Mississippi Criminal Law Blog

What are Expert Witnesses in Criminal Trials?

Published on: May 12, 2022 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

If you are facing a criminal trial, expert witnesses may play a significant role. But what exactly is an expert witness, and how may they affect your chances? The truth is that there are many different types of expert witnesses that could be called upon, and it all depends on the unique circumstances of your situation. However, you should know that expert witnesses have the potential to help you considerably – or diminish your chances of a positive outcome.

If you are facing charges in Mississippi, you should get in touch with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Although you can always rely on a public defense attorney, a private lawyer can help you strive for better results in a much more efficient manner. The truth is that many criminal cases never reach trial, and skilled attorneys can help you work out certain deals without ever needing to call upon an expert witness.

What is an Expert Witness?

Mississippi DUI Field Sobriety Tests

Published on: May 6, 2022 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

What is a field sobriety test?

Field Sobriety Tests are preliminary tests used by police officers to determine if a driver is impaired. The tests assign tasks that assess the driver’s balance, coordination, and ability to divide attention to more than one task during the field sobriety test. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration approves three field sobriety tests applied nationally. The tests include the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk and Turn, and the One Leg Stand Test.

How are field sobriety tests are performed, and what is being tested?

What Happens if You Assault a Child in Mississippi?

Published on: May 3, 2022 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

The word “child” can be somewhat misleading in the current day and age. After all, children today are much more likely to be engaged in questionable activities – including crimes. The United States is currently dealing with a serious issue regarding youth gangs who seemingly get away with all kinds of terrible acts, including murder, theft, and much more. But what happens when you assault a child in Mississippi? What happens when you strike a child who you believed was an adult? How bad can this situation get in a legal context?

If you have been charged with assault, child endangerment, domestic abuse, or any related crime, you need to get in touch with a qualified criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Our legal professionals can help you mitigate any potential penalties you might be facing, and we can assist you as you fight for your rights. It is best to book consultation as soon as possible.

Child Abuse

Questions Raised About Prison Conditions in Mississippi

Published on: April 29, 2022 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Despite the fact that many people look down upon criminals and view them with contempt, these individuals still have rights. Unfortunately, many prisons across the United States do not treat prisoners according to these rights. A recent report from the Department of Justice has found that the Mississippi State Penitentiary has violated the US Constitution on numerous occasions. This raises serious questions about how we approach criminal justice in the Magnolia State, and the report may result in considerable consequences for those who allowed this misconduct and negligence to continue.

If you feel as though you or a loved one has experienced poor prison conditions, you can get in touch with a criminal defense attorney and make a legal challenge. In some cases, this can help inmates achieve better conditions. It is always important to fight for your rights, whether you have been accused of a crime or not. Of course, the best possible outcome is to steer clear of prison altogether. Once again, a criminal defense attorney can help you accomplish this. It is best to get in touch with a defense lawyer as soon as you face charges.

What is Happening in the Mississippi State Penitentiary?

Why Stalking Your Ex is Always a Bad Idea

Published on: April 22, 2022 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

When a relationship ends, it can be difficult to move on. Some take breakups better than others, while certain individuals never truly recover from heartbreak. Whatever happens, it is important not to let your emotions get the better of you. If you find yourself stalking your ex and harassing them, you could face serious legal consequences. The old saying “all’s fair in love and war” definitely does not apply in terms of Mississippi law.

If you are facing charges for harassment, stalking (including cyberstalking), violating a protection order, or any other crime associated with your ex-partner, you should get in touch with a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Our legal professionals can help you avoid consequences for these crimes, and we can help you choose an effective defense strategy. Book your consultation now for best results.

Man Kidnaps Ex-Girlfriend and Her New Boyfriend After Shooting at Her

Is your child facing criminal charges in the juvenile justice court system?

Published on: April 14, 2022 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

“The lesson is that you can still make mistakes and be forgiven.” – Robert Downey, Jr.

When your child finds themselves in the justice system, it does not have to be the end for them but you must act quickly. Juvenile justice courts move at a quick pace and you don’t want your child’s mistakes to potentially leave them with a lifelong record.

Court cases filed in the United States Juvenile courts in 2019, as noted in Sarah Hockenberry’s article Delinquency Cases in Juvenile Court[1], showed that in 2019 there was a decrease of about 2% in the total number of juvenile cases compared to 2018. There are three general categories which juvenile crimes most often fall into: person crimes, property offenses, drug offenses, and public order offenses. Below are the national statistics of juvenile offenders, has your child found themselves in one of these categories?

What Happens if You Go on a Bank-Robbing Spree in Mississippi?

Published on: April 12, 2022 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Robbing just one bank is a serious crime in Mississippi – but what happens if you rob multiple banks within a relatively short span of time? This is more common than you might think – especially as the economy becomes more and more challenging for those experiencing financial difficulties. Sometimes, individuals may feel like they have no other choice but to rob a bank. However, you should know that the penalties for this crime can be quite severe – whether you rob multiple banks or just one.

If you are facing charges for bank robbery in Mississippi, your best bet is to get in touch with a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Although the legal consequences of this crime can be quite severe, there is no reason you should face unnecessarily harsh penalties. The best way to mitigate these consequences is book a consultation with a defense attorney as soon as possible.

Man Arrested After Allegedly Robbing Banks Across Mississippi

I haven’t had any alcohol to drink, how can I be charged with a DUI?

Published on: April 7, 2022 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 1.5 million people are arrested in the United States for being under the influence of alcohol every year. If you have ever found yourself arrested/convicted for DUI, then you are aware of what kind of affects it can have on your life. A first offense DUI charge for an offender in Mississippi is a fine up to $1,000.00 plus cost of court and even possibly a jail sentence for up to 48 hours. However, there are several contributing factors that can result in a false positive when conducting a breath test.

How is an offender’s breath alcohol level measured?

The most common breath test used by law enforcement officers in the field is the handheld portable breath test. This device measures a single breath test by blowing into a tube that then produces a whistle sound. This reaction produces an electrical current that then triggers the indicator’s lights on the device.

What Should You Do if You are Being Investigated for a Crime?

Published on: April 4, 2022 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

It is never a good feeling when you know you are being investigated for a crime. Sometimes, detectives let you know that you are under investigation, while in other situations they may watch you and gather information without your knowledge. This can be an incredibly daunting experience, especially if you know for a fact that you are innocent. So, what should you do? How should you act? What kinds of things should you avoid?

If you are being investigated for a crime in Mississippi, one of the very first things you should do is get in touch with a criminal defense attorney. Our legal professionals can provide you with plenty of advice as they guide you toward a positive outcome. With our help, you can avoid common mistakes and mitigate any legal consequences you might be facing.

Be Careful What You Say

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?