Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Mississippi, and it is important to understand the laws surrounding DUI arrests in the state. A Mississippi DUI conviction can result in severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. In this article, we will explore the rate of DUI arrests in Mississippi over the past few years and how getting a Mississippi DUI lawyer can help you beat a DUI charge.

DUI Arrest Rates in Mississippi

According to the Mississippi Office of Highway Safety, there were 6,665 DUI arrests in Mississippi in 2021. This marks an increase from the 5,552 DUI arrests made in 2019. The majority of DUI arrests in Mississippi occur in Hinds County, followed by Harrison and DeSoto Counties.

Penalties for DUI in Mississippi

The penalties for a DUI in Mississippi can be severe, depending on the circumstances of the case. The following is a general overview of the penalties for DUI in Mississippi:

First Offense:

• A fine of up to $1,000
• License suspension for up to 120 days
• Possible jail time of up to 48 hours
• Mandatory completion of an alcohol safety education program

Second Offense (within five years of the first offense):

• A fine of up to $1,500
• License suspension for up to two years
• Possible jail time of up to one year
• Mandatory completion of an alcohol safety education program

Third Offense (within five years of the second offense):

• A felony charge, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000
• License suspension for up to five years
• Mandatory jail time of at least one year, up to five years
• Mandatory completion of an alcohol safety education program

It is important to note that these penalties are a general overview and that the specific penalties for DUI in Mississippi may vary depending on the circumstances of the case.

Ignition Interlock Devices

In addition to the above penalties, Mississippi also requires the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) for some DUI offenders. An IID is a device that is installed in a vehicle that requires the driver to blow into it before the car will start. If the device detects alcohol on the driver’s breath, the car will not start.

In Mississippi, an IID is required for:

• Second and subsequent DUI offenses
• First offense with a BAC of 0.16 or higher
• First offense with a passenger under the age of 16 in the vehicle

The cost of installing and maintaining an IID can be substantial, and it is important to discuss the potential requirement of an IID with your Mississippi DUI lawyer.

How a Mississippi DUI Lawyer Can Help You Beat a DUI Charge

If you have been charged with a DUI in Mississippi, it is essential to seek the assistance of an experienced Mississippi DUI lawyer. An experienced Mississippi DUI lawyer can provide you with the legal guidance and representation you need to help you beat your DUI charge.

One of the main ways that a Mississippi DUI lawyer can help you beat a DUI charge is by investigating the circumstances surrounding your arrest. This includes reviewing the police report, breathalyzer test results, and any other evidence that may have been gathered by the arresting officer. Your Mississippi DUI lawyer may also question the officer’s actions during the arrest, such as whether they had probable cause to stop you in the first place or if they followed proper procedure during the arrest.

Additionally, a Mississippi DUI lawyer may challenge the evidence against you. This includes questioning the accuracy of the breathalyzer test or challenging the field sobriety test. They may also bring up any mitigating factors that could lessen the severity of your offense, such as if you had a medical condition that affected the test results or if there were extenuating circumstances during a DUI arrest. No matter the circumstances, your best bet for beating a DUI charge in Mississippi lies in finding one of the top DUI lawyers in the state.