Southaven DUI Defense Attorneys

Diligently Defending Your Rights & Reputation

Facing DUI charges can be incredibly stressful and nerve-racking. Even first-time offenders can reap harsh penalties in criminal court, making it crucial to have a knowledgeable DUI defense attorney on your side. If you were arrested for driving under the influence in Southaven, don’t leave your future to chance—contact our DUI defense lawyers for the aggressive defense you deserve.

At Stroud, Flechas & Dalton, we understand the life-altering consequences of a DUI conviction. From attending the initial arraignment to defending your rights at trial, our goal is to advocate for a fair verdict while safeguarding your life and liberty at every step. With over 50 years of combined experience, proven results in DUI cases, and recognition from prestigious organizations like The National Trial Lawyers Top 100®, you can rest assured that your future is in trusted hands. 

If you were arrested for DUI in Southaven, put decades of experience on your side by partnering with Stroud, Flechas & Dalton. Contact us online to discuss your case.

What Constitutes DUI in Mississippi? 

Under state law, driving under the influence (DUI) is committed when a person operates a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol. The legal threshold for DUI is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. 

If the driver has a commercial driver’s license (CDL), this limit drops to 0.04%. Mississippi also has a zero-tolerance law for underage drivers, meaning individuals under 21 can be arrested for DUI if their BAC is 0.02% or higher. 

What Are the Penalties for a DUI Conviction?

The consequences of a DUI conviction depend on the specific circumstances surrounding the offense, any prior convictions, and whether the crime involves aggravating factors. Potential penalties include: 

First DUI Offense

For a first DUI conviction, you could spend up to 48 hours in jail, pay a fine of $250 to $1,000, and have your license suspended for 90 to 120 days.

Second DUI Offense

For a second DUI conviction, you could face from five days to one year in jail, $600 to $1,500 in fines, up to two years of license suspension, and the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID). 

Third DUI Offense

For a third DUI conviction, you could face one to five years in jail, $2,000 to $5,000 in fines, up to five years of license suspension, and the mandatory installation of an IID on your vehicle. 

Can I Refuse a Chemical Test During a DUI Stop?

Mississippi has an implied consent law, meaning that you automatically consent to blood and breath tests when you choose to operate a vehicle on state roads. If you refuse a chemical test, you can face additional penalties, including automatic license suspension for 90 days after the first offense and up to a year for subsequent offenses.

Defending Against DUI Charges

A DUI offense carries serious penalties, including jail time, fines, loss of driving privileges, and a permanent criminal record. A conviction can also lead to reputational damage and the inability to secure affordable housing and employment opportunities. In many cases, consulting a skilled defense attorney can mean the difference between going to jail and dismissing or reducing the charges against you. 

Some common legal defenses against DUI charges include: 

• Unreliable chemical tests. Breathalyzers and blood tests can sometimes produce inaccurate results. Improper calibration, contamination of the sample, and medical conditions like acid reflux can all impact accuracy. Our firm investigates testing methods, device maintenance records, and health factors to challenge unreliable chemical test results.
• Invalid field sobriety tests (FSTs). Law enforcement officials often use FSTs to test a driver's motor skills and cognitive function, such as walking in a straight line or standing on one leg. However, these methods can be unreliable indicators of impairment. If your FST was impacted by a pre-existing medical condition, poor road conditions, or other extenuating circumstances, we can challenge its validity in court.
• Constitutional violations. Law enforcement must adhere to strict procedural rules when making a DUI arrest. Illegal searches and seizures, failure to read your Miranda rights, lack of probable cause, and other procedural errors may lead to the dismissal of charges. Our attorneys can meticulously review the DUI traffic stop to weaken the prosecution’s argument and dismiss inadmissible evidence from your case. 

At Stroud, Flechas & Dalton, we focus on building robust and tailored defenses for every case we take on. Our lawyers can evaluate your specific situation to determine an appropriate defense strategy to employ in your case.

If you’re facing DUI charges in Southaven, our attorneys can fight tirelessly to restore your freedom. Call (662) 371-6580 to schedule a free consultation.