Pass Christian Felony DUI Lawyer

Pass Christian Felony DUI Attorney

Most DUI charges in Mississippi come with long-term consequences. This is especially true if your DUI is being charged as a felony, as felonies are seen as more severe offenses that can lead to stiffer legal and personal penalties, ranging from longer jail sentences to trouble finding employment. If you or a loved one are facing a severe DUI in Mississippi, do not wait to hire a skilled Pass Christian felony DUI lawyer to protect your rights and your future.

Miller Law Offices: Your Felony DUI Team

At the Miller Law Offices, our team has spent years advocating for the rights of Mississippi residents fighting criminal charges. We understand just how daunting a felony DUI charge can be and are committed to providing you with support, advice, and aggressive representation throughout your case. We devote the time and attention each client deserves to adequately tailor powerful legal defenses that aim to secure the most optimal outcome for your case.

Whether it means fighting to have charges dismissed, negotiating for a reduction in charges, or arguing your innocence in court, you can trust the team at Miller Law Offices to fight for your rights throughout a felony DUI case in Pass Christian.

DUIs in Mississippi Explained

A “DUI” is a legal term that refers to the act of an individual driving under the influence of a substance that left them impaired. When a driver is impaired, this means their ability to drive safely is below legally acceptable standards. In Mississippi, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% for drivers over 21 and 0.02% for underage drivers. Law enforcement can use field sobriety tests, breath tests, and blood tests to determine if a driver is impaired.

Substances that can impair a driver and lead to DUI charges include:

• Alcohol
• Street drugs like methamphetamines, marijuana, and others
• Prescription medicines such as sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, opioid painkillers, and more
• Some over-the-counter medicines, like NyQuil and Benadryl, that make a user drowsy

Kyle Miller

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Understanding Felony DUIs in Mississippi

In Mississippi, first-time DUI offenses are filed as misdemeanor charges. Punishments for a misdemeanor conviction can include a fine of up to $1000, up to 48 hours of jail time, and suspended driver’s license suspension for 120 days. A second offense within five years is also classified as a misdemeanor, with higher fines, longer jail time, and license suspension. An interlock ignition device (IID) may also be installed in the defendant’s vehicle.

When a third DUI occurs within five years, it is no longer classified as a misdemeanor in Mississippi. Instead, this DUI is now charged as a felony, as are any subsequent DUI charges within that period. The penalties are significantly higher for felony DUIs, including fines of up to $5000 and between one and five years of mandated prison time.

What Is an Aggravated DUI in Mississippi?

An aggravated DUI is an elevated DUI charge in Mississippi that occurs when an impaired driver injures another person or causes their death. In this case, Mississippi defines an injury as disfigurement, permanent disability, or destruction of any part of someone’s body. Offenders can be charged with a separate felony for every victim who is injured or killed, even for a first-time DUI offense.

Penalties for aggravated DUIs are much more severe, including up to 25 years in prison upon conviction. Offenders can also be charged with a separate felony for every victim who is injured or killed, even for a first-time DUI offense. If you are being charged with an aggravated DUI in Pass Christian, it is critical that you seek legal aid from a skilled defense lawyer who can help you better understand the charges against you.

The Importance of Working With an Experienced DUI Lawyer

DUI laws in Mississippi are complicated, and when your future is at stake, it’s vital that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of a felony DUI case. A skilled felony DUI lawyer can assess every detail of your case, working to build a defense that pursues justice and works to secure the most optimal outcome possible in your situation.

An experienced felony DUI lawyer can represent your rights, negotiate for reduced or dismissed charges, and support you through every step of your case. To protect your future and combat a complex DUI charge in Pass Christian, reach out to the Miller Law Offices.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Mississippi?

A: The cost of a DUI lawyer in Mississippi depends on several elements. These include how complex the case is, whether anyone was hurt or killed if you caused an accident, the lawyer’s reputation and experience, their fee structure, and if the case goes to trial. You should always ask about fees and payment in your initial consultations to ensure you understand your lawyer’s expectations.

Q: Can a Felony DUI Be Expunged in Mississippi?

A: No, a felony DUI cannot be expunged in Mississippi. Typically, only a first-time DUI offense, which is a misdemeanor, can be expunged in Mississippi. However, even in those cases, the offender must meet certain requirements to get their charge expunged, such as not having refused a breath or blood test, completing all sentencing requirements, and meeting a mandated wait period. At that point, they may be eligible to petition to have the charge expunged.

Q: How Many DUIs Result in a Felony Charge in Mississippi?

A: A third DUI conviction within five years is charged as a felony in Mississippi, and any subsequent DUI charges within five years will be as well. In some cases, a first-time DUI offense can be a felony, such as when it leads to an accident where another person is seriously hurt or killed or if the driver was operating a commercial vehicle at the time.

Q: How Do You Get a DUI Dismissed in Mississippi?

A: In Mississippi, you can sometimes get a DUI dismissed with powerful legal representation and strong evidence. However, doing so can be difficult. In most cases, your strongest chance of getting a DUI charge dismissed is to prove to fight the prosecution’s evidence. This may be done by challenging the evidence’s validity or by challenging how the evidence was collected. You should talk to our Pass Christian DUI lawyer to learn more about fighting for dismissal.

Your Pass Christian Felony DUI Team

At the Miller Law Offices, we know how overwhelming it can be to face felony DUI charges, especially if you’re doing so alone. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, powerful legal representation and support as you navigate your proceedings. We fight for favorable outcomes and ensure our clients’ rights are prioritized. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.