Mississippi DUI Consequences
 |
|---|
Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) is one of the most reckless acts a person can commit. At best, impaired drivers risk being arrested and prosecuted for their actions; at worst, their actions jeopardize their own lives, as well as the lives of countless other motorists. Given the threat a drunk driver poses, it’s no wonder that lawmakers across the United States are on a mission to reduce the number of drunk drivers on the road. As part of these efforts, state legislators have enacted new sentencing guidelines to punish individuals who are convicted of drinking and driving—and Mississippi DUI consequences truly exemplify this trend.
If this is the first time you have been arrested for driving under the influence, a conviction could cost you up to $1,000 in fines, as well as a 90-day license suspension and 48-hour jail sentence. You may also be required to complete a court-approved alcohol education program—and these penalties only increase with each subsequent conviction.
A second offense, for instance, carries a maximum $1,500 fine, two-year license suspension, and up to a one-year jail sentence. In addition, you will be required to perform at least ten days of community service and have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle for six months or longer (a device that requires you to perform a breath test in order to operate your vehicle).
If you are convicted of a third DUI within a five-year period, you can expect to receive the maximum punishment allowed under the state’s drunk driving laws, including a $2,000 to $5,000 fine, five-year license suspension, and one to five-year jail sentence. Along with these penalties, you will once again be required to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle for no less than six months and your vehicle may be confiscated by the state.
Once you have successfully fulfilled the terms of your court-approved sentence, your conviction may continue to impact your daily activities. As a criminal offense, a DUI conviction will remain on your criminal record indefinitely—which means anyone who checks your background will see that you were found guilty of drunk driving. Unfortunately, just one blemish can threaten countless employment, housing, and even educational opportunities in the future.
If you are convicted of DUI, you can also plan on paying more for auto insurance for a while. As a convicted drunk driver, most insurers will consider you a liability—often charging two to three times more than your current rates or simply refusing to insure you altogether (and, in many cases, it may be several years before you qualify for a lower rate).
Fortunately, an arrest for driving under the influence does not always end in a conviction. Indeed, many drivers are able to challenge their DUI and reduce or avoid the consequences of a drunk driving conviction. To learn how you can do the same, discuss your case with an experienced DUI defense attorney immediately after your arrest—submit your information online today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one in your area.
