Mississippi Criminal and Family Law Blog

It is no secret that the effects of a DUI arrest and conviction are far-reaching. Jail time and fine amounts are only the first part of the story. Then there are alcohol safety education programs, victim impact panels, and high-risk insurance costs. Perhaps the most serious consideration, however, is the effects of a DUI on…

As technology advances, law enforcement agencies, like everyone else, try to keep up. The field of DUI detection is no exception. Most modern methods of detecting alcohol can be extremely accurate and reliable in the hands of capable scientists. However, most police officers aren’t scientists. As such, there is a significant margin for human error…

Earlier this month the United States Supreme Court issued its opinion in Salinas v. Texas, 570 U.S. ___ (2013). Before Salinas was arrested, police asked him a few questions. In response to one particular question, he remained silent and said nothing; he argued that this was his way of exercising his 5th Amendment right to…

In the recent Mississippi Supreme Court decision of Freeman v. State, NO. 2012-KM-00192-SCT, the court reversed a DUI conviction where the state trooper’s in-car video was lost prior to a new trial on appeal. In short, the defendant was never provided with a copy of the video used to convict him in the trial court.…

On April 11, 2013, Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed into law House Bill 481, which introduces several changes to Mississippi’s DUI laws. While I have previously addressed the ways in which this bill “cracks down” on impaired drivers, it also provides a benefit to potentially thousands of people who have been convicted of DUI. Effective…

Tuesday, May 14, 2013, the National Traffic Safety Board announced its newest proposal for cracking down on alcohol-related traffic accidents. The NTSB is urging all states to lower the threshold blood alcohol concentration from .08 percent to .05 percent. This 37.5 percent decrease would make it MUCH easier to get a DUI. For more information,…

Hiring a lawyer to fight your DUI charge in Mississippi is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Driving under the influence (DUI) is a complex and complicated criminal allegation with severe consequences if the charge results in a conviction in court. Here at my law office, we are dedicated to helping those accused…

Prosecutors in Hinds and Rankin counties Justice Courts are accused of concealing information that could prove defendants innocent of alleged crimes. A lawsuit was filed this April seeking an injunction against Hinds County Prosecutor Sherri Flowers and Rankin County Prosecutor Richard Wilson. Take a further look at the article: “The suppression of evidence favorable to…

An ordinance to allow the sale of beer and light wines went into effect this passed Monday in New Albany. The businesses that have applied for the permit to sell still have not received their permits though. Take a further look at the article: According to Mississippi State Tax Commission representative Kathy Waterbury, the department…

Here are a few tips when looking for a good defense attorney: Shop Around – Lawyers use advertising and advertising works but do not be suckered into hiring an attorney just because they have flexible payment plans or a picture of them looking mean. When looking for a good defense attorney ask your friends and…