Mississippi § 97-31-55 - Immunity for certain persons who request emergency medical assistance for individuals appearing to need medical assistance due to alcohol consumption; immunity for peace officer for complying or failing to comply with this section.
Full text of Mississippi Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 97-31-55 — Immunity for certain persons who request emergency medical assistance for individuals appearing to need medical assistance due to alcohol consumption; immunity for peace officer for complying or failing to comply with this section., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 97-31-55. Immunity for certain persons who request emergency medical assistance for individuals appearing to need medical assistance due to alcohol consumption; immunity for peace officer for complying or failing to comply with this section.
A peace officer shall not take a person into custody based solely on the commission of an offense involving alcohol if the peace officer, after making a reasonable determination and considering the facts and surrounding circumstances, reasonably believes that all of the following apply: The peace officer has contact with the person because the person acting in good faith requested emergency medical assistance for an individual who reasonably appeared to be in need of medical assistance due to alcohol consumption and the person did not illegally provide alcohol to the individual. The person: Provided his full name and any other relevant information requested by the peace officer; Remained at the scene with the individual who reasonably appeared to be in need of medical assistance due to alcohol consumption until emergency medical assistance arrived; and Cooperated with emergency medical assistance personnel and peace officers at the scene. A person who meets the criteria of subsection (1) of this section shall be immune from criminal prosecution for any offense related solely to the possession and consumption of alcohol. A person shall not initiate or maintain an action against a peace officer or the employing state agency or political subdivision based on the officer’s compliance or failure to comply with this section.
Source: official Mississippi text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi § 97-31-55
What does Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 97-31-55 cover?
Section 97-31-55 ("Immunity for certain persons who request emergency medical assistance for individuals appearing to need medical assistance due to alcohol consumption; immunity for peace officer for complying or failing to comply with this section.") is part of the Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated, the codified statutory law of Mississippi. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Mississippi § 97-31-55?
A common citation format is "Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 97-31-55" (Mississippi). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Mississippi law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Mississippi official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Mississippi attorney.
How does Mississippi § 97-31-55 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Mississippi can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Mississippi.