If you have committed multiple DUIs over the course of your life in Mississippi, you need to be
very careful. If you commit four DUIs, you will face some of the most severe legal consequences
possible. These penalties can be life-altering, and you may lose many rights, protections, and
freedoms. So, what exactly happens if you commit four DUIs during your lifetime, and why
should you be so concerned about this?
If you have already committed four DUIs, you cannot change the past. What you can do is get in
touch with a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney in Mississippi at your earliest
convenience. By teaming up with our legal professionals as soon as possible, you will give
yourself the best possible chance of success. We can utilize a number of strategies to help you
avoid potential consequences, and this can be the difference between a slap on the wrist and
years in jail.
Why is a Fourth DUI in Mississippi Such a Big Deal?
Somewhat recently, Mississippi lawmakers decided to crack down on drunk drivers with a new
law. Previously, a third DUI offense within five years represented the worst possible outcome for
defendants with past convictions. A “three strikes” system with a lookback period of five years
resulted in felony charges for those who committed that final, third DUI.
However, lawmakers still were not satisfied – so they created a new law. This new law means
that if you commit a fourth DUI offense within your lifetime, you will face a felony charge
regardless of the lookback period. This means that even if you committed three DUIs as a 21-
year-old, you could still face a felony charge if you commit a fourth offense as an 85-year-old.
Penalties for Fourth DUI Offense
The penalties for committing a fourth DUI offense in Mississippi are quite severe. They include:
● A fine of up to $10,000
● Up to 10 years in prison
● Driver’s license suspension
● Ignition-interlock system for 10 years
● Mandatory psychiatric assessments (at your expense)
● Mandatory substance abuse treatment (at your expense)
It is worth mentioning that these penalties are significantly worse compared to a third DUI
offense within three years. This means that even if you commit an extremely minor DUI offense
without causing a crash or hurting anyone, you could potentially face worse consequences than
someone who has committed multiple DUIs within the past few years, or a first offender who has
caused serious injuries – even if the last time you committed a DUI was several decades ago.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching the Mississippi area for a qualified, experienced criminal defense
attorney, look no further than Vic Carmody Jr., P.A. Make no mistake, your fourth DUI will
prove to be your undoing if you are not careful. With our careful assistance, you can fight for
your rights and mitigate any potential consequences you might be facing. Get in touch today,
book your consultation, and we can start working on an effective defense strategy together.