Jackson DUI Lawyer

Driving Under the Influence in Mississippi and Texas

In their eagerness to keep the roads clear from impaired drivers, law enforcement officials often overstep their boundaries. While their intentions may be good, the misguided actions of overzealous officers can ultimately prove devastating for those accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You deserve skilled legal representation from a caring and knowledgeable Jackson DUI attorney.

Call the Eichelberger Law Firm at (601) 509-2050 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a DUI lawyer serving Jackson, MS today!

Trust Our Jackson DUI Law Firm

Why people choose Eichelberger Law Firm:

• More than 20 years of combined legal experience in criminal defense
• Personalized attention for every client
• A Superb 10.0 Rating from Avvo
• Free and confidential consultations

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a DUI in Jackson, Mississippi, it’s imperative that you waste no time in securing legal representation and begin building the defense you need. We are well versed in our legal abilities and we will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome on your behalf.

What are the Penalties for DUI in Mississippi?

The penalties for driving under the influence(DUI) in Mississippi can differ greatly depending on the age of the driver, the blood alcohol content measured at the scene of the crime, and the driver’s history.

• First-time DUI offenders will face penalties such as fines up to $1,000, loss of driver's license up to 90 day and up to 48 hours in a Mississippi jail
• Consequences for your second DUI may include fines up to $1,500, loss of your Mississippi driver's license up to 2 years, and up to one year in jail
• For a third DUI conviction, you will see fines up to $5,000, loss of your Mississippi driver's license up to 5 years, and 1-5 years in jail.

how does a dui in your Mississippi affect your life?

These penalties can alone can prove devastating, but the negative impact of a DUI conviction does not end there. A license suspension, when combined with a record that includes a conviction for driving under influence, can make it very difficult to obtain or keep a job. Finding decent housing may also prove challenging once a criminal record is marred by DUI charges.

Field Sobriety Tests in Mississippi

The Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) is made of up 3 individual tests:

• In the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, the Jackson officer will observe the eyes of the person in question as they slowly move a pen or small object back and forth to look for indicators in each eye that the person is impaired.
• In the Walk-and-turn test, the Jackson officer instructs the person to take nine steps, touching heel-to-toe in a straight line and the return back. The officer is looking for signs that the person is impaired such as not being able to keep their balance or not following the instructions properly.
• In the One-leg stand test, the officer instructs the person to stand with one foot off the ground and hold it until told to put it down. The Jackson officer looks for signs of impairment such as swaying, hoping or using their arms to balance.

How our DUI Defense Lawyers serving Jackson, MS, Can Help You

J. Matthew Eichelberger of the Eichelberger Law Firm, PLLC is well versed in the negative impact of DUI charges in Jackson, MS. He also understands that, due to law enforcement issues such as inaccurate field sobriety tests, it is shockingly easy to receive an undeserved conviction. 

In such cases, the goal of our Jackson DUI attorney is to gather the evidence necessary to have the accused individual’s DUI case dismissed. Evidence examined may include the officer’s report or video footage of the incident and arrest.

Schedule a free consultation with a DUI attorney serving Mississippi by calling us at (601) 509-2050or contact us online. 

A DUI lawyer can help you in the following ways:

• Investigate your criminal case: A DUI lawyer will thoroughly examine your arrest, and will check that the police officer obeyed the law appropriately. Your criminal defense attorney will know the ins and outs of the law, and will have the skills and experience necessary to help protect your legal rights.
• Provide objective legal advice: Having objective legal guidance is important for ensuring that your rights and your future is protected. Your lawyers in Jackson will be by your side to answer any questions that you may have, and to guide and support you. Your DUI lawyer will be there to help and guide you through each step of the way.
• Gather evidence: Gathering evidence is a critical component for defending your DUI case. Your DUI lawyers will have the skills and experience necessary to effectively collect evidence to support you, including flaws in chemical tests, and information regarding the procedure that was used to asses your tests in the laboratory.
• Offer emotional support: Having an experienced DUI lawyer to help guide and support you can be a tremendous support system for you during this time. It can offer you the emotional reassurance that you need.
• Represent you in a Mississippi court: If your DUI case gets taken to Mississippi court, your criminal defense attorney will be there to support and represent you. Having a reputable DUI attorney to represent you in the Jackson courtroom is critical for protecting your rights and your future.

Can a DUI charge result in jail time?

The specific penalties for a DUI conviction in Mississippi depend on various factors, including the number of prior offenses and the circumstances surrounding the offense. For a first DUI offense (misdemeanor), the penalties may include up to 48 hours in jail, fines ranging from $250 to $1,000, and a 120-day license suspension. However, it's important to note that these penalties can vary, and repeat offenses or aggravated circumstances can lead to more severe consequences, including longer jail sentences.

For clients choosing to plead guilty, alternatives to jail time, or possibly even conviction, may be available. These will generally include a combination of fines, fees, the installation of an ignition interlock device, and participation in alcohol education classes, although drug treatment and probation may also be required. 

Choosing The Right Mississippi DUI Attorney

New laws give Jackson DUI attorneys several tools to lessen the burden placed upon a person charged with a DUI in Mississippi. Also, clients interested in achieving expungement of old DUI charges are encouraged to seek assistance from the Eichelberger Law Firm, PLLC.

Suggested Reading:

• DUI "OTHER" AND THE DRUG WHISPERERS - ARRESTING THE INNOCENT
• MISSISSIPPI DUI: WE WROTE THE BOOK ON IT. LITERALLY.

At the Eichelberger Law Firm, PLLC, you will receive high-quality representation, thereby minimizing the future impact of your current DUI charges. Call (601) 509-2050 now or contact our experienced DUI defense lawyer serving Jackson online.

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