Mississippi Code Annotated § 63-11-30 deals with driving under the influence offenses.

A person can be guilty of a DUI if that person is operating a vehicle in the State of Mississippi while: (1) under the influence of intoxicating liquor, or (2) under the influence of any other substance which has impaired such person's ability to operate a motor vehicle, or (3) having a blood-alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. If the person is under the age of twenty-one, the limit is lowered to .02.

A person convicted of a DUI will be fined between two hundred fifty dollars ($250) and one thousand dollars ($1000). The person can also be imprisoned in the county jail for up to forty-eight (48) hours. In addition, the person’s driver’s license will be suspended for at least ninety days and until completion of alcohol safety education classes.

It is your right to refuse a breathalyzer test. However, a refusal in Mississippi results in an automatic ninety day suspension of your driver’s license, and no hardship license is available to a person who fails to submit to the breathalyzer.

There are procedures in place that must be followed by a police officer charging a person with a DUI. If those procedures are not followed, the DUI might be dismissed by the court.

A conviction for a DUI can have a very detrimental impact on a person’s life. If you have been charged with a DUI, it is very important that you hire a qualified attorney to represent you and look out for your rights. Call us and set up an appointment to discuss your case.