DUI Law in Jackson, MS

What Is a DUI?

DUI, which refers to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, is a criminal offense that can lead to weighty consequences. Also known as DWI, the process of going to court to face either conviction or exoneration can change the course of your life forever.

Learn more about your DUI law defense options below, and then talk to a local attorney in Jackson, Mississippi who will help you in this delicate situation. You don’t have to stare down consequences alone. You can take wise steps today to protect your interests.

Possible Consequences of a Jackson, Mississippi DUI Conviction

Where you live, the severity of the incident, and your criminal record determine the sentencing for a DUI. The punishments can drastically increase if you have had previous DUIs, so be mindful of that. If this is your first DUI, do not go at it alone and risk costly mistakes. Get a Jackson law firm on your side to fight for you and your rights.

Paying Fines

If convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Jackson, Mississippi, you can count on fines being a part of your sentencing. Mississippi Code dictates that DUI fines can range from $250 for a first offense, to $10,000 for a fourth offense.

However, other factors can drastically increase the amount you must pay, including:

  • Any damage to property while driving under the influence
  • If someone suffered injuries as a result of your intoxicated driving
  • Cases that include child endangerment
  • Any court costs associated with your case

Jail Time

Jail time is mandatory, even for first-time offenders in Jackson. If this is your first DUI offense, you may only have to face a day or two in prison. But if you have previous convictions for DUIs, you can be sentenced to several months or years, depending on the nature of the crime. Know that some circumstances can add even more time in a cell, including injury to other people while driving under the influence.

Probation

If you do not face jail time, you will likely be on probation, with the sentencing judge determining the duration. You will pay monthly fees, and you cannot commit any more criminal offenses, including traffic violations. If you violate the terms of your probation, count on facing time behind bars.

In Mississippi, you can receive up to two years of supervised probation for your first DUI conviction. Terms can include attending a Victim Impact Panel, and the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device. Probation fees are generally $55 per month. In Jackson, the consequences of violating probation depend on the seriousness of the violation and whether you have prior violations. You could be issued a warning or ordered to attend a probation hearing. Probation could then be revoked and replaced with the original sentence of jail time. Probation in Jackson is supervised by the Region II Office of the Mississippi Department of Corrections Community Corrections Division.

Drug and Alcohol Education Program

Following a Jackson DUI sentencing, the law states you must complete a drug and alcohol education program. This will teach you about the dangers of driving under the influence. These programs cost more fees besides the legal costs you already have to pay.

On your first DUI offense in Jackson, Mississippi you will be ordered to complete DUI School. Mississippi Alcohol Safety Education Program (MASEP) is Mississippi’s statutorily mandated DUI intervention program that satisfies this requirement. The program is typically four sessions, at a cost of $200. This fee must be paid in full at the first session with credit, debit or money order. Of note, no cash is allowed. For residents of Jackson, your court order will indicate the location and time of your class in the city. In addition to completing MASEP, license reinstatement also requires fees of $175.

The education programs also include a DUI evaluation. An evaluator asks you questions about how alcohol and drugs affect your life. If they believe that you are dependent, you may have to enter a substance abuse treatment program.

Suspension or Loss of License

No matter where you may face a DUI conviction, you have to undergo a license suspension period, at the very least. If it is your first DUI, you may have a license suspension for a few months while you go through probation and the drug and alcohol education program.

If this is not your first DUI, you may have your license suspended for much longer, or you could have it taken from you permanently.

What Should You Do When Charged With a DUI in Jackson, Mississippi?

If you’re facing a felony DUI charge, you must take the following steps to protect yourself:

Step 1: Contact an Attorney Familiar With Jackson, MS DUI Law

Immediately following your DUI arrest, you need to contact an experienced Jackson DUI attorney. Your attorney can help prepare for your arraignment and prepare a defense to vindicate yourself or reduce the sentencing.

Step 2: Learn About Your Local DUI Laws

Jackson, Mississippi has unique laws for DUI or DWI charges. Your lawyer will work with you to help you better understand your state’s laws on driving while intoxicated. It is critical to understand what charges you face and the potential outcomes of your case. 

Step 3: Request a DMV Hearing

You or your attorney should request a hearing as soon as possible following your arrest. In Jackson, Mississippi you only have so much time to ask for a DMV hearing to keep your license until your court appearance. If you do not request a hearing, prepare for a license suspension.

According to the Mississippi Drivers Service Bureau, your license will be confiscated upon arrest for a DUI in Jackson. The police officer will give you a temporary driving permit. However, you have 10 days from the date of the license suspension to request an Administrative License Hearing with the Department of Public Safety in Jackson. Otherwise, 90 days of administrative suspension will commence 45 days from your arrest.

Step 4: Prepare for Court Appearance

You and your attorney will prepare for your appearance and arraignment in Jackson. If you plead “not guilty,” your DUI defense attorney represents you in court, and a judge and jury oversee the DUI law case.

Step 5: Receive Sentencing or Exoneration

You will either be “not guilty” of the charges brought against you and walk free, or you will receive sentencing for a guilty verdict.

Work with an Experienced Local DUI Lawyer in Jackson, Mississippi

Should you ever find yourself charged with a DUI, you need to work with an experienced Jackson, MS lawyer who can stand up for you in court. You cannot clear your name of the charges or reduce the consequences without help. Your life and future depend on having great legal representation during your DUI case. Contact an attorney near you today. We can even help you connect with legal help across Mississippi state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

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