Mississippi DUI Defense Lawyers

Serving Clients Across Pascagoula, Biloxi, Lucedale & the Mississippi Gulf Coast

Have you been arrested for DUI in Mississippi? Don’t wait. A DUI charge can have serious consequences on your license, your freedom, and your future. At McCormick Lawrence, PLLC, we provide aggressive and experienced defense for clients facing DUI charges in Mississippi—whether it’s your first offense or you’re facing felony DUI.

Understanding DUI Charges in Mississippi

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a criminal offense in Mississippi that can involve alcohol, drugs, or any substance that impairs your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Law enforcement officers and prosecutors take these cases seriously—and you should too. They often push for maximum penalties, even on first-time offenders.

If you’ve been arrested for DUI, you still have rights. Police may unlawfully stop or search your vehicle. They may try to pressure you into answering questions or giving consent. Before you do anything else, invoke your right to an attorney. Call McCormick & Lawrence and put a skilled DUI defense lawyer on your side.

DUI – Alcohol

Mississippi law prohibits you from operating a vehicle if you are intoxicated. Intoxication is measured by blood alcohol content/concentration (BAC), or the percentage of ethanol in the bloodstream as measured by grams of alcohol per 100 mL of blood.

In Mississippi, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle if your BAC is 0.08% or above and you are 21 years of age or older. For the operation of commercial vehicles, the BAC limit is 0.04%. Minors under 21 years of age are subject to a more stringent BAC limit of 0.02%.

BAC can be tested through a breathalyzer, blood, urine, or field sobriety tests. These tests are not always accurate or administered correctly. Our DUI attorneys will investigate every step of the stop and test process to challenge unlawful arrests or faulty results.

DUI – Drugs

In addition to alcohol, Mississippi law prohibits the operation of a vehicle while under the influence of drugs. Drugs may be defined as any substance that impairs your ability to operate a vehicle safely. Over the counter substances, marijuana, methamphetamine, and even prescription medication is all considered substances that impair your ability to operate a motor vehicle. Officers are trained to use your senses to determine if you’re under the influence; however, officers may apply for a search warrant to obtain the operator’s blood sample to be used in court.

First-Offense DUI Penalties

If you’re convicted of a DUI as a first-time offender, you face possible jail time, fine, court costs, and the requirement to complete the Mississippi Alcohol Safety Education Program (MASEP). In addition, you would lose your driving privileges for a minimum of 120 days. 

Non-Adjudication DUI Option

First time offenders of DUI may be eligible to be sentenced pursuant to a Mississippi law known as non-adjudication. Non-Adjudication means that the DUI does not go on your record. However, it is important to note that non-adjudication is in the discretion of the court and certain requirements must be met prior to the DUI being dismissed.

Second-Offense DUI

A second-offense DUI carries mandatory jail time. In order to be charged as a second-offender, you must have a DUI conviction within the past five (5) years. In additional to mandatory jail time, second-offense DUI’s carry other substantial punishments including a substance abuse assessment and fine.

How Our DUI Defense Lawyers Can Help

At McCormick Lawrence, we’ve handled hundreds of DUI cases across the Mississippi Gulf Coast and surrounding areas. We know how to:

• Challenge illegal traffic stops and arrests
• Question unreliable breath and blood tests
• Negotiate reduced charges or dismissals
• Fight for non-adjudication or minimized penalties

Let us stand between you and the worst-case scenario.

Call Now for a Free DUI Consultation

Whether you’re facing a first-time DUI, a refusal, or a felony-level charge, time is critical. Call our offices in Pascagoula, Biloxi, or Lucedale to speak with a dedicated DUI attorney today.