The " 10-Day" Rule
If you refuse to submit a breath, blood, or urine test, the state of Mississippi will attempt to suspend your license or privilege to drive for 90 days to one year. This attempt to take away your right to drive will occur PRIOR to any criminal trial for DUI (in most cases) and will be automatically entered against you unless you file a test refusal petition within 10 calendar days after the mailing of a notice of letter of intent to suspend.
The amount of time your license will be suspended, and the ability to obtain a "hardship" or restricted license will vary, depending on whether this is a first-offense or multiple-offense DUI. The license you receive when there has been a refusal to take a state-administered test is valid for only forty-five (45) days from the date of the arrest. This license cannot be renewed or extended for any period of time.
A skilled DUI defense lawyer can help you avoid any problems with your driver's license if you have been accused of drunk driving. However, time is of the essence. Mississippi requires someone accused of DUI, DWI, or a related drunk driving offense to contact their state's motor vehicle department quickly, usually within a few days of the arrest.
For a free consultation contact the law ffices of Nickels & Weddle, pllc at (662) 841-2692