You will have to face certain Mississippi drunk driving penalties if you are found to be driving under influence of alcohol with a BAC level of 0.8 or higher. For commercial drivers, the BAC limit is 0.04, and for under-21 drivers, it is 0.2. It is also important to note that when you are stopped by a traffic official under the suspicion of drunk driving and are asked to take a chemical test to determine the BAC level, you must not refuse. Refusal to take the test will attract an immediate license suspension for a period of ninety days. This penalty will remain intact even if the charges against you get dismissed in the courtroom.
First Dui Conviction In Mississippi
The first dui conviction attracts the following Mississippi drunk driving penalties.
- Your driving license will be suspended for a maximum period of three months. However, you can apply for a limited license after thirty days from the date of the suspension.
- The minimum monetary fine is $250; the maximum is $1000
- You are also likely to be sent to jail imprisonment for a maximum period of forty-eight hours.
- The court is also very much likely to order the convict to attend Victim Impact Panel and complete an Alcohol Safety Education Program. You will have to bear any fees required for the enrollment in such courses.
Second Dui Conviction In Mississippi
A second time conviction in a dui case will result in the following Mississippi drunk driving penalties.
- You will have to participate in community service for a minimum period of ten days and for a maximum period of 365 days.
- Your driving license will be suspended for twenty four months
- You will have to pay a minimum monetary fine of %600; the maximum fine can be as high as $1500
- Minimum five days of jail term is mandatory, which can be extended up to twelve months as per court order.
- Other possible penalties include attending Victim Impact Panel, completing an Alcohol Safety Education Program, and immobilization or impoundment of all vehicles that are registered in your name.
- Once you get your license back, you may be ordered to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle for a minimum period of six months from the date of license reinstatement.
Third Dui Conviction In Mississippi
You will face the following Mississippi drunk driving penalties if you get convicted in a dui case for a third time.
- Your vehicle will be seized
- It will be mandatory for you to complete a drug or alcohol abuse program
- Your driving license will be suspended for a period of five years
- The monetary fine will be at least $2000 and a maximum of $5000
- The jail imprisonment period may range from one to five years
- Other possible penalties may include attending Victim Impact Panel, completing Alcohol Safety Education Program, immobilization or impoundment of all vehicles that are registered in your name, permanent vehicle forfeiture, and/or ignition interlock.