What Happens If I’m Charged With a DUI in Mississippi?

In the state of Mississippi, the law simply states that you cannot drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of any substance.

You can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) if you have more than the legal amount of alcohol in your body when you are pulled over. The legal limit for driving in Mississippi is a blood alcohol level of 0.08.

If you are under the age of 21, you can be arrested on suspicion of DUI if you have any amount of alcohol in your system.

Despite myths or recommendations suggesting otherwise, the arresting officer does not have to prove impairment through field sobriety tests if your blood alcohol level is at 0.08 or more. A simple breathalyzer test indicating this blood alcohol level is enough to charge a suspect with DUI.

“Despite myths or recommendations suggesting otherwise, the arresting officer does not have to prove impairment through field sobriety tests if your blood alcohol level is at 0.08 or more.”

You can also be charged with a DUI if you are driving under the influence of substances other than alcohol, including medications or illegal drugs. Even if you are prescribed the medication by your doctor, you can be charged with a DUI if you are found to be impaired.

However, there are potential defenses in the case of medication, including proving typical side effects and documentation of prescription information.

Consequences of a DUI Charge in Mississippi:

DUI offenses are taken seriously in the state of Mississippi, whether you are driving under the influence of alcohol or another substance. For example, if an officer seeks to determine impairment with a breathalyzer test and the suspect refuses, this results in an automatic seizure of your driver’s license and a 90-day license suspension.

“The consequences of a DUI significantly impact your day-to-day life.”

In addition to license seizure and suspension, the consequences of a DUI significantly impact your day-to-day life.

Mississippi has a strict no-tolerance policy for DUI charges. On the first charge, the offender is typically ordered to pay a fine, attend a drug and alcohol awareness class (for which there is a large fee) and possible jail time.

You will also likely face a steep increase on your auto insurance policy. After your first offense, jail time is increasingly likely, and fines may increase.

What is the best way to defend against DUI?

A DUI conviction can have a long-term impact on your life, and you should not face the court alone. Particularly for those defendants facing drug related DUIs, there can be additional charges and consequences, such as possession and paraphernalia.

Does hiring a DUI lawyer make a difference?

If you have been charged with a DUI, I highly recommend hiring an aggressive criminal defense attorney who is well versed in Mississippi state law.

Pietrowski Law Practice has taken several steps to properly represent our DUI clients, including participating in several advanced-level trainings from the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys.

If you have additional questions about DUI charges in the states of Mississippi, contact attorney Amy Pietrowski.