DUI Defense Attorneys in Hattiesburg

Let Our Team of DUI Defense Attorneys Protect Your Rights in Laurel 

If you have been arrested for DUI, don't panic. You are not alone, and you do not have to face your DUI charges without an attorney. You have options, and you can fight back against your allegations. The best way to do that is by enlisting the help of an experienced DUI defense attorney in Hattiesburg, MS. At Johnson, Ratliff & Waide, PLLC, we are dedicated to providing the best DUI defense for our clients, and we will work tirelessly to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

To learn more about our DUI defense services in Hattiesburg, contact us online or call us at (601) 202-8570 today.

What Is Involved in a Mississippi DUI Case?

DUI cases involve a lot of different factors, and the outcome of your case will depend on a number of different things. For example, the facts of your case will be different from the facts of another case, and the actions of law enforcement will depend on the specific facts of your case. Also, the prosecutor's office will depend on the facts of your case, and they may or may not be willing to negotiate with you.

Generally, a DUI case goes through the following stages:

• Arrest
• Breath or blood test
• Arraignment
• Plea or trial
• Jury trial
• Sentencing

At each stage of your DUI case, you can be facing different penalties and consequences. For example, you can face jail time or fines at the time of your arrest. If you refuse to take a chemical test at the time of your arrest, you can face a longer license suspension period. If you take a chemical test and the results are above the legal limit, you can face a fine and jail time.

What Is the DUI Per Se Law in Mississippi?

The DUI per se law is a law that makes it illegal to operate a vehicle while intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or more. This means that an officer can pull you over and arrest you for a DUI if they believe you are intoxicated. There is no need to prove that you were driving recklessly or that your driving was impaired.

This law is based on the presumption that a person with a BAC of .08 percent or more is intoxicated. However, there are certain situations in which this presumption does not apply. For example, if a person's physical condition prevents them from absorbing alcohol or if a medication causes a person to be impaired, the presumption does not apply.

Mississippi DUI Penalties

In Mississippi, you can face a DUI charge if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is above .08 percent. The penalties for a DUI in Mississippi depend on the circumstances surrounding the offense. 

For example, a first-time DUI will be charged as a misdemeanor, but a second DUI within five years will be charged as a felony.

The penalties for a misdemeanor DUI include:

• A $250-$1,000 fine
• A jail sentence of up to six months
• License suspension
• An alcohol assessment and/or treatment

The penalties for a felony DUI include:

• A $1,000-$5,000 fine
• A jail sentence of up to five years
• An alcohol assessment and/or treatment
• A license suspension
• A vehicle impound
• An ignition interlock device

In addition to these penalties, you can also be facing other consequences. For example, you can be facing a damaged reputation, which can make it difficult to find a job or an apartment. You can also be facing an increased insurance premium, which can make your insurance more expensive.

How Can a DUI Lawyer Help Me?

If you have been charged with a DUI in Mississippi, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. Our team of DUI defense attorneys in Hattiesburg, MS can help you with your case. We can represent you in court and help you negotiate with the prosecutor's office. We can also help you with license reinstatement and help you get your license back.

Our team of DUI defense attorneys in Hattiesburg, MS has handled thousands of cases. We know what to expect, and we know how to handle a case from start to finish. We understand how a DUI arrest works and how a chemical test works. We understand how the police operate and how to defend against the evidence that the prosecutor's office has against you. We know how to negotiate with the prosecutor's office, and we know how to get the best results for our clients.

Contact Our Firm Today

If you are facing DUI charges, you need an experienced Hattiesburg DUI lawyer on your side. At Johnson, Ratliff & Waide, PLLC, our goal is to get your DUI charges reduced or dismissed. We know how the system works and can help you navigate it. We will pursue all possible defenses for your case and work hard to get you the best possible outcome.

Schedule your free consultation with our Hattiesburg DUI lawyers today!