Madison County DUI Lawyers
Relentless DUI Defense in Madison County
Have you been arrested for DUI in or around Madison County? You are likely worried about how this arrest will impact your future. Mississippi courts take driving under the influence very seriously. You could be facing a range of stiff penalties. However, you are entitled to your day in court, and no case is ever hopeless.
If you have been charged with DUI, you need an experienced DUI defense attorney in Madison County who can position your case for the best possible outcome. Contact Savant & Rich, LLC today to start building your defense.
Arrange for a free consultation with a Madison DUI attorney at (601) 869-5015 or contact us online.
What Are the DUI Laws in Mississippi?
As in other states, you can be arrested and charged with a DUI in Mississippi if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measures 0.08 percent or higher on a chemical test. If you are under 21, the legal BAC limit is 0.02 percent. If you hold a commercial license, the legal limit is 0.04 percent.
You can be arrested with these BAC levels whether you appear to be impaired or not. You can also be arrested if you appear to be impaired as observed by the arresting officer even though your BAC level is below the legal limit.
A pivotal part of understanding DUI laws in Mississippi is recognizing the administrative processes involved. After a DUI arrest, an administrative hearing will determine the status of your driver's license. It's critical to respond promptly to these hearings to potentially retain driving privileges. You have only 10 days from the date of arrest to request this hearing. If you fail to do so, your driver's license may be automatically suspended, regardless of whether your criminal case is resolved.
What Are the DUI Penalties in Mississippi?
While there are several factors that can play into the severity of the penalties for a DUI conviction, common DUI penalties include:
First offense DUI
- Up to 48 hours in jail
- A fine of $250 – $1,000
- A 90-day license suspension
- Completion of an alcohol safety program
Depending on the circumstances, such as a BAC of 0.08% or higher, you may also be required to install and maintain an ignition interlock device as a condition of driving during your license suspension period.
Second offense DUI
- 5 days up to 1 year in jail
- A fine of $600 – $1,500
- A 2-year license suspension
- Completion of an alcohol safety program
- Installation and maintenance of an ignition interlock device
Third offense DUI
- 1 to 5 years in jail
- A fine of $2,000 – $5,000
- A 5-year license suspension
- Completion of an alcohol safety program
- Installation and maintenance of an ignition interlock device
Other penalties that many people do not consider include increased auto insurance premiums as well as a permanent criminal record that can be accessed on a background check by future employers, landlords, professional license agencies, and others.
The consequences of a DUI conviction often extend beyond legal penalties, affecting one's personal and professional life. At Savant & Rich, LLC, we aim to mitigate these impacts by offering thorough defense strategies personalized to your unique needs.
Why Choose Savant & Rich, LLC?
- With the help of an attorney skilled in DUI defense, you may be able to limit the negative consequences or even have the charge dismissed.
- At Savant & Rich, LLC, your case will be managed by a legal team that includes a former prosecutor who has deep insight into how the state operates.
- More than 35 years of combined experience.
For a thorough and aggressive defense, we recommend that you contact us as soon as possible.
Choosing Savant & Rich, LLC means choosing a firm dedicated to your case's success through personalized strategies and a comprehensive understanding of local judicial tendencies. Our supportive approach ensures that we are with you every step of the way, from evaluating your case to representing you in court if necessary.
Call us today at (601) 869-5015 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation with the drunk driving attorneys at Savant & Rich, LLC, and get your defense underway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do Immediately After a DUI arrest in Madison County?
What Are the Typical Court Processes for a DUI Case in Madison County, MS?
In Madison County, a DUI case generally proceeds through several stages. It begins with an arraignment, where you are formally informed of the charges. This is followed by pre-trial motions and hearings, where evidence is examined, and legal arguments are made, often with the goal of dismissing charges or negotiating alternative resolutions. If a resolution isn't reached, the case may proceed to trial, where evidence is presented, witnesses are examined, and a defense is built. Throughout these stages, having skilled legal representation from Savant & Rich, LLC is crucial to navigate the complexities of Madison County courts, advocate on your behalf, and work towards the best possible outcome.
