Being arrested for DUI is a serious offense that can have significant consequences, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines.  It is imperative that anyone facing such a charge understand what challenges they will encounter.  Seeking the legal advice of a competent and experienced DUI attorney will help you understand all of your rights and options. 

What happens if I was arrested for DUI?
Under Mississippi law, once you have been cited for violating the DUI statute, the state initiates two simultaneous, yet separate legal actions against you.  The Criminal Action is in response to the ticket that was issued to you, while the Administrative Action is brought against your driver’s license by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.  While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges, it is important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled separately. 

Administrative Hearing
Pursuant to Mississippi law, an individual has 10 days to request a hearing from the Department of Public Safety.  If you fail to request a hearing within 10 days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your license is automatically suspended for the applicable statutory time frame.  In order to preserve your right to an Administrative Hearing, it is crucial that you submit your request to the Department of Public Safety within 10 days. 

DUI Penalties for First Time Offenders

Jail Time
A first time DUI offender faces imprisonment of up to 48 hours in jail.  In lieu of jail time, the court may order the offender to attend a victim impact panel.

Monetary Fines
Fines for a first time DUI can range between a minimum of $250.00, up to a maximum of $1,000.00.

Driving Privileges
A DUI conviction results in the suspension of driving privileges for 90 days.

Chemical Test Refusal
Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the revocation of driving privileges for 90 days.   

Hardship Licenses
Provided that the offender has no previous DUI violations, and did not refuse to submit to chemical testing, the court may reduce the suspension of driving privileges after 30 days have elapsed from the effective date of the suspension.  The court typically grants hardship driving privileges if it believes that continued suspension of driving privileges would hinder the offender’s ability to continue employment, continue attending school or an educational institution, or obtain necessary medical care.

Commercial Drivers
Commercial drivers are in violation of the DUI statute with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04.  A first time DUI conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver’s license for 1 year, while any subsequent DUI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license. 

Alcohol Evaluation
Successful completion of an alcohol safety education program is required for reinstatement of driving privileges. 

DUI Subsequent Offenses
Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DUI violations.  Due to the complexity of DUI laws, you may not be aware of your rights and the potential defenses available to your case.  An experienced and competent attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process.  Please contact a lawyer for an immediate, free consultation.