DUI laws in Mississippi are designed to protect public safety by discouraging impaired driving and penalizing those who put others at risk on the road. A person can be charged with a DUI even if their driving ability is only slightly affected.
Under Mississippi law, a driver is considered Mississippi DUI attorney legally intoxicated if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. However, certain drivers are subject to stricter limits. Commercial drivers can be charged with a DUI at a BAC of 0.04%, while drivers under the age of 21 are subject to Mississippi’s zero-tolerance law, meaning any measurable amount of alcohol (0.02% or higher) can result in a DUI charge.
A DUI charge in Mississippi is not limited to alcohol. A driver can also be arrested for driving under the influence of illegal drugs, prescription medications, or over-the-counter drugs if those substances impair their ability to safely operate a vehicle. Law enforcement officers typically rely on field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, blood tests, and their observations to determine impairment.
DUI Penalties in Mississippi
Penalties for a Mississippi DUI depend on whether it is a first offense or a repeat violation. First-time DUI offenses are usually classified as misdemeanors and may result in fines, mandatory alcohol education programs, community service, license suspension, and possible jail time. A first conviction can also lead to increased insurance rates and a permanent criminal record.
Second and third DUI offenses carry much harsher penalties. These may include longer jail sentences, higher fines, extended license suspension or revocation, mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, and court-ordered substance abuse treatment.