Defend Your License and Record
Owens Law Firm, PLLC provides DUI defense representation in Hernando, Mississippi and surrounding counties.
You need defense representation that starts with understanding what happened during your arrest in Hernando and how the evidence was collected. A DUI charge can affect your driving privileges, your employment, and your ability to move freely between home and work. Owens Law Firm, PLLC reviews the circumstances of your stop and arrest to identify potential defenses that may reduce or dismiss the charges you are facing.
Attorney Elizabeth Owens evaluates police procedure, breath and blood test results, and field sobriety test administration to determine whether law enforcement followed proper protocol. We represent clients charged with first-time DUI offenses as well as repeat offenses, and we assist when DUI charges appear alongside traffic violations or related criminal charges. Our firm serves clients throughout DeSoto, Tate, Panola, Tunica, Grenada, Yalobusha, and Lafayette counties.
If you have been arrested for DUI in Hernando, contact us to discuss your case during a free initial consultation.
How Police Procedure Affects Your Defense
We begin by examining the details of your traffic stop in Hernando and whether the officer had reasonable suspicion to pull you over. Attorney Owens looks at dashcam footage, police reports, and witness statements to determine if the stop was lawful. Without proper justification, evidence collected during the stop may be challenged in court.
You will see how questioning test accuracy and administration procedures can weaken the prosecution's case. Breath test devices must be calibrated correctly, and blood samples must follow chain-of-custody rules. When these standards are not met, we work to exclude the results from evidence.
Our goal is to reduce penalties such as license suspension, fines, or jail time, or to seek dismissal when the evidence does not support the charge. We also assist clients who need to navigate administrative hearings with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Attorney Owens handles both the criminal case and the license suspension process to give you the strongest defense possible.
You probably have questions about what happens next
Clients facing DUI charges often ask about penalties, testing procedures, and how prior offenses affect their case. Below are answers to common concerns we hear from people in your situation.
What happens if this is my first DUI charge?
You may face fines, license suspension, and possible jail time depending on your blood alcohol level and whether anyone was injured. We work to minimize these penalties and explore options such as pretrial diversion or reduced charges.
How do you challenge breath test results?
We review calibration records, maintenance logs, and the officer's training to determine if the device was used correctly. If the breathalyzer was not properly maintained or the officer made procedural errors, we can file motions to suppress the results.
What if I refused the breath test?
Refusal can lead to automatic license suspension under Mississippi's implied consent law, but it also means the prosecution has less direct evidence of intoxication. We evaluate whether the refusal helps or hurts your case and build a defense around the available evidence.
How long does a DUI case take in Hernando?
Most DUI cases take several months from arrest to resolution, depending on court schedules and whether the case goes to trial. We keep you informed at every stage and work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible.
Can a DUI charge be dismissed?
Yes, if there are problems with the stop, the testing, or the evidence. We look for procedural errors, unlawful searches, and faulty test results that could lead to dismissal or reduction of charges.
Attorney Elizabeth Owens has over a decade of experience defending clients charged with DUI in Mississippi courts. If you are facing charges in Hernando or surrounding counties, reach out to discuss your case and legal options during a free consultation.