Waveland Felony DUI Lawyer
Waveland Felony DUI Attorney
A Mississippi felony driving under the influence (DUI) charge can mean significant stress and uncertainty about your future. We understand how you may be feeling, and our experienced Waveland felony DUI lawyer can provide assistance and support through this difficult time.
How Mississippi Defines a DUI
Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is against the law in every state in the United States, including Mississippi. A DUI charge can be the result of a traffic stop and the driver failing a field sobriety test. In other cases, the driver has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that exceeds the legal limit of 0.08%.
The state also operates under “implied consent.” This means that anyone applying for a driver’s license automatically consents to undergo chemical testing if they are lawfully arrested on the suspicion they are driving under the influence. Chemical tests include breath, blood, and urine testing.
The Potential Penalties for a Felony DUI Conviction
A third and any subsequent DUI conviction is classified as a felony, but the first and second convictions are misdemeanors. The state has a five-year “lookback” or “washout” period when determining the severity of a DUI offense. To classify it as a first, second, third, or fourth offense, authorities will look at the driver’s records from the prior five years.
Third Offense
If you are convicted of a third DUI offense, you will face a minimum term in prison, which can be extended based on the severity of the offense. There will be fines on top of the legal fees. Your license may be suspended upon release from prison, or you may be required to have an ignition interlock system (IID).
Additionally, all people convicted of a third DUI offense will be required to undergo drug and alcohol treatment programs. They will only get their licenses back after successfully completing the program.
Fourth and Subsequent Offenses
A fourth and all subsequent offenses come with fines and years in prison. Upon release, your driver’s license will be suspended for quite a while, and you will most likely be required to install an IID on any vehicle you own or operate for a minimum period. You could also lose your right to vote and possess firearms as a felon.
Aggravated DUI
An aggravated DUI is when the driver, regardless of how many prior convictions they have caused severe bodily harm or even death to another individual. If you are convicted of aggravated DUI in Waveland, Mississippi, you face imprisonment for many years. Following release, you will be on probation and most likely need to use an IID for a minimum number of years.
How a Felony DUI Conviction Will Impact Your Life and Future
While a felony DUI conviction comes with severe legal consequences, it also comes with potential social, financial, and emotional hardships.
Your License Will Be Revoked
A felony DUI conviction generally means your license will be revoked throughout your entire prison sentence and even after your release. If you do qualify to get your license back, you may need to use an IID device for several years.
Your Finances Will Be Strained
It is not only the fines and court fees that can cause a strain on your finances. You may also face:
- Loss of income and potentially your job due to incarceration
- Increased insurance premiums or difficulty finding affordable coverage
- IID costs, such as installation and monthly monitoring fees
- Loss of your vehicle
- Rehabilitation program and counseling costs
You May Experience Difficulty Finding Employment or Housing
If you have a felony record, employers may be hesitant to hire you, no matter how skilled or experienced you are. It will also limit the fields you can pursue, such as education, healthcare, and social services, due to public safety concerns.
You Could Experience Child Custody Issues
When making child custody decisions, the courts may factor in a felony conviction because it may raise concerns about your ability to provide a safe and stable environment for your child.
You May Lose Your Professional Licensing
Many professional licensing boards in Mississippi have the authority to revoke or suspend a license based on your felony DUI conviction. They may feel that you may not have good judgment or might put the public’s safety at risk.
Even if your license is not revoked, you might be put on probation, subject to fines, or forced to complete additional education or training courses to address any concerns about your fitness for your license.
Your Personal Relationships Might Suffer
Within your family, a conviction could put a strain on finances and create significant stress for everyone. The emotional toll on them can strain relationships, and they may feel hurt or betrayed by your actions.
It could also become difficult to maintain relationships due to restrictions and limitations put on your life due to a felony conviction. If you cannot drive your own car, you might miss activities with friends or important life milestones of family members.
Your Travel Opportunities Will Be Restricted
If you want to travel or move, a felony conviction can impact whether you can do so. Many countries require background checks as part of their visa application processes, and a felony may mean your visa will be denied. Even if you do not need a visa, the border patrol may ask about your criminal record, and you might be subject to additional searches and questioning.
You Might Feel Guilty and Shameful
Many people feel shame and guilt after a conviction, especially if their actions cause serious harm. It may cause an emotional burden that weighs on your mind for years, causing mental health struggles.
Get Legal Help
How a Felony DUI Lawyer Can Support You
Felony DUI charges in Mississippi can mean severe, life-altering consequences. Choosing an experienced Waveland DUI defense attorney is important when navigating through the court process. At the Miller Law Offices, our legal team possesses an in-depth understanding of the state’s DUI laws, legal processes, and relevant cases.
We are dedicated to conducting thorough investigations, crafting a robust and effective defense strategy, and working to mitigate the potential penalties our clients may face.
Contact Our Waveland Felony DUI Lawyer
Felony DUI charges in Waveland can carry significant and long-term consequences. Contact the Miller Law Offices right away to protect your rights and future.
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