Jackson Drug DUI Lawyer

Aggressive Defense for Drug DUI Charges in Mississippi

Driving under the influence of drugs is considered a serious crime in Mississippi. If you are caught driving while being impaired by drugs, you can be charged with a drug DUI. The penalties for a drug DUI conviction are severe and can have a lasting effect on your life. At Eichelberger Law Firm, PLLC, our Mississippi drug DUI attorneys know what it takes to build a solid defense and will fight to protect your rights. We will work tirelessly to get your charges reduced or dropped and will be there to guide you through every step of the legal process.

Call Eichelberger Law Firm, PLLC today at (601) 509-2050 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our drug DUI attorney in Jackson.

What is Considered a Drug DUI?

In Mississippi, a Drug DUI happens when an individual operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or controlled substances. The substances involved in these cases are not limited to just illegal drugs but can also include prescription medications that impair one's ability to drive safely.

If law enforcement suspects that you are driving under the influence of drugs, they may initiate a traffic stop and request you to undergo field sobriety tests or chemical testing, such as blood or urine analysis. The penalties for drug DUI convictions can be severe, and it's crucial to understand the legal implications.

To establish a drug DUI case, the prosecution typically needs to prove the following elements:

• Driving or Actual Physical Control: The prosecution must demonstrate that you were in control of a moving vehicle or operating it during the arrest. This could include actual driving or being found in the driver's seat with the keys in the ignition.
• Impairment: The prosecution needs to establish that you were under the influence of drugs or controlled substances at the time of the arrest, which significantly impaired your ability to drive safely. This impairment can be subjective and often relies on the observations of law enforcement officers.
• Substance Testing: Chemical testing, such as blood or urine samples, may be used to catch the presence of drugs or their metabolites in your system. These tests can be pivotal in establishing impairment.

What are the Penalties for Drug DUI in Mississippi?

Penalties for drug DUI convictions in Mississippi can vary depending on several elements, including the presence of prior DUI convictions, the type of drugs involved, and the extent of impairment. The consequences of a drug DUI conviction may include:

• Driver's License Suspension: A drug DUI conviction often leads to a suspension of your driver's license, making it difficult to commute and impacting your daily life.
• Fines and Court Costs: You may be required to pay substantial fines and court costs, which can set a substantial financial burden on you.
• Probation: In some instances, you may be placed on probation, requiring you to adhere to specific conditions and check-ins with a probation officer.
• Substance Abuse Programs: The court may order you to attend drug education or rehabilitation programs as part of your sentence.
• Jail Time: Depending on the circumstances, you may face jail time, which can be particularly severe if multiple convictions exist.
• Criminal Record: A drug DUI conviction will result in a permanent stain on your criminal record, which can have long-term consequences for your employment and personal life.
• Increased Insurance Costs: Your auto insurance premiums will likely increase significantly after a drug DUI conviction, making it more expensive to maintain coverage.

Defenses Against Drug DUI Charges

Some common defenses against drug DUI charges may include:

• Lack of Probable Cause: If law enforcement did not have a valid reason to pull you over or conduct the DUI investigation, it could lead to the dismissal of your case.
• Inaccurate Testing: We can challenge the accuracy and reliability of drug testing methods, highlighting potential errors in the analysis or chain of custody issues.
• Prescription Medication: If you were using prescription medication as directed by a medical professional, and it impaired your ability to drive, we can argue that you were not unlawfully impaired.
• Illegal Search and Seizure: If your rights were violated during the arrest, such as an unlawful search or seizure, we can challenge the admissibility of evidence.
• Rising Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): In cases involving alcohol and drugs, it is possible that your BAC was under the legal limit at the time of driving but increased afterward, making you appear more impaired during testing.

How a Drug DUI Lawyer Can Help You

When faced with drug DUI charges, an experienced lawyer can be an invaluable asset. Here's how a drug DUI lawyer can help you:

• Legal Expertise: A skilled drug DUI lawyer has in-depth knowledge of the state's DUI laws, regulations, and legal precedents. They can accurately interpret the charges against you and craft a robust defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.
• Evidence Examination: Your lawyer will meticulously scrutinize the prosecution's evidence, including police reports, field sobriety tests, and chemical testing results. They will identify any inconsistencies or errors that could weaken the prosecution's case.
• Procedure and Negotiation: A seasoned lawyer knows the intricacies of the legal process and can ensure that all procedural requirements are met. They can also negotiate with prosecutors to seek reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even case dismissal, depending on the circumstances.
• Court Representation: Should your case proceed to trial, your attorney will represent you in court, presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and making compelling arguments to advocate for your acquittal or the best possible outcome.
• Support and Guidance: Navigating the legal system can be daunting, but your lawyer will be there to guide you through every step, offering support, answering your questions, and helping you understand your rights and options.

Why Choose Eichelberger Law Firm, PLLC?

Choosing the right legal representation is crucial when facing drug DUI charges. Here’s why Eichelberger Law Firm, PLLC stands out:

• Proven Track Record: Our firm has successfully handled numerous drug DUI cases, earning favorable outcomes for our clients through diligent and aggressive defense strategies.
• Dedicated Focus: At Eichelberger Law Firm, PLLC, we have experience with DUI defense, which means we stay current on all legal changes and breakthroughs relevant to these cases.
• Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize the needs and concerns of our clients, offering personalized legal services and ensuring that you feel supported and informed throughout the entire process.
• Comprehensive Defense: We leave no stone unturned in building your defense, from challenging the validity of the traffic stop to scrutinizing the reliability of chemical tests.
• Local Expertise: Our attorneys are deeply familiar with the local courts, prosecutors, and judges in Mississippi, giving us valuable insights that can benefit your case.
• Commitment to Success: We are dedicated to protecting your rights and fighting for the best possible resolution of your case, whether that involves reducing charges, negotiating alternative penalties, or securing a dismissal.

Call Eichelberger Law Firm, PLLC today at (601) 509-2050 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our experienced drug DUI attorney in Jackson. We are here to help you navigate this challenging time with confidence and expert legal support.