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Horn Lake, Mississippi DUI Defense

DeSoto County Criminal Defense Lawyer

With U.S. Highway 51, Goodman Road, and Mississippi 301 running through Horn Lake, Mississippi, the police presence in the area is always high. Over the past decade, law enforcement in DeSoto County—and across the entire state—has stepped up DUI arrests, pulling over anyone they feel may be driving under the influence of alcohol.

If you have been pulled over on suspicion of DUI in Horn Lake, Mississippi, you likely fear for your rights as a driver and citizen. Questions such as, “Will this affect my job?” or “Will my friends and neighbors find out about my DUI charge?” rush through your mind while you search for someone to help you and your family through this difficult time.

Can I refuse to blow or take the field sobriety tests?

What Are the Potential Consequences of a DUI Conviction in Horn Lake?

In 2021 alone, alcohol-related accidents led to 156 fatalities and 305 injuries in Mississippi. Driving while under the influence is illegal and dangerous.

To deter drivers from driving while intoxicated and to keep the public safe, the consequences of a DUI conviction are severe.

Under Mississippi law, a first-time DUI offense is a misdemeanor.

Penalties for this offense include:

  • Possible jail time of up to 48 hours
  • Fines of $250-$1,000
  • Possible license suspension for 120 days or obtaining an ignition interlock restricted license
  • Completion of a Mississippi Alcohol Safety Education Program (MASEP)

With each subsequent offense, the penalties become increasingly more severe.

  • Second offense: Up to 12 months in jail; fines of $600-$1,500; 2-year license suspension; community service
  • Third offense (felony): Up to 5 years in jail; fines of $2,000-$5,000; up to 5-year license suspension; community service

A DUI conviction has serious consequences, and these consequences can have a ripple effect that impacts all areas of your life.

  • Without a license, you’ll need to find transportation to work.
  • With a DUI conviction on your record, it may be harder to secure employment.
  • Your auto insurance rates may double or triple if you’re convicted

If you’ve been arrested for a DUI, it is crucial to work with an experienced DUI attorney in Horn Lake who can help you navigate the road ahead.

Stroud, Flechas & Dalton has been advocating for clients in Horn Lake for two decades. We’ll review the details of your case, gather evidence to support your defense, and take every step possible to achieve a favorable outcome.

Can A DUI Attorney Help Me Keep My Driver’s License After A DUI Arrest in Horn Lake?

If you’ve been arrested and charged with a DUI as a first-time offender, you face a possible license suspension of up to 120 days.

At the time of the arrest, your license will be seized by law enforcement, and you should receive a receipt for your license. That receipt is a temporary permit to drive, but it’s only valid for 30 days. Once expired, your license will be officially suspended for 90 days.

To prevent a license suspension, you must contact the court within 30 days to:

  • Request your trial date
  • Request an extension of the permit

If you fail to contact the court within that timeframe, you will lose your driving privileges.

A DUI attorney in Horn Lake can help ensure you don’t miss that deadline. Requesting a permit extension will allow you to maintain your driving privileges.

Your attorney may also seek non-adjudication, which allows first-time offenders to complete certain conditions to avoid a conviction. The court may agree to allow you to obtain an ignition interlock-restricted license in lieu of license suspension.

We may also be able to argue that:

  • Your Constitutional rights were violated by the law enforcement officer
  • There was no probable cause to make the traffic stop
  • The portable breathalyzer’s results were inaccurate

These are just a few of the DUI defenses we can use to potentially have the charges dropped, allowing you to keep your license.

How Long Does A DUI Case Typically Take to Resolve in Horn Lake?

Every DUI case is unique and will follow its own timeline. The length of time will depend on several factors, but the processes and hearings can take months. If the case goes to trial, this can extend the length of time even further.

Will I Have to Go to Court If I Hire a DUI Attorney in Horn Lake?

Whether or not you have to appear in court will depend on several factors. In some cases, the court may allow for a “plea by waiver,” in which case you may not need to be present.

If your case goes to trial, you will need to go to court.

Our attorneys can advise you of whether you will need to appear and guide you through each step if you do have to appear.

Get Help from an Experienced DUI Attorney

A DUI conviction can have long-term consequences that will impact your life for years to come. Don’t try to navigate the legal process on your own.

Work with an experienced DUI attorney in Horn Lake who will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and advocate on your behalf.

We’ll review your case, determine whether protocols were followed properly with your BAC tests and gather evidence to build your defense.

Contact Stroud, Flechas & Dalton today to request a consultation.