DUI Lawyers in Brandon Mississippi
If you have been arrested for a DUI in Brandon Mississippi, you could be facing a range of consequences. According to the Mississippi Department of Highway Safety, a first-time DUI carries with it fines that can range anywhere from $250 to $1,000, time in jail, and require that the offender attend an alcohol safety education program. First-time DUI offenses can also come with driver’s license suspension of up to 90 days.
How much must you have had to drink to get charged with a DUI? It depends. If you are a non-commercial driver, you are considered drunk if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 or higher. Commercial vehicle drivers are considered drunk if their blood alcohol concentration is 0.04 or higher. And drivers under the age of 21 can get charged with drunk driving if their blood alcohol concentration is above 0.02.
A police officer has the right to pull you over if you break a law, or if the officer has reason to believe you may be in the process of breaking the law. If, upon pulling you over, an officer suspects you have been drinking and driving, you may be required to submit to a breath or blood test to determine your blood alcohol concentration. Mississippi law dictates that any person who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle has consented to submit to a breath or blood test if they are suspected of using substances while driving. Refusing to submit to a breath or blood test can result in the automatic suspension of your license. Depending on whether you have a prior DUI, you could face suspension of your license for anywhere between 90 days to one year. Furthermore, refusing to submit to a blood or breath test could be used in court against you.
So, what can you do if you are under arrest for a DUI in Brandon, Mississippi? Assert your right to remain silent. This means, tell officers that you will answer no questions. This is your legal right. Then, ask to speak to your Brandon Mississippi driving under the influence lawyer. The Law Office of Andrew Sorrentino is a DUI law firm in Brandon, Mississippi that can assist you with defending your DUI charges. There may be several options available to you if you are facing DUI charges.
What are my Options if I am Facing a DUI Charge in Brandon, Mississippi?
You may have several options if you are facing DUI charges in Brandon, Mississippi. Every case is unique, and before choosing a course of action, you may want to speak to the Brandon MS DUI attorneys at The Law Office of Andrew Sorrentino. If the evidence that you committed a crime was strong, some individuals may be able to take a plea deal in exchange for agreeing to enter alcohol treatment courses. However, sometimes the evidence that a person committed a DUI is not strong. Sometimes police don’t have a lawful reason to pull a person over, and sometimes officers might racially profile drivers. If officers failed to properly gather evidence, didn’t have proper probable cause to stop you, or made mistakes in your arrest, you may be able to get your charges dropped or reduced. In some cases, individuals may appear to be intoxicated, but they may have a medical condition that could make this seem to be the case. This may also be a strong defense against a drunk driving charge. Finally, if you weren’t drinking and driving or weren’t impaired, but are being charged with this crime, having a DUI lawyer in Brandon, Mississippi on your side can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Contact The Law Office of Andrew Sorrentino, and speak with a Brandon MS DUI attorney today to learn more about your options and rights under the law.
Subsequent DUIs and Criminal Charges in Mississippi
If this is not your first DUI, the stakes are much higher. Second and third-time and subsequent DUI consequences can be far more serious than a first-time offense. You can face higher fines, a longer prison sentence, and can lose your driving privileges for a longer period of time. In some cases, your car can even be impounded. If this is not your first DUI, consider reaching out to The Law Office of Andrew Sorrentino, a DUI law firm in Brandon, Mississippi today.
Protect Your Rights
If you are facing DUI charges in Brandon Mississippi, this might be a very scary time for you and your family. Navigating the criminal justice system can be overwhelming and challenging. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. Attorney Andrew Sorrentino is a DUI lawyer in Brandon, Mississippi who can help you defend yourself and who can fight for your rights. There are many collateral consequences associated with having a DUI on your record. You could face higher insurance premiums, end up with a criminal record, and may face difficulty applying to certain jobs with this on your record. Fortunately, Andrew Sorrentino is a Brandon Mississippi DUI attorney who can review your case, help you understand your rights and options under the law, and fight to help you get the best possible outcome.
Being charged with a DUI (driving under the influence) can lead to jail time, fines and the suspension of your license—but the lasting consequences of drunk driving can linger for years to come. Without the ability to drive, you could lose your job, which is why the right DUI lawyer can literally change your life.
Choosing the best DUI lawyer in Brandon Mississippi to fight for you can change the outcome of your case and get you back on your feet.
With attorney Andrew Sorrentino representing you, you can expect:
- Experience: The Law Office of Andrew Sorrentino and its attorneys have acted as DUI law firm on countless cases, working hard to defend the rights of those charged with a DUI in Brandon Mississippi.
- Personal Attention: Andrew Sorrentino works with you to ensure your questions are answered and your needs are met at all levels.
- A Fair Fight: The Andrew of Andrew Sorrentino and its attorneys understand the law and the court system.
If you or someone you know is in need of a DUI lawyer contact our law offices today to schedule a consultation.
Understanding DUI Laws in Mississippi
What are the penalties of a DUI?
| 1st Offense | 2nd Offense | 3rd Offense | |
| Jail | Up to 48 hours | 5 days up to 1 year | 1 year up to 5 years |
| Fines | $250-$1000 | $600-$1500 | $2000-$5000 |
| License Suspension | Up to 90 days | Up to 2 years | Up to 5 years |
Depending on the circumstances, other penalties may include restitution payments, vehicle seizure, and/or drug or alcohol program completion. Mississippi’s “Washout Period”—the period of time that prior DUIs are relevant for sentencing—is five years.
What’s considered “driving under the influence” in Mississippi?
DUIs are determined by a person’s blood alcohol level. Mississippi’s blood alcohol levels for a DUI are:
Under 21: .02%
21 or older: .08%
Driving a commercial vehicle: .04%
Is it possible to plead a lesser defense?
No, a plea bargain for a conviction of “wet reckless”—reckless driving involving alcohol—is barred in the state of Mississippi, which is why retaining an experienced Brandon Mississippi DUI lawyer is important for your case. If you or someone you know has been arrested for a DUI contact us today.
If you are facing DUI charges in Brandon MS, your driver’s license, your freedom, and your reputation may be on the line. You have the right to dispute the charges in court. There are many DUI defenses available to individuals facing these charges. The Law Office of Andrew Sorrentino are qualified DUI lawyers in Brandon, Mississippi who work closely with individuals facing DUI charges. Our firm can fight to have your charges reduced to a “wet reckless” or fight to have your charges dropped entirely, if appropriate. Contact us today to learn more about your options and rights. Choosing the best Brandon MS DUI attorney for you can make all the difference in helping you obtain the best possible outcome.