Hancock County DUI Lawyer
Hancock County DUI Attorney
Choosing to drive under the influence (DUI) can have a severe detrimental effect on your future. A DUI arrest and conviction can give you a criminal record, which can hurt every aspect of your life in different ways. A criminal record affects your job opportunities, hurts your social standing, and can even impact your personal relationships. When facing a DUI conviction, a Hancock County DUI lawyer can help you build a strong defense and explore expungement options.
A DUI conviction could significantly impact your life’s trajectory. The last thing you want is for a one-time mistake to define your entire future. An experienced DUI lawyer at Miller Law Offices can help you find a way to beat the charges, which may not always be as solid as you are led to believe. The prosecution still has to prove a number of important facts in order to land a conviction. Your lawyer can help you dispute those facts and introduce reasonable doubt.
Getting a DUI in Hancock County
More than 150 Mississippians are killed each year in DUI-related collisions. This tragic fact highlights the real and potential impact that driving under the influence (DUI) has on other motorists.
Mississippi has very serious and strict laws regarding DUIs. While a first offense may be considered a misdemeanor if no one is hurt, a third offense can result in felony charges, serious prison time, hefty fines, and a suspension of your driver’s license. A DUI conviction can have long-lasting effects on you and your family. Depending on the seriousness of the charge and certain aggravating factors, the court may decide to make an example out of you.
According to Mississippi state law, any driver of legal age who is found to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered to be legally drunk and may be arrested if they get behind the wheel of a car. If you are under the age of 18, you are considered to be above the legal limit if your BAC is found to be 0.02% or higher. If you are operating a commercial vehicle, the BAC limit for you is 0.04%.
Getting Arrested For DUI
Getting arrested for a DUI can feel quite defeating. You may think you have no possible defense and that your case is already over. That may not be the situation, and it’s important not to lose hope. Always remember that you are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, regardless of the charges against you. You are afforded a number of constitutional rights that cannot be infringed upon. These rights include your right to remain silent and your right to retain legal counsel.
When you exercise your right to remain silent, you are choosing not to say anything to the police. They may try to intimidate you or even guilt you into admitting fault. Their case against you may not be as strong as you’ve been led to believe, and they may be counting on you to confess. Simply request your lawyer and say nothing. When your lawyer arrives, let them do the talking for you.
Field Sobriety Tests in Mississippi
Mississippi tends to see DUI arrests spike during both the holidays and around local events, such as the annual Cruisin’ the Coast festival, which brings in thousands of drivers from all around the country. When local officials anticipate increased traffic, they tend to increase checkpoint stations and other manners of checking for sobriety, including field sobriety tests.
When you are pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving in Hancock, Mississippi, you may be asked to perform some field sobriety tests. These tests are designed to look for certain signs that you are drunk. Here are some of the field tests used in Mississippi on suspected drunk drivers:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test. This test analyzes your eye movements. The officer has you stand still and follow an object using only your eyes. Based on the way your eyes move, the officer can make a determination of whether you have alcohol in your system or not.
- Walk-and-Turn (WAT) Test. This tests your coordination. You simply have to walk in a straight line, then turn and walk back. If you are intoxicated, you may stumble or be unable to stay in a straight line.
- One-Leg Stand (OLS) Test. This test interprets your balance. You stand on one leg and count until you are told to stop. A person under the influence generally has poor balance and won’t be able to stand on one leg.
Get Legal Help
FAQs
Q: How Much Do Most Lawyers Charge for a DUI?
A: The amount of money a lawyer may charge you for their help navigating a DUI charge is dependent on the details of your case and the lawyer’s experience, education, availability, and resources. The more complicated your case is, the more your lawyer may charge for their services.
Q: Why Do Lawyers Drag Out DUI Cases?
A: Some lawyers may choose to drag out, or delay, DUI cases in order to help their clients. Sometimes your case may not be as clear-cut as you think. Your lawyer may need time to build a strong defense. Delaying the case gives them that time. Your lawyer needs to gather evidence, build a defense, and negotiate your position. Sometimes, the more time you have, the stronger your case can get.
Q: How Do You Choose the Right DUI Lawyer?
A: There are many different elements that go into choosing the right DUI lawyer. You want someone with experience, focused knowledge, empathy, and solid resources. A skilled DUI defense attorney in Hancock County should have a track record of success in DUI cases and solid communication skills. Above all, you want someone you can trust and rely on. Asking friends for referrals is a good strategy.
Q: Is a DUI Lawyer a Criminal Lawyer?
A: Yes, a DUI lawyer is a criminal defense lawyer. A criminal, defense lawyer focuses on helping clients who are facing criminal charges. DUI is a criminal offense in Mississippi. First time offenders are usually charged with a misdemeanor. Your lawyer can help you by building a strong defense, challenging the legality of the traffic stop itself, and looking into police misconduct.
Reach Out to a Hancock DUI Lawyer Today
Dealing with a DUI charge can be an embarrassing hassle, especially if you are trying to do so alone without any legal help. A good lawyer can help your case in more ways than one. Someone experienced can adapt successful strategies to your case and anticipate setbacks.
The legal team at Miller Law Offices can provide you with a strong defense and work tirelessly to fight the charges against you. Contact us to speak to a member of our team about how we can help your case.
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