal crime in the Western District of Tennessee?
If you are charged with or under investigation for a federal crime in the Western District of Tennessee (covering Memphis and surrounding areas), you should immediately retain a criminal defense attorney with substantial federal court experience. Federal cases involve different procedural rules, sentencing guidelines, and prosecution resources than state cases. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee prosecutes federal crimes at the Clifford Davis and Odell Horton Federal Building in Memphis. You have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel. If you cannot afford counsel, you may be appointed an attorney from the Criminal Justice Act Panel. An experienced attorney can represent you at initial appearance, argue for pretrial release, review discovery, challenge evidence, and navigate federal sentencing guidelines to achieve the most favorable outcome.