A driving under the influence (DUI) arrest can result in several challenging criminal penalties. The courts can imprison a person who is convicted. A DUI charge can also cause financial complications due to fines, court costs and increases in future insurance rates. A driver’s license suspension is also a standard penalty for a DUI.
There are a variety of situations that might result in police officers arresting a motorist for a DUI offense, with the three below accounting for the vast majority of DUI cases.
1. Targeted traffic stops
If police officers believe a driver is under the influence, they may pull them over and talk with them. If the driver displays signs of intoxication, performs poorly on field sobriety tests or fails a chemical test, officers may arrest them.
2. Post-crash arrests
Intoxication is among the most common causes of serious collisions. Police officers often screen drivers for signs of chemical intoxication and may request a chemical test if there is any question about a driver’s sobriety after a collision. Even when a motorist was not the party at fault for a car crash, they could still be at risk of a DUI arrest after a collision.
3. Arrests at checkpoints
Mississippi allows police departments to have DUI checkpoints, also sometimes called sobriety roadblocks. Officers can stop everyone passing through the checkpoint to screen them briefly for signs of intoxication or have some other kind of neutral formula for stopping vehicles – like every fifth one. Anyone who fails tests may be subject to arrest.
The best criminal defense strategy depends in no small part on the circumstances leading to a driver’s arrest. Having experienced legal guidance can help motorists avoid the lasting consequences of a DUI conviction.
