Under Mississippi's "zero tolerance for minors" law, it's illegal for drivers who are younger than the legal drinking age (21 years old) to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .02% or more. Here are the consequences a driver faces if convicted of an underage OUI (operating under the influence) offense.
An underage OUI violation will result in the following consequences:
Depending on the circumstances, a driver might be eligible for a restricted license with the use of an ignition interlock device. Also, first offenders can generally avoid an OUI criminal conviction and certain penalties by successfully completing the "non-adjudication program."
Underage drivers who are caught operating a vehicle with a BAC of .08% or more or while under the influence of (impaired by) drugs or alcohol face the standard OUI penalties. Depending on the circumstances, someone convicted of a standard OUI could be looking at fines, jail time, and license suspension.
Regardless of the charge, it's always best to talk to an experienced OUI attorney if you've been cited for driving under the influence. A qualified lawyer can tell you how the law applies to your situation and help you decide on the best course of action.