DeSoto County DUI Lawyer
Aggressive Defense for Drunk Driving Cases in Olive Branch, Senatobia, Walls, & Surrounding Areas
Being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) can be a frightening experience, not only for you but also for your family. Losing your driver’s license and paying high fines are just the beginning of your legal troubles. A DUI conviction can have a devastating impact on your life, such as the loss of your job, the inability to get a loan, and the risk of losing your professional license. In addition, you may be required to attend Alcoholics Anonymous or other counseling sessions. Without a strong legal defense, you may end up with a permanent criminal record and a ruined reputation.
At Hayes Law Firm, our DeSoto County DUI defense attorney has the skills and experience to protect your rights and fight for your best interests. Attorney Hayes has handled hundreds of DUI cases and has obtained acquittals and dismissals in many of them. Our firm understands that the police and prosecutors will try to make your situation as bleak as possible. Our goal is to help you avoid the life-altering consequences of a DUI conviction by challenging the evidence against you and finding any possible legal defenses.
Schedule your free initial consultation with our DeSoto County DUI attorney by calling our firm at (662) 503-8409 or completing our online form.
What Is Considered Driving Under the Influence in Mississippi?
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety defines driving under the influence (DUI) as driving or operating a vehicle while:
- Under the influence of alcohol,
- Under the influence of any other intoxicating substance,
- Under the influence of a combination of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance, or
- Under the influence of any drug which causes impaired driving ability.
In addition, the DUI statute states that a person is considered to be driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle if the vehicle is moving or a part of the vehicle is moving. The statute also states that a person can be charged with DUI even if the vehicle is not in motion. This can occur if the vehicle is stopped but the person is still in control of the vehicle.
The penalties for DUI depend on whether it is a first offense or a subsequent offense. A DUI conviction is considered a subsequent offense if the person has been previously convicted of DUI, reckless driving, or any other crime involving impaired driving within the past 10 years.