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Understanding DUI Fines and Financial Penalties in Mississippi
When someone is arrested for a DUI in Mississippi, the legal consequences begin immediately—but the financial consequences often hit just as hard. While many people focus on jail time or license suspensions, the actual cost of a DUI conviction can be far more painful in the long run. From mandatory fines to hidden court costs, alcohol education programs, insurance increases, and more, a DUI can affect your finances for years.
Mississippi applies tiered penalties based on whether it’s your first, second, or third DUI offense. These fines are outlined by state law and enforced by courts in all counties. However, the exact total you may pay also depends on a variety of case-specific factors, such as blood alcohol content (BAC), whether there was a refusal to test, or if there was property damage or a passenger under 18 in the vehicle.
In this post, we’ll walk through the full cost of DUI fines in Mississippi, broken down by offense level, and explain all related financial impacts—from court fees to long-term insurance costs. If you’re wondering how much a DUI in Mississippi might cost you, this guide provides the complete picture.
DUI Fine Amounts for First-Time Offenders
For a first DUI conviction in Mississippi, the law sets the fine between $250 and $1,000. This is the base penalty and does not include other required fees or expenses.
Other financial obligations that typically accompany a first DUI include:
- Court costs: $200–$500 (depending on the court)
- Alcohol education or safety programs: $150–$300
- License reinstatement fee: $175
- Administrative processing fees: Often $100+
Depending on circumstances, a judge may also order an ignition interlock device (IID), even for a first offense. If that happens, expect to pay:
- Installation fee: $100–$150
- Monthly monitoring: $75–$125/month
If you’re ordered to use an IID for six months, that’s an added cost of approximately $550–$800.
In total, a first-time DUI in Mississippi can cost between $1,200 and $2,500, even without jail time or an accident involved.
Second-Offense DUI Fines and Additional Costs
A second DUI within five years carries a steeper penalty under Mississippi law. The statutory fine is between $600 and $1,500—and that’s just the beginning.
Mandatory costs for second offenders often include:
- Substance abuse evaluation: $200–$400
- Treatment or rehab programs: Varies, often $500+
- Ignition interlock device: Now mandatory for one year
- Court supervision or probation fees: $30–$60 per month
- License reinstatement: $175 (if eligible after suspension period)
There may also be vehicle impound or towing charges, especially if your car was held following arrest. These costs range from $150 to $300, depending on the agency and location.
On average, a second DUI conviction leads to $3,000 to $5,000 in total financial penalties, especially when program fees and interlock costs are included.
Third-Offense DUI Fines: Felony-Level Costs
In Mississippi, a third DUI within five years is charged as a felony, and the fines increase accordingly. The statutory fine range is $2,000 to $5,000. However, the total financial cost of a third DUI conviction often goes far beyond that base amount.
Third-offense DUI fines and costs may include:
- Felony court fees: $500–$1,000
- Long-term alcohol treatment or inpatient rehab: $1,000–$3,000+
- Ignition interlock device: Required for up to 3 years
- Probation supervision fees: $600–$1,000
- Vehicle forfeiture costs, if ordered by the court
Since third offenses also involve mandatory jail time (1–5 years) and five-year license suspension, the hidden financial costs—such as lost wages and inability to commute to work—can be devastating. Most people with a felony DUI conviction will also face permanent insurance surcharges, significantly increasing auto insurance premiums for years.
The total cost of a third DUI conviction in Mississippi can easily exceed $10,000, even before considering long-term employment and insurance consequences.
Fines for Aggravated or Special Circumstance DUIs
Some DUI charges in Mississippi involve aggravating circumstances, which can increase both criminal and financial penalties. These include:
- Driving with a minor (under 16) in the vehicle
- High BAC (typically 0.15% or higher)
- Causing injury or death while impaired
- Refusing a chemical test (implied consent violation)
In these cases, courts may impose:
- Higher maximum fines
- Mandatory minimum jail time
- Longer ignition interlock periods
- Additional insurance certification (SR-22) requirements
For example, a DUI involving an injury could result in a fine of up to $10,000, even for a first-time offense. If the DUI results in a fatality, separate vehicular manslaughter charges may apply, with felony fines and longer prison terms.
Refusing a chemical test may also trigger automatic license suspension and reinstatement fees, even if you’re not convicted in court.
Financial Penalties Beyond Fines: What Else You’ll Pay
Aside from court-ordered fines, DUI cases in Mississippi come with a host of indirect or secondary costs that add to the total burden. These include:
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Court Costs & Filing Fees | $200–$500 |
| Alcohol Education / Treatment | $150–$1,000+ |
| Ignition Interlock (1 Year) | $900–$1,500 |
| License Reinstatement | $175 |
| SR-22 Insurance (per year) | $500–$2,000 increase |
| Probation Supervision Fees | $300–$1,000 |
| Towing / Impound | $150–$300 |
| Attorney Fees (if applicable) | $1,000–$5,000 |
Even for a misdemeanor DUI with no aggravating circumstances, it’s common for the total financial penalty to range between $2,500 and $6,000 when everything is added up. For felony DUIs or injury-related offenses, $10,000 to $20,000+ is not unusual.
How DUI Fines Are Determined in Mississippi
Mississippi judges have the discretion to assign fines within statutory limits, depending on:
- The defendant’s BAC level
- Prior DUI history
- Presence of aggravating factors
- Whether the defendant pleads guilty or not
- Participation in alcohol treatment programs
- Behavior during the traffic stop
While the law sets minimum and maximum fine amounts, your individual fine may vary based on how your case is resolved. A plea agreement may result in a lower fine or reduced charge, but only within the bounds of what Mississippi law allows.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Fines in Mississippi
How much is the fine for a first-time DUI in Mississippi?
Between $250 and $1,000, not including court costs, education programs, and license fees.
Are fines different for underage or commercial drivers?
Yes. Mississippi has a Zero Tolerance Law for drivers under 21. Fines and penalties may be lower, but license suspensions still apply. Commercial drivers are held to a lower BAC threshold (0.04%) and face job-related consequences beyond standard fines.
Can DUI fines be paid in installments?
Some Mississippi courts allow payment plans, but this depends on the judge and the county. Court approval is required.
Do insurance rates go up after a DUI?
Yes. Most drivers can expect their auto insurance rates to double or triple for up to five years after a DUI conviction.
What happens if I can’t pay my DUI fine?
Unpaid fines can result in license suspension, additional penalties, or court action. In some cases, community service may be offered in lieu of fines.
Conclusion
DUI fines in Mississippi are only one part of the financial cost that follows an impaired driving arrest. First-time offenders may owe over $2,000 in total, while repeat or felony-level offenses can result in penalties exceeding $10,000. In addition to court-ordered fines, you’ll likely face mounting fees for treatment, license reinstatement, and insurance.
To understand the full range of penalties that come with a DUI charge in Mississippi, check out our main guide on DUI Penalties and Consequences.
For a detailed breakdown of financial penalties at every offense level, visit our mini-hub on Common DUI Fines and Financial Penalties.