Mississippi Criminal Law BlogLosing Your Rights After a Criminal Conviction in Mississippi
When most people think about criminal penalties, they only consider things like fines, jail time, and perhaps community service. The truth is that you may face a wide range of additional consequences after your conviction, and these consequences have the potential to alter your life considerably. Some convicted criminals lose their rights in the Magnolia State, no longer having the freedom to vote, possess firearms, hold office, and much more. If you have been convicted of a crime in Mississippi, it is important to understand the full extent of the consequences you face.
Even if your criminal trial is long past, a criminal defense attorney in Mississippi can help you fight to restore some of these rights. A legal professional can try to obtain a pardon on your behalf. This may restore many of the rights that have been taken away from you. If you are interested in getting back some of these important American and democratic freedoms, you should consult with a qualified attorney at your earliest convenience.
Disenfranchisement
If you commit certain crimes in Mississippi, you may lose the right to vote. These crimes include:
- Murder
- Rape
- Bribery
- Theft
- Arson
- Obtaining money or goods under false pretenses
- Perjury
- Forgery
- Embezzlement
- Bigamy
Whatever the case may be, you will only lose the right to vote if you commit a felony. For example, you could commit a misdemeanor “false pretenses” and still not become disenfranchised.
Jury and Office
If you commit certain felonies, you will also lose the right to carry out jury service and serve in office. In addition, you will lose the right to practice medicine or dentistry. These felonies include:
- Bribery
- Burglary
- Theft
- Arson
- Obtaining money or goods under false pretenses
- Perjury
- Forgery
- Embezzlement
- Bigamy
Firearms
If you commit a felony of any kind, you will lose the right to possess firearms.
How an Attorney Can Help
A criminal defense attorney can help you restore many of these rights by pursuing a pardon on your behalf. First of all, the loss of these rights may be unwarranted. The specific crime you committed may not actually constitute the loss of these rights. Or perhaps you committed the crime outside of Mississippi state, which means it “does not count” in terms of losing the aforementioned rights.
If no mistake was made, you can still pursue a pardon. If you have lost the right to vote, you can pursue a pardon or a two-thirds vote of the legislature. However, you must wait seven years before pursuing these options. In addition, you may request a “discharge from probation” by the court, which gives the governor the ability to personally restore your voting rights. If you have lost the right to possess firearms, you can pursue either a pardon, federal relief, or a “certificate of rehabilitation.”
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching the Mississippi area for a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney, look no further than Vic Carmody Jr., P.A. We have considerable experience with things like pardons and expungements, and we can fight for your rights in a confident, efficient manner. The right to vote and bear arms is guaranteed to citizens by the Constitution. Every American should have the ability to fight for these rights. Book your consultation with us today, and we can immediately help you do just that.