Impaired driving convictions in Mississippi can result in considerable legal penalties. They range from having to use ignition interlocks and taking alcohol education classes to having to spend time in jail or pay fines.
Being convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) also results in with serious collateral consequences. The following are some of the most consequential concerns related to impaired driving offenses in Mississippi that all motorists should be aware of, given all that is at stake.
Per se drunk driving standard
The per se drunk driving standard in Mississippi is .08%, which means that a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is all that’s needed to face a drunk driving charge. No other evidence is necessary in these cases.
Zero tolerance policy for underage drunk driving
Mississippi has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drunk driving. The BAC limit for anyone under 21 years old is set at .02%. This means that an underage driver who has a BAC at or above that limit will face criminal charges.
Ignition interlock devices are sometimes required
Ignition interlock devices, which require the driver to breathe into a breath test machine in order the vehicle to start, are required in all second and subsequent drunk driving cases. It’s up to the court if one is required for a person who’s convicted of a first DUI.
Charges are more serious with minors in the vehicle
If a driver is 21 years old and has someone 16 or younger in the vehicle, they can face a child endangerment DUI. The penalties that can stem from this charge depend on whether the child is injured because of the drunk driving.
Aggravated drunk driving charges are unique
Aggravated drunk driving charges in some states are set based on the BAC of the driver at the time of their arrest. In Mississippi, aggravated drunk driving charges only apply to people who are commercial drivers.
It’s critical for anyone who’s facing drunk driving charges to explore their defense strategy options. Working with a legal representative who can explain them and help to build the chosen defense is critical for defendants because these cases can often be complex and consequential in equal measure.
