OWI Attorney in Nashville

Nearly 80 Years of Combined Experience Fighting OWI Charges in Nashville

An OWI charge can upend your life fast. Your license, your job, and your reputation are all suddenly in question. The uncertainty is real, and so are the stakes. At May McKinney, we work with people facing exactly this moment every day, and we know what it takes to mount a defense focused on protecting your future.

Whether this is your first encounter with the criminal justice system or you’re worried about your career and family, you deserve a legal team that sees you as a person, not a case number. Our OWI lawyers in Nashville take time to understand your full situation before building a strategy around what matters most to you.

With nearly 80 years of combined legal experience, we offer both determined advocacy and the kind of careful, individualized counsel that makes a real difference in how these cases unfold.

Call May McKinney at (615) 265-6383 or contact us online to schedule your confidential consultation with our OWI attorneys in Nashville today.

What Sets Our OWI Defense Apart

Every OWI case is different because every person’s life is different. We listen to your story, consider the full impact on your family and career, and build a defense around your specific situation, not a template we reuse from the last client.

Our OWI attorneys in Nashville examine every detail of how the stop, arrest, and testing unfolded, from whether your constitutional rights were respected to the accuracy and handling of the testing equipment. If negotiations don’t adequately protect your interests, we’re prepared to advocate for you in Davidson County Criminal Court.

What distinguishes our defense is the scientific depth Rob McKinney brings to every OWI case. He holds a gas chromatography certification from the American Chemical Society, giving our team direct insight into how blood test results are produced and where they can be challenged. He also holds both an instruction certificate and a student certificate from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, totaling more than 64 hours in field sobriety testing. This enables our attorneys to assess whether standardized tests were properly administered according to NHTSA protocol.

We set ourselves apart through these commitments:

• Thorough preparation: We review each case in detail and leave no stone unturned.
• Tailored strategies: Every defense plan is built around your goals and circumstances.
• Clear communication: We keep you fully informed and prepared at every stage.

OWI Charges in Tennessee: What You’re Facing

OWI, Operating While Intoxicated, is a criminal charge that applies when police believe you drove while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Tennessee statutes use DUI as the primary term, but OWI, DUI, and DWI all describe the same conduct and carry the same legal consequences in this jurisdiction. The penalties can include license suspension, fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record that follows you into job applications, professional license renewals, and background checks.

How Tennessee Handles OWI Cases

In Nashville, OWI cases are generally handled in Davidson County Criminal Court or Metropolitan Nashville General Sessions Court. The process typically begins with arrest and booking, followed by an initial court appearance. Specific penalties depend on your blood alcohol content, whether this is your first offense, and the circumstances of the arrest.

A first-offense OWI in Tennessee is typically a misdemeanor, but it still carries mandatory minimum jail time of 48 hours, fines ranging from $350 to $1,500, and a one-year driver’s license suspension. A restricted license with an ignition interlock device may be available depending on circumstances. Critically, an OWI conviction in Tennessee is permanent. The state doesn’t offer a diversion-type probation that allows expungement of a DUI conviction. How your case is handled from day one can have lasting consequences.

Key Local Considerations

Our attorneys help clients navigate the specific procedural requirements that apply in Nashville and Davidson County.

• Court hearings at Davidson County Criminal Court
• Deadlines for Tennessee Department of Safety license hearings
• Nashville’s procedures for probation and alternative sentencing, when available

At every stage, we can explain your rights, your timeline, and what comes next so you can move forward with clarity.

How We Defend OWI Clients in Nashville

When you work with May McKinney, you get more than legal advice. You get a team committed to your defense. We begin by analyzing every piece of evidence: police reports, field sobriety and chemical test results, and any available video footage. When it adds value, we consult with relevant experts and investigate whether your rights were violated at any point during the stop or arrest.

Rob McKinney’s Credentials & Professional Involvement

Rob McKinney is a member of the National College of DUI Defense, a life member and president of the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He also organizes the annual DUI seminar for the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Our firm has tried OWI cases involving blood alcohol content levels of up to .20, and we’re prepared to go to trial in Davidson County Criminal Court when that’s what a client’s situation calls for.

