The Difference Between Adjudicated & Non-Adjudicated in MS

Posted by The Carmody Law Firm

Understanding legal terms in criminal cases in Mississippi is very important. This is especially true when facing serious charges like DUIs in Mississippi. 

The only law for driving under the influence cases is MCA Section 63-11-30. However, another Mississippi law listed below can apply to many other first offense crimes.

For example, someone charged with a DUI may not want to enter a guilty plea before knowing her or his options. Thus, you need to know how a non-adjudication DUI works in Mississippi. Many accused citizens may also wonder if it applies to their situation. 

A frequently asked question in Mississippi is: What distinguishes adjudicated from non-adjudicated? In simple terms, this distinction can significantly influence the result of your case. 

Can a Criminal Conviction in Mississippi Later be Expunged?

Expunction, or expungement, is a legal process for criminal cases. Expunging removes criminal records from public view. 

This often means destroying the records completely. It makes it seem like the event never happened. This type of fresh start after a criminal mistake can improve job availability and expand housing options.

The primary authority for non-adjudication on other crimes is found in Mississippi Code Annotated 99-15-26. Go to this page to learn more about the eligible non-adjudication crimes list.

This law allows courts to delay accepting a guilty plea and sentencing for certain crimes. This can happen if the person’s lawyer asks for it, or if the person is representing themselves. 

The final decision is put on hold until all court-ordered conditions are met. After that, the defendant’s lawyer or the accused can request non-adjudication.

First-Time Offender Status: The main requirement is that you must be a first-time offender. You cannot have prior felony convictions. 

You can only take part in non-adjudication once in your life under any law that allows this process. Below, we explain the meanings of these terms and what non-adjudicated means in Mississippi.

How Do “Adjudicated” and “Non-Adjudicated” Differ?

The words “adjudicated” & “non-adjudicated” relate to how a criminal law case is resolved in court. A judge’s finding of guilt will result in a conviction. 

A non-adjudication does not lead to a conviction if the defendant meets all conditions imposed by the court. These cases involved a judge agreeing to withhold adjudication to see if the person complies with finishing the conditions. These conditions may include finishing an alcohol safety education program, completing community service hours, or doing both.

The Meaning of Adjudicated in MS: When a case ends with a conviction, the court gives a final ruling for first-time offenders. This often leads to convictions. This can include the court imposing DUI penalties like fines, probation, or jail time. In certain motor vehicle crime cases, a Court’s ruling may also require installing an ignition interlock device.

The Meaning of a MS Non-Adjudicated Finding: A non-adjudicated case does not end in a formal conviction. In this type of case, the court waits to decide. It looks to see if the accused follows all the rules to qualify for non-adjudication.

It holds off until a certain time has passed. During this time, the court checks if any other offenses have happened. This often allows the defendant to finish probation or other conditions. They can keep their record clean by avoiding a guilty verdict.

Non-Adjudication in Mississippi: Mississippi has a legal process called non-adjudicated probation. This process lets some defendants facing their 1st offense DUIs to avoid a conviction. They must meet certain court-ordered requirements.

• Non-Adjudication vs. Expungement: Non-adjudication stops a conviction from showing up on a criminal record. Expungement is different because this process removes past convictions or arrests from a person’s record. In Mississippi, non-adjudication is often used before someone can get an expunction.

What Does It Mean to Be Adjudicated?

Being adjudicated means a judge has made an official decision about a case. Adjudication can also lead to a conviction or a finding of guilt. For example, if a person has DUI charges and admits guilt or is found guilty, the judge will declare them guilty. 

A conviction of DUI means the person will have that conviction on their criminal record. This can result in penalties like fines, license suspension, DUI school and possibly jail time. Beyond that, such convictions can cost that person many thousands of dollars on things like higher interest rates on loans and life insurance premiums and also may result in denial of rental housing eligibility in upscale apartment communities.

In Mississippi, What Does “No Adjudication” Mean?

No adjudication means the court will not make a formal judgment of guilt. This gives the defendant a chance to meet court-ordered conditions instead. Why not call the law firm whose attorneys write the book for DUI in Mississippi?

No Adjudication vs. Adjudication: The main difference is the result when the case is over. Adjudication leads to a conviction, while no adjudication offers other options, like probation or diversion programs. 

This is particularly crucial in situations such as a non-adjudicated DUI. Here, a defendant can avoid a criminal record by meeting certain legal requirements.

Call For a FREE Lawyer Consultation Near Me to Determine if Your Crime is Eligible

Understanding the difference between adjudicated and non-adjudicated cases in Mississippi is important. It can change how a legal case ends in a criminal court. Our firm offers a free phone consultation with a lawyer. This helps us decide what action is needed for your case.

Being adjudicated refers to a judge’s formal ruling or determination regarding a legal matter or situation. If you have a DUI charge or are being prosecuted for another crime in Mississippi, you need help. 

It is important to find a skilled criminal lawyer. These legal warriors can help you navigate the legal system.

If you have a DUI charge or another offense and qualify for non-adjudication, this option may help. It can help a person avoid conviction and protect her or his future.

What are you Waiting For, if the Call is FREE? Call a knowledgeable Mississippi non-adjudication attorney near me today at (601) 948-4444. 

Our highly experienced criminal defense attorneys in Mississippi can assist clients statewide.

In this free consultation, our criminal law attorneys can help you look at your options.

Let us guide your efforts to find the best legal strategy for your case. We also have a nationwide TOLL-FREE number, displayed below.