Three Strikes Doesn’t Mean You’re Out: Mississippi Hardship License after a Felony DUI

Understandably, it is hard to imagine a person who has multiple drunk driving convictions will ever be allowed to drive again. Most states have a “three strike” rule for DUI or drunk driving charges, in which the third conviction can lead to a felony criminal charge. Mississippi, for example, will charge you with a felony for your third DUI within 10 years, after which you will spend at least a year in jail, lose your license for five years, and you could have to forfeit your car if that was the vehicle you were driving when you were arrested.

But, even with three DUI charges in Mississippi, you may still have a chance to turn your life around. As a habitual offender, you will be given an alcohol and/or substance abuse assessment to determine the cause(s) of your repeat offenses. If you enter into a program as a result of the assessment and complete it satisfactorily, you may then be able to apply for a Mississippi hardship license three years after your license was suspended. Keep in mind that when you have a Mississippi hardship license, you will also have an ignition interlock requirement. Both the device and the substance abuse treatment program you complete will show the court that you are committed to making changes in your life after the felony DUI conviction, and from there, your rehabilitation will be a much easier road than you may know.

With a felony DUI charge in Mississippi, it can seem like there is little you can do to make positive changes in your life. But, despite harsh consequences in court, you have every chance to move forward after a conviction. Earning the trust and ability to drive legally is a very important part of getting past a felony DUI conviction, and even a “third strike” DUI won’t prevent you from finding a new road to success, as long as you remain sober behind the wheel.