UPDATE: The state blames a contractor for DUI suspension letters. Individuals throughout Mississippi who were convicted of DUI but had their charges dropped in the past received letters from the state advising them that their drivers licenses would be suspended next month. Several lawyers told Mississippi Today. These letters were sent by the Department of Public Safety from December 12 to Dec 14. Lance Mixon, Flowood attorney, stated that many drivers license holders could be subject to a suspension starting Jan. 25, which is unlawful, contrary to law and wholly inappropriate when a case has been dismissed. Warren Strain, Department of Public Safety spokesperson, did not return messages. Mixon explained that the confusion was compounded by the fact that Mixon’s legal assistant was informed by Department of Public Safety officials of a glitch in their computer system that caused the letters being mailed to all individuals who were cleared of their DUI charges. Without information from the Department of Public Safety, it is not clear if some of these letters are valid. Mixon stated that six of his clients who were previously charged with DUI have called Mixon to inquire about the letters they received from Department of Public Safety. There are many reasons why DUI charges could be dismissed, such as insufficient evidence or lack of witnesses. Mixon stated that two of his former clients had their DUIs dropped in 2010. Mixon sent them these letters informing them that their licenses would be suspended starting Jan 25, 2017. Jay Perry, Starkville attorney, said that he received a call about a former client. He was informed that a letter had been sent to him stating that a person who drove with a blood alcohol level of.08 percent or higher would have his license suspended for at least 90 days if he did not get a court order. Aaron Hommell, a Gulfport attorney, had the same experience. He is concerned about people who may not have received the communication due to moving. Hommell stated that they won’t know their licenses were suspended until they have the blue light running behind them. Hommell stated that there was also discussion among lawyers on an email group for the Mississippi Association for Justice about the letters. “One attorney stated that DPS (Department of Public Safety), confirmed to him that ‘hundreds of’ of these letters had been sent,” Hommell stated. Perry claimed that his client initially believed the letter was a scam. However, the facts don’t support this claim. Perry stated that there is no money scam and that the address from which the letter was sent is the current address of Department of Public Safety. The department was plagued by computer problems earlier in the year. The Department of Public Safety released a press release in August stating that the system had been experiencing problems. According to the department, this glitch prevented drivers from renewing their licenses via the Internet or kiosks. Some drivers were therefore issued licenses that are valid for less time than the four-year limit. It is unclear if the glitch that was reported in summer played a role in letters being sent out to people who were cleared of DUI charges. December 2016 DPS Driver Records Issues By Kate on Scribd