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5 possible defenses against drunk driving charges in Mississippi

On Behalf of | May 12, 2020 | DUI |

Have you been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Mississippi? If you believe the charge is incorrect, you may choose to contest the charges. 

Being found guilty of a DUI offense could lead to loss of your license, fines, or even jail time. It could also exclude you from certain jobs. So there is a lot to gain if you successfully defend yourself from the charges. Here are some of the possible defenses you may be able to use if you are thinking of challenging your case:

  1. The traffic stop was not legal: Why did the police choose to stop you? How did they stop you? Generally, the police need a reason to pull you over. If they did not follow the correct procedure, the traffic stop might have been illegal.
  2. The blood or breath tests were not accurate: Remember, back in science classes, when you and your classmates carried out the same experiment, yet the results varied widely? Finding fault with test results or procedures has helped many people overturn DUI charges.
  3. You did not know you had drunk alcohol: Maybe you had what you thought to be a non-alcoholic cocktail or punch before driving. If the bartender got your order wrong and put alcohol in your drink, there is a chance you could use this as a defense.
  4. You had no choice but to drive: If your partner had suffered a severe accident, and there was no ambulance available, maybe the only way to save their life was to drive them to the hospital yourself.
  5. You were not driving: Perhaps you jumped into the driver’s seat because your friend or partner who was driving was definitely over the limit. It may have seemed a good idea at the time, but now the reality of losing your license hits has hit home, you are no longer willing to take the blame.

If you are considering challenging a DUI charge, these are just some of the possible defenses. Seeking legal advice can help you understand the various options available to you.