Madison County MS DWI Lawyer

The offense of drunk driving in Mississippi is termed driving under the influence though it can also be commonly referred to as driving while intoxicated. A Mississippi DUI/DWI is charged when a motorist has a blood alcohol content at or above the legal threshold of .08%. A law enforcement officer can also initiate an arrest based on an impaired ability to operate a vehicle due to the influence of alcohol or prescription or illegal drugs.

An arrest for DWI in MS can result in both immediate and long-term financial, social and legal consequences. Because of the impact of being found guilty, it is important to hire a qualified DWI defense attorney and try to keep your arrest record clear.

Madison County Mississippi DWI Lawyer Clarence Guthrie with The Guthrie Firm believes that you are innocent until proven otherwise and that you are entitled to an aggressive and qualified defense. Attorney Clarence Guthrie will investigate the details of your case and develop the most appropriate defense strategy. That includes challenging evidence, reviewing the arrest report for errors in procedure and policy, studying the maintenance records of the breath and blood testing equipment and, if needed, preparing for trial. Don't leave your future to chance; contact The Guthrie Firm, PLLC now.

Madison County DWI Attorney Clarence Guthrie offers a free, no obligation consultation to help you understand the charges filed against you, the ways the law firm can help you and your legal options. To schedule a meeting, call (601) 991-1099 or fill out the form to the left. Time is important, so for the best result, don't delay.

A first offense for driving while intoxicated in Mississippi can lead to significant fines, jail, loss of license, mandatory completion of an alcohol safety program and required attendance at a victim impact panel.

The prosecution will look back 5 years for any prior DWI offenses before seeking penalties and filing charges. The jail sentence will be extended, fines increased and community service required if there are any prior convictions. A third offense for MS DWI within five years is filed as a felony, which may lead to the seizure of your vehicle.

Each case is unique and sanctions can vary, though there are several ways the state can suspend your driving privileges following a DWI arrest.

Because Mississippi has an Implied Consent Law, in exchange for receiving a driver's license, you agree to submit to a test for intoxication when asked by a law enforcement officer. Refusing to do so may lead to a 90-day suspension of your license. If you have any prior DWI convictions on your driving record, the license suspension is for one year. For a third offense within five years the suspension period is 5 years.

If you elected to submit to a breath, blood or urine test and your blood alcohol content was at or above .08%, the state has another opportunity to suspend your license.

It is important to note that the license suspension process is separate from the criminal DWI charges. It is possible to have your case dropped and still lose your license.

You can request a Refusal Hearing with the Department of Public Safety and challenge the license suspension. You must, however, file a refusal petition within 10 days of receiving a DPS notice of intent to suspend.

Canton DWI Lawyer Clarence Guthrie with The Guthrie Firm, PLLC, offers complete drunk driving defense, including help with your license and representation at a DPS hearing. To learn more about ways to try and save your driving privileges, contact Attorney Clarence Guthrie.

Clarence Guthrie, with The Guthrie Firm, PLLC, practices criminal law in the state of Mississippi. He has over ten years of experience in litigation at the trial and appellate court levels. As a former United States Marine Corps prosecutor and now defense counsel, Attorney Clarence Guthrie has a unique perspective of both sides of a criminal case and a strong instinct as to how best approach a case.

Madison County Mississippi DWI Attorney Clarence Guthrie received a law degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law. During law school, he was Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of National Security Law, a member of the National Moot Court Competition Team, a Legal Research & Writing Instructor and a member of the National Appellate Advocacy Competition Team. Clarence Guthrie is admitted to practice law before state and federal courts in Mississippi, as well as all Military Courts.

Lawyer Clarence Guthrie is a member of the Madison County Bar Association, the Hinds County Bar Association, the Mississippi Bar Association, the Mississippi Association for Justice, Mississippi Public Defenders Association and the Alabama State Bar.

Mississippi Attorney Clarence Guthrie regularly attends DWI related seminars and conferences to develop his legal skills and study emerging defense strategies. He has written numerous articles for legal publications.

Madison County DWI Lawyer Clarence Guthrie wants to help you. Getting started with your defense quickly can lead to the best result. For a free initial consultation and no-nonsense advice on your DWI, contact Attorney Clarence Guthrie by filling out the form to the left or calling (601) 991-1099.