What are the Best Defenses Against a DUI Charge?
What are the Long-term Effects of a DUI Conviction in Mississippi?
How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in the State of Mississippi?
A DUI will stay on your driving record for five years in Mississippi and will stay permanently on your criminal history.
Can You Get a DUI Expunged in Mississippi?
You can get a DUI expunged in Mississippi, but the process cannot occur until five years after you have completed all of the court's requirements. There are 6 requirements to expunge a DUI:
- Did not refuse a blood, breath, or urine test;
- Your blood alcohol concentration was below 0.16 if tested;
- At the time of arrest, you were not the holder of a commercial driver's license or a commercial learner's permit
- After your conviction, you completed all terms and conditions of the sentence imposed for the conviction
- You have not been convicted of nor have any other driving under the influence charges pending; and
- You can explain to the court why the conviction should be expunged.
Understanding the expungement process is crucial, as a successful expungement can greatly improve your future opportunities. Our attorneys at Savant & Rich, LLC can guide you through this complex legal process.
Our experienced attorneys at Savant & Rich, LLC are committed to exploring every viable option in your defense, including nonadjudication, to help you maintain a clean record.
Are There Diversion Programs Available in Madison County?
Yes, for first-time DUI offenders in Madison County, there may be an opportunity to participate in a diversion program. These programs are designed for rehabilitation rather than punishment, offering a chance to avoid a criminal record by completing specific requirements such as attending alcohol education classes and community service. Eligibility criteria apply, and it's crucial to have legal guidance during the application process to maximize your chances of acceptance. Our team at Savant & Rich, LLC is dedicated to advising clients on their eligibility and helping them navigate these programs to preserve their future opportunities.
What Is Nonadjudication?
If you have been charged with a first offense DUI, your life is not over. In addition to your defense of the charge, you may have the option of nonadjudicating the DUI.
Under nonadjudication, judgment in your case is withheld pending the completion of court-ordered conditions. Those conditions include:
- Installation of an ignition interlock device for one-hundred and twenty (120) days in conjunction with a restricted license for the same OR suffering a one-hundred twenty day suspension of the person's driver's license;
- Completion of Mississippi Alcohol Safety Education Program (MASEP);
- Payment of fines, fees, and assessments.
Some courts also require:
- Alcohol or drug screening
- Attendance at a victim-impact panel
- Proof that the person has not committed any other traffic violations while under court supervision.
After successful completion of all court-ordered conditions, the court may enter an Order of Nonadjudication, which closes the case. The greatest benefit of nonadjudicating a DUI is that it allows a person who may have made one bad mistake to keep their record clean without suffering any of the negative effects of a DUI conviction.
How does a previous DUI conviction affect my current case?
Is It Worth Hiring a Lawyer for DUI?
While defense strategies exist for fighting a DUI, you will need a Madison County DUI attorney who understands all of the legal, scientific, and technical aspects of this offense. Our legal team has extensive experience in handling all facets of your DUI case.
Hiring a skilled lawyer is essential not only for understanding the complexities of DUI laws but also for effectively negotiating with prosecutors. At Savant & Rich, LLC, we focus on minimizing any potential legal repercussions and safeguarding your future.
Service You Want. Results You Need.
Read Our Most Recent Case Results
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.
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Trial – Not Guilty, Case Dismissed DUI
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Not Guilty, Case Dismissed DUI
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Jurisdictional Issue - Dismissed DUI
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Case Dismissed DUI
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Trial – Not Guilty DUI
6 Reasons to Trust Savant & Rich, LLC
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Proven Track Record of Success
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35 Years of Combined Experience
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1000's of Cases Handled | Hundreds of Jury Trials
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Former Prosecutor
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Strong Relationships in the Legal Community
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Client-Centered Representation