Best Lawyers in America for DUI / DWI Defense

James “Jim” W. Bannister is a managing partner of Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey. He graduated from the University of South Carolina Honors College in 1992 as a Phi Beta Kappa and earned his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1995. After which, Jim served for two years as a law clerk to U.S. Federal Judge Henry M. Herlong and has been with Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey since that time. Jim is a criminal defense trial lawyer known for handling complex felo...

Jonathan Cooper offers decades of experience, unsurpassed personal attention, and zealous representation to his clients. He focuses his practice exclusively in the area of criminal defense, representing citizens accused of crimes in both state and federal courts. His experience of successful representation encompasses the entire spectrum of the criminal justice system, from DUI to homicide, and from narcotics possession to white collar offenses. Jonathan is a career long member of the Knoxvil...

Ryne Sandel graduated from Texas A&M University with a Major in Psychology and Minors in Philosophy and Sociology. He attended law school at Texas A&M University School of Law (formerly Texas Wesleyan School of Law) in Fort Worth. Ryne was on the Dean’s List, served as a teaching assistant, and graduated number 4 in his graduating class. As an advocate, Ryne Sandel will fight for his clients. Ryne prides himself on his ability to stand toe to toe with anyone in the courthouse. C...

Howard is an appropriately aggressive trial attorney, with a previous career in law enforcement. Howard diligently and tirelessly works to empower justice and defend his client’s rights. Howard’s reputation and hard work earned him not-guilty verdicts for the majority of his jury trials. Howard’s experience includes countless bench trials, evidentiary hearings, probable cause hearings, and in-custody Initial Appearances. Howard is an active member of various professional org...

Nicholas Toufexis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice and DUI / DWI Defense. Nicholas, who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Nicholas is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

The Isaacs Law Firm team is committed to providing the highest level of client service and standards of professional excellence. Ashlee B. Mathis, J.D. is an associate at the Isaacs Law Firm. Ms. Mathis is a Knoxville native who obtained her degree at the University of Tennessee College of Law in 2015. Ms. Mathis has worked as an Associate at The Isaacs Law Firm Team since her admission to the bar in zealously advocating for our clients, shown by her selection as Top 40 under 40 in Criminal D...

Taylor McCallman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice, Criminal Defense: White-Collar and DUI / DWI Defense. Taylor, who practices law in Raeford, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Taylor is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Audrey Hatcher is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice, Criminal Defense: White-Collar and DUI / DWI Defense. Audrey, who practices law in Fort Worth, Texas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Audrey is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area. Audrey is an associate at Varghese Summersett , where she...

Matt Burgess is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice, DUI / DWI Defense and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Matt, who practices law in Charleston, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Matt is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Braxton Eck is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice and DUI / DWI Defense. Braxton, who practices law in Wichita, Kansas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Braxton is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael Farese is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice, Criminal Defense: White-Collar and DUI / DWI Defense. Michael, who practices law in Ashland, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jennifer Lieser is highly regarded in both legal and academic circles for her exceptional skills in litigating and investigating business and financial crimes. She specializes in internal investigation and corporate compliance, working with small to medium sized companies throughout the country. Prior to practicing law, Jennifer's career journey began with a foundation in corporate public relations, where she honed her skills at one of the world's leading firms in the field. Her experience ex...

Joshua Sene is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice and DUI / DWI Defense. Joshua, who practices law in Scottsdale, Arizona, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joshua is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brandon D. Fersten is the owner of Barnes & Fersten, PLLC, a Knoxville, Tennessee law firm dedicated to criminal defense, including general criminal matters, DUI / DWI defense, and juvenile defense. Brandon regularly appears in General Sessions Court, Criminal Court, and Juvenile Court throughout East Tennessee, where he represents individuals facing misdemeanor and felony charges. His practice includes defending clients through negotiations, hearings, bench trials, and jury trials. Brand...

Taylon Sumners joined Wampler Passanise as an Attorney-at-Law in 2020. She completed her Juris Doctor at Washburn University School of Law, graduating with Dean’s Honors. Sumners represents clients facing serious criminal offenses, including murder, drug-related charges, sex offenses, and DUIs, and has been with the firm since 2015, working as a Legal Assistant while attending law school. In 2022 and 2023, Sumners was recognized by Best Lawyers : Ones to Watch for Criminal Defense: Whit...

Chris Beddow is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice, DUI / DWI Defense and Family Law. Chris, who practices law in Charleston, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Chris is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.