Beat Drunk Driving Charges
A DUI is a serious charge with potentially significant consequences, including loss of your driver’s license, substantial fines, long-lasting damage to your criminal record and even jail time. You don’t want to go to court without a skilled lawyer by your side.
I, Robert W. Davis, Jr., have more than 25 years of experience as a Tupelo DUI defense attorney. With a deep understanding of police procedures and extensive experience with trials in state and federal courts, I have successfully handled hundreds of DUI cases in Mississippi. I will use every resource in my arsenal to aggressively fight against your DUI charge.
What You Will Be Facing
When you are arrested for a DUI, the state files two separate legal actions against you: administrative and criminal. The administrative action is taken against your driver’s license by the Mississippi Department of Motor Vehicles. The criminal proceeding determines guilt and any associated penalties such as fees or jail time.
Careful Examination Of The Facts
I have the knowledge and experience to represent you during all aspects of your DUI case, from the administrative hearing to the criminal proceeding. Because no two DUI cases are the same, I will take an individualized approach to your case, making a thorough evaluation of the consequences of your arrest, the results of your breath test and the actions taken by law enforcement professionals. I will determine if there was a probable cause for your traffic stop, if your breath test and field sobriety tests were administered correctly and if you were properly advised of your rights during the arrest. Any inconsistencies can be used to weaken the case against you.
If this is your second or subsequent DUI offense, the consequences you will face are steep, with a mandatory 10-day jail sentence and suspension of your driver’s license for two to five years. It is critical that you hire a skilled lawyer to represent you.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are dealing with a DUI issue in Mississippi, it is understandable to feel stressed and uncertain about your situation. DUI cases can move quickly, and the consequences can affect not just your driver’s license but also your future, so it helps to know what the law allows and what defenses may be available.
Can I be charged with a DUI in Mississippi if I blow under 0.08% BAC?
Yes. Even if your breath test indicates a blood alcohol content (BAC) under 0.08%, law enforcement in Mississippi can still charge you with DUI. A BAC of 0.08% is the “per se limit” for many adult drivers, but it is not the only way the state can prove impairment. Prosecutors can also use officer observations, driving behavior, failed field sobriety tests, or other evidence to argue that alcohol or drugs impaired your ability to drive.
This is especially important if you are under 21, driving a commercial vehicle or if drugs are involved, because different legal standards may apply. A lower BAC level can help your defense, but it does not automatically end the case.
How accurate are field sobriety tests? How can they be challenged?
Field sobriety tests are not perfect, and their accuracy can vary widely. There are many factors besides intoxication that can affect tests like the walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and horizontal gaze nystagmus, including fatigue, medical conditions, uneven ground, footwear, balance problems, and the officer’s instructions and scoring.
Your defense can challenge these tests by examining whether the officer administered them correctly, whether the location was appropriate, whether your condition affected performance, and whether the results were interpreted fairly. Body camera footage, dash cam video, medical records and witness statements can all be useful in showing that something other than alcohol impairment caused your poor performance.
Will hiring a lawyer help me avoid jail time for a DUI in Mississippi?
Hiring a defense lawyer early can help your case. A Mississippi DUI lawyer can look for weaknesses in the stop, the arrest, the test administration, and the evidence, and may negotiate for reduced charges, alternative sentencing, treatment-based options or a more favorable plea arrangement.
No lawyer can promise a specific outcome, but having skilled representation can protect your constitutional rights and often improve your chances of avoiding the harshest penalties.
No Time To Lose: Call Today
After being arrested for a DUI, you have a limited amount of time to preserve your driving privileges. My law firm, Robert W. Davis, Jr., Attorney at Law, offers aggressive DUI defense. Contact me via email or call 662-269-4454 today for a free initial consultation.