MS Gun Laws

Converting Your Firearm to a Machine Gun in Mississippi: Understand the Penalties

Published on: May 24, 2024 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Fully automatic weapons are generally reserved for military personnel in the United States, and any civilian caught with a machine gun faces serious consequences. Due to the rise in 3D printing and other gun manufacturing technologies, it is now easier than ever to “upgrade” a semi-automatic firearm to a fully automatic gun. Machine gun conversion devices – known by law enforcement officials as “MCDs” – are becoming increasingly common in Mississippi. On the street, they are known as “auto sears,” “chips,” or “switches.” In 2021, the ATF reported a 570% increase in MCD seizures. What happens if you are caught with an auto sear in Mississippi?

Mississippi US Attorney Warns that MCDs are Flooding the Streets

In May of 2024, US Attorney Todd Gee warned that the authorities in Mississippi were seeing a dramatic increase in MCDs. This warning came directly after a defendant pleaded guilty to the possession of a machine gun. He had been arrested after a high-speed chase that reached speeds of 120 miles per hour, and police found two fully automatic Glock pistols on his person after finally catching him. The authorities were pursuing the man because he had previously filmed himself firing his fully automatic machine pistol out of the same vehicle. He faces up to 10 years in prison for possession of a machine gun.

What Happens When You Shoot at Officers During a Pursuit?

Published on: May 10, 2024 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Many suspects exchange fire with police officers during pursuits in Mississippi. To some extent, it makes sense to shoot back at someone who is firing at you. However, things are very different if the person shooting at you is a police officer. The normal principles of self-defense may no longer apply in this situation, and you may face serious consequences for exchanging fire with the law. What can you do if you find yourself in this situation? How can you defend yourself from criminal consequences in the most effective way possible?

Man From Jackson Gets 10 Years for Shooting at Officers During Pursuit

In March of 2024, the Justice Department announced that a Jackson man had been sentenced to 10 years behind bars for his conduct during a high-speed pursuit. In 2021, the defendant refused to pull over when approached by officers with the Clinton Police Department – sparking what the Justice Department described as a “high-speed pursuit.” During this pursuit – which veered straight through the City of Jackson – the defendant fired numerous rounds at officers on his tail.

Which Convictions Take Away Your Gun Rights in Mississippi?

Published on: February 23, 2024 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Most people are aware that if you commit a felony in Mississippi, you will lose your gun rights. However, there are a number of additional offenses that can also take away your right to bear arms – including certain misdemeanors. In addition, federal felonies that you may not even be aware of can prohibit you from purchasing or owning a firearm. Fortunately, it may be possible to regain your firearms rights under certain circumstances.

Any Felony in Mississippi Can Affect Second Amendment Rights

Any felony conviction will prevent you from owning, purchasing, or using firearms and ammunition in Mississippi. Examples of common felonies in Mississippi include:

Locked and Loaded: Navigating Gun Violence and Legal Challenges in Mississippi

Published on: January 12, 2024 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

The 2023 St. Paddy’s Day parade in downtown Jackson took a tragic turn when two people were shot and killed. The suspect, Jordan Kyle Cummins, was arrested by Capitol Police. This incident sheds light on the gun violence problem in Mississippi. According to WAPT News, two victims were shot and killed around 1:00 p.m. during the parade festivities. Authorities said that Cummins was taken into custody without incident.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mississippi has had a higher gun mortality rate than any other state in the country. In 2020, Mississippi had a death rate of 28.6%, and with all of the gun related deaths that are on the news, it is likely that this number hasn’t decreased since 2020.

The Most Common Gun Crime Charges in Mississippi

Can AI Be Used as Evidence in Mississippi Criminal Trials?

Published on: November 16, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Both defendants and prosecutors can call upon witnesses to testify during criminal trials – but what happens if that witness is an artificial intelligence rather than a human being? One might argue that AIs are inherently more reliable witnesses, and they are not subject to factors like bias or faulty memories. On the other hand, you might argue that AIs are fully capable of making mistakes, misinterpreting facts, and generally providing unreliable information. Whatever the case may be, prosecutors and authorities are already beginning to rely on AI for law enforcement purposes. How does this affect Mississippi residents?

The Authorities are Already Using AI to Pursue Suspects

The truth is that the use of AI in law enforcement is not a “theory” – it is already being used in states like Mississippi. There is a wide range of AI tools currently being used by law enforcement officials throughout the nation.

Protecting Our Children: The Consequences of Unsafe Gun Access

Published on: May 22, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

In a world where startling incidents shake the foundations of safety, recent events serve as a grim reminder of the potential dangers lurking around every corner. Take, for instance, the astonishing case of a 7-year-old child who brought a gun to a Grand Rapids, Michigan elementary school. According to CNN, fortunately, the gun was unloaded, sparing the school from what could have been a catastrophic event. Yet, this incident has sparked urgent discussions about the implications of irresponsible gun ownership, raising questions about the potential legal consequences for parents whose children gain access to firearms.

A Troubling Trend

The Grand Rapids incident is not an isolated occurrence. Cast your mind back to January when an elementary school teacher in Newport News, Virginia found herself at the receiving end of a terrifying surprise—a 6-year-old student armed with a gun concealed within his backpack. Shockingly, this was not an isolated event either. Just one week later, another elementary school student was discovered with a loaded handgun. These spine-chilling occurrences, combined with the ever-increasing incidents of mass shootings plaguing the United States, have prompted some school districts to take drastic measures, even going so far as to ban backpacks altogether.

I have a Mississippi Medical Cannabis Card, can I still be charged with a DUI due to being under the influence marijuana?

Published on: March 31, 2022 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

I have a Mississippi Medical Cannabis Card, can I still be charged with a DUI due to being under the influence marijuana?

Yes, approved medical cannabis/marijuana cardholders can still be charged with a DUI for driving a vehicle under the influence of marijuana. Additionally, the operation of a watercraft while under the influence of marijuana is also a BUI (Boating Under the Influence) chargeable offense. In the state’s passing of the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act, the DUI laws under Section 63-11-30 and Section 59-23-7 were amended to include the act as being fully a part of and subject to the same driving under the influence rules. That means that the same rules and penalties apply if you are suspected of driving under the influence of marijuana, even if you have a medical marijuana card.

When did Mississippi legalize medical marijuana?

Mississippi Gun Carry Laws Explained

Published on: July 27, 2016 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Mississippi gun laws, since 2012, have changed to become some of the most pro second amendment in the country. The Governor of Mississippi has signed a Bill allowing Mississippians to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. The new laws have created confusion among several Mississippi gun owners about their gun rights.

In relatively short order since Republicans took control of the Legislature in 2012, Mississippi’s gun laws have changed from fairly restrictive to among the most permissive in the country.

On April 15, Gov. Phil Bryant signed into law a measure making Mississippi one of 11 states that allows “constitutional carry,” or carrying a concealed firearm without a state-issued concealed carry permit. However, there are still caveats as to how and where someone can carry a concealed gun without a permit.