If you have been arrested for a DUI in Jackson Mississippi, you could be facing a range of consequences. According to the Mississippi Department of Highway Safety, a first-time DUI carries with it fines that can range anywhere from $250 to $1,000, time in jail, and require that the offender attend an alcohol safety education program. First-time DUI offenses can also come with driver’s license suspension of up to 90 days.
How much must you have had to drink to get charged with a DUI? It depends. If you are a non-commercial driver, you are considered drunk if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 or higher. Commercial vehicle drivers are considered drunk if their blood alcohol concentration is 0.04 or higher. And drivers under the age of 21 can get charged with drunk driving if their blood alcohol concentration is above 0.02.
A police officer has the right to pull you over if you break a law, or if the officer has reason to believe you may be in the process of breaking the law. If, upon pulling you over, an officer suspects you have been drinking and driving, you may be required to submit to a breath or blood test to determine your blood alcohol concentration. Mississippi law dictates that any person who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle has consented to submit to a breath or blood test if they are suspected of using substances while driving. Refusing to submit to a breath or blood test can result in the automatic suspension of your license. Depending on whether you have a prior DUI, you could face suspension of your license for anywhere between 90 days to one year. Furthermore, refusing to submit to a blood or breath test could be used in court against you.
So, what can you do if you are under arrest for a DUI in Jackson, Mississippi? Assert your right to remain silent. This means, tell officers that you will answer no questions. This is your legal right. Then, ask to speak to your Jackson Mississippi driving under the influence lawyer. Ballard Law, PLLC is a DUI law firm in Jackson, Mississippi that can assist you with defending your DUI charges. There may be several options available to you if you are facing DUI charges.
What are my Options if I am Facing a DUI Charge in Jackson, Mississippi?
You may have several options if you are facing DUI charges in Jackson, Mississippi. Every case is unique, and before choosing a course of action, you may want to speak to the Jackson MS DUI attorneys at Ballard Law, PLLC. If the evidence that you committed a crime was strong, some individuals may be able to take a plea deal in exchange for agreeing to enter alcohol treatment courses. However, sometimes the evidence that a person committed a DUI is not strong. Sometimes police don’t have a lawful reason to pull a person over, and sometimes officers might racially profile drivers. If officers failed to properly gather evidence, didn’t have proper probable cause to stop you, or made mistakes in your arrest, you may be able to get your charges dropped or reduced. In some cases, individuals may appear to be intoxicated, but they may have a medical condition that could make this seem to be the case. This may also be a strong defense against a drunk driving charge. Finally, if you weren’t drinking and driving or weren’t impaired, but are being charged with this crime, having a DUI lawyer in Jackson, Mississippi on your side can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Contact Ballard Law, PLLC, and speak with a Jackson MS DUI attorney today to learn more about your options and rights under the law.
Subsequent DUIs and Criminal Charges in Mississippi
If this is not your first DUI, the stakes are much higher. Second and third-time and subsequent DUI consequences can be far more serious than a first-time offense. You can face higher fines, a longer prison sentence, and can lose your driving privileges for a longer period of time. In some cases, your car can even be impounded. If this is not your first DUI, consider reaching out to Ballard Law, PLLC, a DUI law firm in Jackson, Mississippi today.
Protect Your Rights
If you are facing DUI charges in Jackson Mississippi, this might be a very scary time for you and your family. Navigating the criminal justice system can be overwhelming and challenging. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. Ballard Law, PLLC are DUI lawyers in Jackson, Mississippi who can help you defend yourself and who can fight for your rights. There are many collateral consequences associated with having a DUI on your record. You could face higher insurance premiums, end up with a criminal record, and may face difficulty applying to certain jobs with this on your record. Fortunately, Ballard Law, PLLC is a Jackson Mississippi DUI attorney who can review your case, help you understand your rights and options under the law, and fight to help you get the best possible outcome.