DUI Attorney
A DUI charge carries consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom — license loss, insurance increases, and a permanent record. At DeVore Law, PLLC, DUI defense is handled exclusively by Devin S. DeVore, who represents clients in Knoxville and throughout East Tennessee at every stage, from the initial stop through trial.
How the stop, the testing, and the paperwork were handled often determines whether a charge holds up — not just what happened at the scene.
DUI in Tennessee — What You Need to Know
A DUI is charged when a person drives or is in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant to a degree that affects safe operation, or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. A first offense is a Class A misdemeanor carrying a mandatory minimum of 48 hours in jail (24 hours if BAC is under 0.20%), a fine of $350 to $1,500, and a license revocation.
Where BAC is 0.15% or higher, the mandatory minimum jumps to seven days regardless of mitigating circumstances. Tennessee’s look-back period for prior DUI convictions is ten years, meaning a prior conviction within that window increases the mandatory minimums and classification of a new charge substantially.
Beginning January 1, 2026, Tennessee’s implied consent law changed significantly: a first-offense test refusal now carries an 18-month license suspension (up from one year), refusal can be enforced with a warrant for a forced blood draw, and the refusal itself can be used as evidence of guilt at trial.
How DeVore Law, PLLC Can Help
The DUI Case Timeline
Here is how a typical case moves through the system:
DUI Penalties by Offense
First Offense
A Class A misdemeanor carrying 48 hours to 11 months and 29 days in jail, a $350 to $1,500 fine, and license revocation, with harsher mandatory minimums at higher BAC levels.
Second Offense
Carries a mandatory minimum of 45 days in jail within the ten-year look-back period, along with a longer license revocation and mandatory ignition interlock.
Third and Subsequent Offenses
Third offense DUI is a mandatory minimum of 120 days and can escalate to felony DUI on a fourth conviction within the look-back period, with prison exposure.
Common Areas of Focus
The Traffic Stop
An officer needs reasonable suspicion to initiate a stop, and an unlawful stop can result in all evidence gathered afterward being suppressed.
Field Sobriety Testing
These tests are frequently administered incorrectly or scored subjectively, and body cam footage often tells a different story than the officer’s report.
Breath and Blood Testing
Machine calibration, operator certification, and chain of custody are all points where testing can be successfully challenged.
Implied Consent Refusal
The new 2026 refusal penalties make it more important than ever to understand the consequences of refusing testing before the decision is made at the scene.
What to Expect — The Defense Process
While each case differs, most Knoxville DUI cases follow these general stages:
01
Case Review
We review the arrest report, video, and testing procedures to identify every point where the state’s case can be challenged.
02
Motion Practice
We file motions to suppress evidence obtained through an unlawful stop or improperly administered testing.
03
Negotiation
Where appropriate, we negotiate reduced charges or alternative resolutions based on the strength of the evidence.
04
Trial
If the case does not resolve favorably short of trial, Devin is fully prepared to try the case before a judge or jury.
Why Work With Devin DeVore for Your DUI Case
DUI defense at DeVore Law, PLLC is not delegated between attorneys. Devin DeVore personally handles every case, offering:
Direct access to your attorney
Personal handling of every case, from arraignment through trial
Membership in the Tennessee and Knoxville Bar Associations
Familiarity with local courts, prosecutors, and testing procedures
Straightforward advice on realistic outcomes
His approach combines direct courtroom experience with practical, realistic guidance for every client.
Speak With a Knoxville DUI Attorney
If you’ve been charged with DUI, Devin DeVore can review the stop, the testing, and the arrest to identify your best path forward.
Contact DeVore Law, PLLC to schedule a consultation.