Mississippi Criminal Law BlogThe 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
According to a report released by the CDC, Mississippi reported 818 gun-related deaths in 2020. Additionally, Mississippi also ranked No. 1 for homicides, with a death rate of 20.5, and 576 deaths. According to Dr. Anita Henderson, president of the Mississippi Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said that firearms have now taken over motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of death in children.
If you are convicted for a handgun or firearm related offense (armed robbery, murder, aggravated assault), you may face a lengthy prison or jail sentence, significant fines, and the loss of your right to own a handgun or firearm in the future. It can also affect your employment possibilities and any professional license that is required to work as a doctor, nurse, teacher, or in any other licensed profession.
Another common charge is carrying or possessing a handgun without a license. Mississippi doesn’t require a license in several circumstances, including gun possession on your own property, at a shooting range, or while legally hunting. However, if you have a gun in a situation where a license is required and you don’t have one, you can be charged with misdemeanor that is punishable by up to one year in jail and a costly fine
MOST COMMON GUN TYPES USED IN CRIMES
While an AR-15 assault rifle has made the headlines in the past few years, it is not the most common firearm used in a violent crime. According to ATF, there are five handguns that have been the most used in the past several years. These include: Smith & Wesson .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol; Glock .40 caliber pistol; Hi-Point 9 mm pistol; Ruger 9 mm pistol; Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistol.
Understand the Rights and Responsibilities of Gun Ownership
Under Mississippi law, you must be 18 years old to purchase a long gun (rifle, shotgun) and 21 years old to purchase a handgun. You don’t need a permit or nor are you required to register the weapon with the state. When you purchase a gun from a dealer, you’ll be required to pass a background check and meet the minimum age requirement.
To carry a handgun, you must be licensed by the state but you do not need a license to carry a rifle or shotgun. In Mississippi, you cannot carry a firearm on school property, school buses, airports, and riverboat casinos.
What Should You Do if You Are Charged With a Gun Related Crime?
If you or a loved one is charged with a gun crime, the repercussions for a conviction carry life-long consequences. You want an experienced and skilled defense attorney to represent your rights and protect your freedom. If you have been searching the Mississippi area for a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney, look no further than Vic Carmody Jr., P.A. Over the years, we have helped numerous defendants pursue favorable outcomes. Although being accused of a gun crime is not a pleasant experience, there are many potential defense strategies that can be used to defend and reduce the charges against an offender. Call or contact us today for your free consultation with an attorney.