DUI & Intoxication Crimes

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Most DUI arrests in Mississippi are misdemeanors – but the consequences can nevertheless be severe, costly, and extremely inconvenient. Potential costs of a DUI arrest may include impact to your career advancement or job choices, potential risks to professional licenses or security clearances, higher auto insurance rates, social stigma, and restrictions on travel to certain foreign countries such as Canada. Due to the potential long-term personal and economic impacts of a criminal DUI arrest, hiring an experienced and reputable criminal defense attorney is one of the most important long-term investments you can make in your future. If you’ve been charged with a DUI or intoxication crime in South Mississippi, Gulfport - Biloxi, Mississippi, criminal defense attorney Sean Buckley is ready to fight for your legal rights and defend your reputation.

What is a DUI in Mississippi?

Mississippi Code §63-11-30, in general terms, makes it unlawful for a person to drive or otherwise operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other substance. A person may also commit DUI in Mississippi by having a certain blood alcohol concentration (BAC) as follows:

0.08% for adults 21 and over;
0.02% for persons under 21
0.04% for persons operating commercial vehicles

DUI convictions in Mississippi carry potential punishments as listed below, as well as the potential for driver’s license suspensions that vary according to the person’s DUI history and/or the circumstances of the offense.

DUI First Offense

The maximum jail sentence for a first-time DUI offense is 180 days in jail. Fortunately, for cases that aren’t capable of being resolved with dismissals or “not guilty” verdicts, we’re typically able to negotiate resolutions with no additional jail time ordered. Consequences for a DUI first offense in Mississippi are set by state law and include:

Jail time up to 48 hours (may be substituted for attendance at a “victim impact panel” upon a judge’s order);
Fines of $250 - $1,000;
Mandatory driver’s license suspension of 120 days.

Second Offense DUI

Consequences for a Second Offense DUI committed within 5 years of the prior DUI are set by state law and include:

$600 - $1,500 fine
5 days to 6 months in jail
Community service work for 10 days to 6 months
Mandatory driver’s license suspension of 1 year.

Third Offense DUI

Consequences for a Third Offense DUI committed within 5 years of the prior offense are set by state law and include:

$2,000 - $5,000 fine
1 year – 5 years incarceration in the MDOC; or in the county jail, at the discretion of the judge, when the offense did not involve serious injury or death to any person
Driver’s license suspension for the full period of the person’s sentence, and then, may drive only under an ignition interlock restricted license for 3 years.

Fourth and Subsequent Offense DUI

Consequence for a Fourth and Subsequent Offense DUI (without regard to the time period since the last DUI) are set by state law and include:

$3,000 - $10,000 fine
2 years – 10 years incarceration in the MDOC
No driving without ignition interlock device for a period of 10 years;
Driver’s license suspension for the full period of the person’s sentence, and then, may drive only under an ignition interlock restricted license for 10 years.

Aggravated DUI

Anyone committing DUI who negligently causes death or serious injury to another person is guilty of a separate felony for each victim and shall be committed to the MDOC for 5-25 years for each victim, and multiple convictions may be run concurrently or consecutively at the discretion of the judge.

Court may order ignition interlock restriction as a condition of probation or post-release supervision up to 5 years.

DUI Child Endangerment

Anyone over 21 years old who commits DUI while transporting a child under 16 is guilty of the separate offense of endangering a child by DUI. The offense shall not be merged with the DUI offense for purposes of prosecution and sentencing. Punished as follows:

No serious injury or death of a child; first conviction = misdemeanor; fined up to $1,000 and imprisoned up to 12 months, or both
No serious injury or death, second conviction = misdemeanor; fined $1,000 - $5,000 or imprisoned for 1 year, or both.
No serious injury or death, third conviction = felony; fined $10k or more and imprisoned 1 -5 years in MDOC
Serious injury or death, regardless of the number of priors if any = felony; fine not less than $10,000 and imprisoned 5 years – 25 years MDOC.

Whatever the circumstances, if you’ve been charged with a DUI or intoxication crime in South Mississippi, Gulfport- Biloxi,

Mississippi criminal defense attorney Sean Buckley is ready to fight for your legal rights and defend your reputation.

What Legal Fees Should I Expect?

As with any reputable law firm, we determine legal fees on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the complexity and seriousness of the matter, as well as the anticipated workload. In most cases, Mr. Buckley can determine the legal fee during the free initial consultation.

When Should I Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney?

Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney right away if you’ve been charged with a DUI or Intoxication Crime, or if you have reason to believe you’re under investigation.

If you’re contacted by criminal investigators, consult with an attorney before making any statements. Never give police consent to search your computer, phone, car, home, or office without a warrant. And remember – your decision to hire a criminal defense attorney with a proven track record in DUI and Intoxication Crimes cases will be one of the most significant factors affecting the outcome of your case.

Regardless of the circumstances, and regardless of the DUI and Intoxication Crimes allegations against you, Gulfport - Biloxi, Mississippi criminal defense attorney Sean Buckley is ready to fight for your rights and defend your reputation.

If you’ve been charged with a DUI or Intoxication Crime, or believe you may be under investigation, contact the Law Offices of Sean Buckley today to schedule your free consultation. We’re dedicated to protecting your legal rights and providing the strong defense you deserve.

Each case is unique, and past successful results do not guarantee successful outcomes in future cases.

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