The Role of an Out-of-State DUI Defense Attorney in Tennessee
Driving under the influence isn’t just a traffic violation-it’s a serious legal matter that requires an expert defense.
A skilled out-of-state DUI attorney will scrutinize every aspect of your case, from the legality of the stop to the reliability of test results, to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument. At Crabtree & Patterson, we’ll fight to minimize penalties or even get the charges dropped.
We Represent Travelers in Common Scenarios
Many of our clients from other states were simply visiting or passing through Tennessee when they were arrested. We have extensive experience handling cases that originate from situations just like yours, especially for tourists and festival attendees.
Regardless of the circumstances, a drug or DUI charge is a serious matter. We are here to provide the dedicated, local legal help you require.
You came to enjoy the music and vibrant nightlife of Nashville, but a misunderstanding or a single mistake led to a drug charge. We represent many tourists who are arrested in the downtown entertainment districts, often surprised by how aggressively these offenses are prosecuted compared to their home cities.
Tennessee hosts major music festivals like Bonnaroo in Manchester, which draw thousands of out-of-state visitors. Law enforcement heavily patrols the highways leading to these events, especially I-24, actively looking for any reason to stop and search vehicles. We are the go-to firm for festival attendees cited or arrested for possessing marijuana, pills, or psychedelics.
You were pulled over for a minor traffic violation on I-40, I-65, or I-75 while driving through the state. Police often use these stops on major interstates as a pretext to claim they smell marijuana or see paraphernalia, leading to a full vehicle search.
Many visitors are shocked to learn that substances that are legal or decriminalized in their home state are still prosecuted as serious crimes here. A charge that might be a simple ticket elsewhere can carry jail time and a criminal record in Tennessee.
Why Hire Representation for a DUI Charge?
Protect Your Driving Privileges
Losing your license can significantly disrupt your life. Our experienced attorneys work to keep you on the road and behind the wheel, headed back to your home state.
Avoid Severe Penalties
Fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record can follow a DUI conviction. We’ll strategize to minimize or eliminate these consequences.
Challenge the Evidence
Not all evidence is reliable or accurate. Our team will dissect every detail to find inconsistencies or errors in the prosecution’s case.
Have an Attorney Review Your DUI Case
Every Out-of-State DUI case is unique, and so is our approach. We understand what’s at stake ー your freedom, finances, and reputation ー and we’ll do everything in our power to protect them. Contact Crabtree & Patterson today to start building a defense you can trust.
Get a Free Case Consultation
The Unique Challenges for Out-of-State Drivers
Facing charges in a state where you do not live creates unique and stressful complications. The logistics alone can feel overwhelming.
Crabtree & Patterson is structured to handle these logistical challenges for you. As your Tennessee criminal defense attorney for tourists, we manage the paperwork, communicate with the court, and, in many cases, can appear on your behalf.
Our objective is to resolve your case with minimal disruption to your life, saving you the time, expense, and stress of repeated travel.
Do you need to take time off from work, book flights, and spend money on hotels for every single court appearance?
Every court in Tennessee has its own procedures, prosecutors, and tendencies. An out-of-state lawyer will not understand these critical local nuances.
Ignoring a court date is not an option. A failure to appear will result in a bench warrant for your arrest, which can follow you back to your home state.
An Experienced Tennessee Drug Possession Lawyer on Your Side
When your future is at stake, you need a law firm with proven experience. The attorneys at Crabtree & Patterson have a deep understanding of Tennessee DUI and drug laws, demonstrated by our proven track record of successfully defending non-residents.
Our team is led by Seth Crabtree, an attorney who has won cases before the Tennessee Supreme Court, and David Patterson, a former Criminal Court Judge who presided over 30,000 cases. This unique experience means Crabtree & Patterson knows the local courts, prosecutors, and importantly how to build a strong defense.
Our primary goal is always to seek the best possible outcome, whether that is a complete dismissal, a reduction of charges, or a diversion program that keeps a conviction off your permanent record.
When your future is at stake, you need a law firm with proven experience. The attorneys at Crabtree & Patterson have a deep understanding of Tennessee DUI and drug laws, demonstrated by our proven track record of successfully defending non-residents.
Our team is led by Seth Crabtree, an attorney who has won cases before the Tennessee Supreme Court, and David Patterson, a former Criminal Court Judge who presided over 30,000 cases. This unique experience means Crabtree & Patterson knows the local courts, prosecutors, and importantly how to build a strong defense.
Reasons to Hire Representation for Your Case
Offload Your Stress
When you’re facing criminal charges, the weight of the system can feel crushing. Crabtree & Patterson takes the burden off your shoulders, handling every detail of your defense so you can focus on other things that matter.
Pursue a Fair Outcome
With decades of experience in and out of the courtroom, we know how to level the playing field. We fight relentlessly to secure a resolution that protects your future, whether that means reduced charges, a dismissal, or an outright acquittal.
Stand Up to Injustice
The system doesn’t always play fair—but we hold it accountable. Our criminal defense attorneys are persistent in calling out flaws in the prosecution’s case, exposing weaknesses, and ensuring you’re treated with the dignity and fairness every person deserves.
What Our Clients Say
Absolutely fantastic!
They were able to get my charges dropped. I was worried about travel living on the other side of the United States, but they were able to get everything taken care of. Recommend this firm to anyone needing help in Tennessee
Brady Toller – Drug Possession
I am grateful there is a man in the lawyering business that is the caliber of Seth Crabtree.
There is so much to say I will try and make this short as I can. Seth Crabtree is a man outstanding in his field. My case was not the toughest, but had obstacles to overcome… like 97 miles an hour in a 70 and a Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.153%. I never stepped foot in the courtroom. Seth was able to get my DUI charge downgraded to a DISMISSAL and EXPUNGEMENT. Can I get an AMEN?
Seth Is very reasonable on is fees and goes above and beyond his duty. Seth gave my case 100%. I am grateful that there is a man in the lawyering business that is the caliber of Seth Crabtree. Thank you sir, and your staff.
Bryant Oden – DUI (Dismissed)
Facing an Out-of-State DUI Charge? We’re Here to Protect You.
An Out-of-State DUI charge shouldn’t derail your life. At Crabtree & Patterson, we provide fierce representation to challenge your case and deliver the best possible outcome.
Schedule a Strategy Call
Frequently Asked Questions for Out-of-State Defendants
Don’t let a drug charge in Tennessee derail your future. The sooner you have a dedicated legal advocate on your side, the more options you will have. We are here to answer your questions and fight for you.
In many misdemeanor cases, an experienced local attorney from Crabtree & Patterson can appear in court on your behalf, saving you the trip. For more serious felony charges, an appearance may be required, but we work to minimize your travel and handle as much as possible remotely.
Yes. Tennessee law applies within its borders. Recreational marijuana is still illegal in Tennessee, and possession can lead to a Class A misdemeanor charge with penalties of up to 11 months, 29 days in jail and significant fines.
Absolutely. A citation is not a simple ticket; it is a summons to appear in criminal court. Ignoring it will lead to a warrant. Hiring an attorney from Crabtree & Patterson is the best way to protect your rights and seek a dismissal or reduction of the charge.