As a responsible Mississippi driver, you may keep alcohol consumption low and drink lots of water or non-alcoholic beverages when spending time with friends and family. However, despite your efforts, you might still face DUI charges if officers pull you over.
According to the American Addiction Centers, police utilize breath tests at sobriety checkpoints. If you drive while under the influence, jail time and fines may result from a DUI conviction.
Legal BAC limit
If you are at least 21 years old and get behind the wheel with a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.08%, which is the legal limit, you might face drunk driving charges. The legal limit for individuals under the age of 21 is much lower. Officers may arrest minors with a BAC of 0.02%.
Commercial drivers have a lower BAC limit. If officers stop you while driving a commercial vehicle and your BAC is at least 0.04%, they can arrest you. In addition, you may face suspension of your CDL if you have any detectable amount of alcohol in your system.
Impairment indicators
Even if your BAC was below legal limits, you could still face DUI charges. Officers may believe you are unfit to drive if you slur your words, have watery red eyes or cannot pass the standard field sobriety tests.
The consequences of a DUI conviction can affect you for years. It might limit where you live, the type of job you can hold and whether you can get a mortgage. Understanding the situation and your options is critical for limiting the effects of a drunk driving conviction on the rest of your life. Depending on the situation, you may have several defenses available. They can help you get DUI charges reduced or dismissed.
