What Happens After 3 DUIs in Mississippi?

By William Head February 2, 2025

Facing a 3rd DUI in Mississippi is a serious legal matter with life-changing consequences. A third DUI conviction in Mississippi elevates the offense to a felony, leading to severe penalties, including significant jail time, fines, and long-term repercussions on your driving privileges. If you or someone you know is dealing with a repeat DUI offense, seeking immediate legal guidance from a Mississippi DUI lawyer is critical to protecting your rights and exploring possible defense strategies.

What Happens After 3 DUIs in Mississippi?

A 3rd DUI in Mississippi is classified as a felony DUI according to Mississippi Statute 63-11-30(2)(c), carrying much harsher penalties than first or second offenses. The penalties for a 3rd DUI in Mississippi include:

Jail Time for 3rd DUI: A conviction results in a mandatory sentence of one to five years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
Fines and Fees: Offenders face fines ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, plus court costs and fees associated with license reinstatement.
License Suspension: The Mississippi Department of Public Safety imposes a minimum three-year driver’s license suspension.
Vehicle Seizure and Ignition Interlock Device (IID): The state may impound the offender’s vehicle, and if reinstatement is allowed, an IID will be required.
Felony Record: A third DUI conviction will result in a permanent felony record, affecting employment, housing, and civil rights.

Given these harsh penalties, fighting a third DUI charge requires a strong defense strategy and legal counsel.

How Many DUIs Is a Felony in MS?

A common question among those facing DUI charges is, “how many DUIs is a felony in Mississippi?” The answer depends on the number of previous offenses:

A first DUI and second DUI are misdemeanors, although penalties increase for repeat offenses.
A third DUI conviction is classified as a felony DUI charge.
Any subsequent DUI offenses will continue to be treated as felonies with even stricter penalties.

What Is the Three Strikes Law in Mississippi?

Mississippi has a habitual offender statute, sometimes referred to as the three strikes law, which applies to repeat felony offenders. Under § 63-11-30 Mississippi Code, a third DUI conviction is classified as a felony, and any subsequent felony DUI convictions can result in even steeper penalties, including an extended prison sentence. Those with multiple felony offenses may also face enhanced sentencing under Mississippi’s habitual offender laws, making it even more essential to build a solid defense strategy.

How to Beat a 3rd DUI in Mississippi

A 3rd offense DUI in Mississippi is not an automatic conviction. If you’d like to know how to beat a 3rd DUI in Mississippi, there are several legal defenses an experienced Mississippi DUI attorney may explore, including:

Challenging the Traffic Stop: If law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion to make the initial stop, the case may be dismissed.
Questioning the Breathalyzer or Blood Test: Inaccurate BAC readings due to improper breathalyzer calibration or testing errors can be grounds for challenging the evidence.
Field Sobriety Test Issues: Many field sobriety tests are unreliable and subject to officer interpretation, which can lead to wrongful arrests.
Violation of Rights: If an officer failed to properly inform the defendant of their rights or mishandled the arrest, it could be a strong defense.
Plea Bargaining: In some cases, a skilled attorney may negotiate a reduction in charges or penalties.

The consequences of what happens after 3 DUIs in Mississippi can be devastating, with felony charges carrying years of imprisonment, significant fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you are facing a third DUI charge, you need an aggressive defense strategy.

Your best chance of beating these charges lies in contacting a top-rated Mississippi DUI lawyer ASAP. Call 1-888-839-4384 today to get connected with an experienced DUI lawyer near you!

More Info About A 3rd DUI in Mississippi

If you’d like to learn more about what happens after 3 DUIs in Mississippi and how to protect your rights, read some of our informative and helpful articles below.