DUI LAWS IN MISSISSIPPI
If you or somebody you know has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Mississippi, you need to know what the laws are. Depending upon the circumstances of your individual case, you could be facing as little as a day or two in jail or up to five years in prison. Mississippi follows the national standard of .08 blood alcohol content (BAC) for DUI’s, but not all situations and circumstances are the same, so it’s important to discuss the individual details of your case with your lawyer. Also, depending upon whether or not this is your first DUI or your third, you could be facing a variety of different penalties, if convicted.
BAC Limits For Different Drivers
In Mississippi, if you’re a driver age 21 years or older, .08 percent is the legal limit. This means you can be charged with driving under the influence if you’re BAC is shown to be .08 percent or higher. Commercial drivers are held to a stricter standard, so their limit is .04 percent. Finally, drivers under the age of 21, who legally can’t drink alcohol, can be arrested for DUI at .02 percent. No matter what the circumstances of your individual case are, your first priority after an arrest needs to be speaking with a skilled criminal defense attorney. Whether you’re the parent of a teen, a commercial truck driver or a regular motorist, a DUI can seriously impact your future and your wallet.
First Offense DUI
The first-time DUI offender has the lightest penalties involved. This is considered a misdemeanor. If this is your first DUI, you could be facing up to 48 hours in jail. Additionally, you could also be looking at fines between $250 and $1,000. You can also lose your driver’s license for 90 days, which can make every day activities next to impossible. Not only are the fines and penalties a problem, a DUI conviction can seriously impact your life. You could lose your job and have a hard time finding another. It’s important to note these penalties are associated with simple DUI charges. If your case is more complicated, or if somebody got hurt, you could be facing additional jail time or fines.
When to Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney
Since no two cases are the same, it’s critical to speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after your arrest. Whether you’re facing a simple DUI arrest or multiple charges associated with an injury accident, a criminal defense attorney can be your advocate during a difficult time. A DUI conviction isn’t just about losing your license and dealing with the initial fallout, it can impact your whole future.
If you or somebody you love has been arrested for DUI in Jackson or the surrounding communities, contact the skilled legal team at Coxwell & Associates, PLLC at (601) 265-7766 for an immediate consultation.
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