Why should you hire a lawyer for your DUI?
A good lawyer can help minimize or avoid severe penalties and consequences often associated with your DUI. Hiring a DUI lawyer can make the difference between going to jail, losing your license, and getting a non-adjudication, not-guilty verdict, or a reduced plea. Here is some additional information about DUI in the State of Mississippi.
What you need to know
What effect does a DUI conviction have on my record?
In Mississippi, a DUI conviction stays on your driving record for five (5) years, during which time any additional DUI convictions will increase the punishment. The charge itself will be on your record (rap sheet) for life.
A DUI charge can have an adverse effect on your employment, especially if driving is a major part of your work duties.
A DUI conviction will cause you to obtain SR-22 insurance (also known as high risk insurance) for three years.
A DUI charge on your record could also cause you problems with your credit report and with rental car companies.
You can fight a DUI conviction by hiring a lawyer and in most cases avoid the most serious consequences associated with your DUI. Contact us today to discuss your options and receive a free case evaluation.
What about my Mississippi Driver's License?
In Mississippi, if you either refused to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test, the state will attempt to suspend your license or privilege to drive for 90 days to one year.
This license suspension occurs prior to the court proceeding and regardless of whether you are found guilty or innocent.
The only way to prevent the suspension is to submit a test refusal petition within 10 calendar days after the mailing of a notice of letter of intent to suspend. Filing an test refusal petition does not postpone the suspension. Call us today to discuss how to file a test refusal petition.
Mississippi DUI Penalties
*Click here to read the full statutory information.
First-time offenders are subject to a fine of $250 to $1,000, imprisonment for up to 48 hours, or both. These offenders are also required to attend and complete an alcohol safety education program. The driver’s license suspension period is 30 to 90 days. An ignition interlock will be required for 90 days after the suspension period.
A person who commits a second offense within five years of the first offense faces five days to one year in prison. A second-time offender is also subject to pay a fine of $600 to $1,500 and perform community service work for 10 days to one year. The driver’s license suspension period is 45 days. In addition, the sentencing judge is required to order the impoundment of all vehicles registered to the convicted offender for the entire driver’s license suspension period. If, however, other drivers in the household are dependent on the vehicle, the court may order the installation of an ignition interlock system in lieu of impoundment. After the offender’s driver’s license is reinstated, the court may order the offender to use an ignition interlock system for one year. Any person convicted of a second DUI must also receive an in-depth diagnostic assessment. If the assessment reveals the offender is in need of treatment and if the offender successfully completes treatment, the offender will be eligible for reinstatement of his or her driver’s license after one year.
A person who commits a third or subsequent DUI within five years faces a term of imprisonment of one to five years. These offenders are also subject to pay a fine of $2,000 to $5,000. The offender’s vehicle will be seized and may be subject to forfeiture. The driver’s license suspension period is two years, with a three year ignition interlock period subsequently. Any person convicted of a third or subsequent DUI may also receive an in-depth diagnostic assessment. If the assessment reveals the offender is in need of treatment and if the offender successfully completes treatment, the offender will be eligible for reinstatement of his or her driver’s license after three years.
A fourth DUI may result in a fine of between $3,000 and $10,000, between 2 and 10 years imprisonment and a 5-year license suspension.