Our Defense Strategy for Nashville Clients

Having defended clients in Nashville’s courts for years, we know the local legal landscape and how to find angles that may otherwise be overlooked. We evaluate every path forward, including negotiating for reduced charges or taking the case to trial when that serves you better.

Our OWI defense process may involve:

• Challenging police procedures and evidence integrity
• Negotiating with prosecutors for the best available outcome
• Strategic trial preparation when appropriate

You’re involved at every step, and our knowledge of Nashville’s courts and procedures is central to the defense we build for you.

What to Do After an OWI Arrest in Nashville

An OWI arrest can disrupt every part of your life. The decisions you make in the hours and days immediately after matter enormously. Don’t make statements to law enforcement or anyone else until you’ve spoken with an OWI attorney. Anything you say before retaining counsel can be used against you in the prosecution’s case.

An OWI arrest also triggers time-sensitive administrative deadlines that run separately from your criminal case. Tennessee requires a separate request to the Department of Safety to challenge your license suspension at a hearing. Miss that window and you may lose your driving privileges before your criminal case is even resolved. The sooner you contact an OWI lawyer in Nashville, the more options may remain available to you.

Take these immediate steps after an OWI charge in Nashville:

• Ask for legal representation: Politely decline to answer questions until you have a lawyer present.
• Document the events: Write down names, timelines, and important details about your arrest as soon as possible.
• Safeguard your paperwork: Keep all citations, instructions, and court documents where your attorney can easily review them.
• Contact our team promptly: Early involvement can give us more control over deadlines and the initial direction of your defense.

Call us at (615) 265-6383 today. Focused, responsive defense can make all the difference when you’re facing an OWI charge in Nashville.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can Your Team Help Me Keep My Driver’s License?

We work to protect your driving privileges at every stage. That starts with a close review of your arrest and an assessment of any grounds to challenge the stop or testing process. We represent clients in both Davidson County Criminal Court and Tennessee Department of Safety license hearings. Outcomes depend on prior offenses, case details, and Nashville court procedures, but preserving your ability to drive and maintain your routine is a priority.

Will an OWI Charge in Nashville Go on My Permanent Record?

A conviction will appear on your record permanently. Tennessee doesn’t offer a diversion-type probation that allows expungement of an OWI or DUI conviction, which is why fighting the charge or pursuing the best available reduction matters from the start. Beyond the criminal record, a conviction may affect professional licenses in fields such as healthcare, law, and commercial driving. We focus on strategies that may minimize these consequences, including seeking reduced charges or alternative outcomes when circumstances allow.

What Makes Your Approach to OWI Defense Different from Other Lawyers?

We take a holistic, client-first approach, considering your life, career, and family alongside the legal charges. With nearly 80 years of combined legal experience, we develop practical, personalized strategies for each client. Rob McKinney’s gas chromatography certification and more than 64 hours of NHTSA field sobriety testing credentials mean we can scrutinize the science behind the evidence in ways many firms can’t. Clear communication and honest guidance keep you informed at every stage of your case.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a First-Offense OWI?

Yes. Even a first-offense OWI carries serious consequences in Tennessee: mandatory minimum jail time, fines, and automatic license suspension. Because a conviction can’t be expunged, how a first offense is handled can have permanent implications. We make sure you understand the stakes and have a strong defense from the outset.

What Should I Do Right After an OWI Arrest?

Contact an attorney before speaking to police or prosecutors about the case. Document your experience, organize your paperwork, and avoid discussing the case with anyone except your lawyer. The sooner we get involved, the sooner we can protect your rights and shape an effective response to the charges.

How Do You Keep Me Informed During My OWI Case?

We prioritize clear, ongoing communication with every client. You’ll receive timely updates about court dates, case milestones, and what to expect at each stage in Davidson County Criminal Court. You can reach us with questions and expect honest, prompt responses. We work closely with you so you stay informed and involved in your defense throughout the process.

When you reach out to our team, you receive guidance grounded in decades of experience and a genuine commitment to your defense.