DUI Lawyer

Serving clients in Brandon, Jackson, and throughout Central Mississippi

Being pulled over and accused of driving under the influence (DUI), is a serious charge that will have significant consequences on your record should you be found guilty. There may be instances where the traffic stop was performed improperly or without cause, or where the officer did not properly perform the sobriety or breathalyzer test. Because of the potential damage a DUI conviction can cause, you need to secure the advice of an experienced DUI attorney at the law firm of Mel Coxwell as soon as possible.

For more information, see Questions About DUI.

For more information, see Questions About DUI Rights.

Read about Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL) and DUI Laws.

Mississippi DUI Law

Drunken driving laws throughout the country are getting tougher and Mississippi is no exception to this trend. Operation of a motor vehicle with a .08 blood alcohol level (BAC) or higher is strictly prohibited in Mississippi. There is a lower acceptable BAC for drivers under age 21 and those operating commercial vehicles.

• First offense - You will receive a fine of $250 to $1,000, may be imprisoned for up to 48 hours, or both. Your driver's license is suspended for 90 days or until you complete an alcohol education program. Depending on circumstances, you may also be required to attend a victim impact panel.
• Second offense - If the second offense occurs within five years of the first, you will be fined from $600 to $1,500. You will be ordered to spend at least five days in jail and may be incarcerated for up to one year. In addition, you will need to perform community service for at least ten days and perhaps as long as one year. Your license will be suspended for two years and you will be warned that another conviction may forfeit your vehicle.
• Third offense - If you are convicted a third time for DUI within five years it is considered a felony offense. You will be fined a minimum of $2,000 and up to $5,000, and serve from one to five years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections with no opportunity for a reduced sentence. Your vehicle is forfeited and your driver's license suspended for five years for the third conviction.

Implied Consent Law

Mississippi has an implied consent law, which means that you already agree to submit to a chemical blood, breath, or urine test if an officer has probable cause to believe you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol and operating a motor vehicle on the public roads of Mississippi. Refusing to submit the test will result in suspension of your driver's license for 90 days for the first offense and one year if it is a subsequent offense.

You have ten days to file a petition for a judicial review of your license suspension. At that time, the court will decide if the officer's request for a breath test was proper. It is important to retain a qualified DUI attorney to ensure that you get your refusal petition submitted accurately and on time, and present your evidence to the court.

Being arrested for DUI in Mississippi is a serious situation. If you are charged with DUI, you want to retain a knowledgeable DUI attorney as soon after your arrest as possible. The law offices of Mel Coxwell specialize in handling DUI cases. Please contact the experienced DUI attorneys at the Law Offices of Mel Coxwell today to protect your rights. We serve the Brandon and Jackson, Mississippi areas.

Mel Coxwell, P.A. serves clients in Brandon, Jackson, and other cities in Central Mississippi.

Mel Coxwell P.A. | 20 Eastgate Drive, Suite E | Brandon, Mississippi 39042