A misconception may exist amongst many people in Mississippi that an arrest for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol may not be that big of a deal. This assumption likely comes from stories people hear in popular media that fail to ever mention the criminal penalties people facing DUI charges face.
Yet a failure to report charges does not necessarily mean that alleged DUI defendants do not face them. Indeed, while initial charges for driving under the influence may fall under the misdemeanor category, one facing subsequent offenses may see the charges climb into the range of felonies.
Taylor man facing felony DUI charge
This fact was in full display in a recent incident involving a Taylor man. As reported by The Oxford Eagle, witnesses summoned law enforcement officials to an intersection in Oxford where a truck had reportedly stopped in the middle of the road. Authorities arrived to find a man asleep in the front seat. They arrested and charged him with driving under the influence (along with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct). Subsequent investigations revealed that this represented the man’s fourth DUI offense, which leaves officials with little choice but to charge him with a felony.
Accountability to match the alleged offense
It may seem easy to dismiss one who faces multiple DUI charges as reckless and/or irresponsible. Yet where some may see such shortcomings, others may infer a plea for help in dealing with substance abuse issues. Surprisingly, law enforcement often falls within this latter group. Their need to hold people accountable for their actions often balances with a desire to get alleged offenders the help they need. In coordinating with an experienced criminal defense attorney, they may be able to assist in securing just that.