Mississippi Criminal Law Blog

Navigating Mississippi’s Youth Court System

Published on: November 21, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Youth Court is a specialized court system in Mississippi that deals with cases involving children and teenagers. The Youth Court system is made up of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, probation officers, and social workers who all work together to provide services to juveniles who have been referred to the court. In Mississippi, there are two types of Youth Court cases: delinquency cases and child protection cases.

Delinquency

Delinquency cases involve juveniles who have committed a delinquent act or a status offense. Delinquent acts are activities that would be considered a crime if they were committed by an adult. This could include things like theft, burglary, drug offenses, assault, and vandalism. In these cases, the juvenile is accused of breaking the law and is charged with a delinquent act. Status offenses are things that would not be considered a crime if committed by an adult. The most common status offenses are truancy (skipping school), underage drinking, and running away from home, but this also includes things like “disturbing the family peace” and breaking curfew.

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.

What is Rehabilitative Alimony?

Published on: November 13, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Rehabilitative alimony is a type of financial support that helps one spouse become self-sufficient after a divorce. It acts as a boost to help them get back on their feet and become independent. Unlike typical forms of alimony, rehabilitative alimony is not permanent support. It is only given for a specific amount of time to give one spouse the education, training, or work experience they need to become financially independent.

When Would Someone Need to Ask for Rehabilitative Alimony?

The most common situation where someone might need rehabilitative alimony is if they were a stay-at-home parent during their marriage, and now they need to go back to school or get additional training in order to get a job and support themselves after divorce.

Current Challenges Facing Same Sex Couples in Mississippi

Published on: November 8, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Same-sex sex marriage is a controversial and divisive issue in the United States, and Mississippi is no exception. While same-sex marriage is now fully legal in Mississippi, there are still many challenges facing same-sex couples.

Discrimination

Same-sex couples in the southern United States often face discrimination and prejudice due to the region’s conservative cultural and religious values. One of the main challenges facing same-sex couples in Mississippi is discrimination in the workplace. Though there are federal protections in place, Mississippi law has not adopted those and in fact, our state laws state it is still legal to fire or refuse to hire someone based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. This of course can make it difficult for LGBTQ+ individuals to find and keep employment. Additionally, many southern businesses and organizations have been known to refuse service to same-sex couples. This discrimination can make it difficult for same-sex couples to find housing, employment, and healthcare, as well as access to other essential services. Furthermore, hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals are disproportionately high in the south. These factors can make it hard for same-sex couples to live openly and safely in states like Mississippi.

When Halloween Fun Leads to Criminal Charges in Mississippi

Published on: November 2, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Halloween is a wild night for many – representing an opportunity to embrace the spookiness and our darker sides. However, the rule of law does not suddenly cease to exist on Halloween night. On the morning of November 1, many people wake up and are confronted with the consequences of their activities during the previous night. There are endless possibilities when it comes to criminal charges after Halloween night, and people of all ages may experience consequences for their actions.

Crime Statistics on Halloween

According to various reports, violent crime rates increase by about 50% above the daily average on Halloween. In addition, pedestrian deaths are much more common on Halloween night for obvious reasons. With more pedestrians on the streets, it is easier for trick-or-treaters to be struck and killed by vehicles.

What is a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL)?

Published on: October 31, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Family law cases can be emotional and complex, especially when children are involved. In such cases, the court may appoint a Guardian ad Litem to represent the interests of the child. A Guardian ad Litem, or GAL for short, is a person who is appointed by the court to advocate for the best interests of a child in a legal proceeding. In this blog, we will explore what a Guardian ad Litem is, their role in family law cases, and how they can impact the outcome of such cases.

What is a Guardian Ad Litem?

A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is a person appointed by the court to represent the best interests of a child in a legal proceeding. The GAL is typically an attorney, social worker, or other professional who is trained in child development and the legal system. The primary duty of a GAL is to investigate and report back to the court regarding the child’s welfare and make recommendations regarding custody, visitation, and other matters that impact the child’s best interests.

What Do I Do If My Ex Stops Paying Child Support?

Published on: October 27, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Co-parenting with an ex can be extremely stressful, and many parents rely on child support payments to cover the child’s basic daily needs. So what happens when your ex stops paying child support or refuses to make payments? Is there any way to make them pay? Thankfully, there is. These are the steps you should follow if your ex has stopped making child support payments and refuses to pay.

Get a Child Support Order

If you do not already have a child support order from the court, you’ll need to get one. A child support order is an order from the court, signed by the judge, that requires the non-custodial parent to pay a certain amount of child support each month.

“I Want My Kid Back!” – How to Change Your Child Custody Arrangement

Published on: October 25, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

When a child custody arrangement is established, it is meant to provide stability and consistency for the child. However, as time passes, circumstances can change, and what once worked for the family may no longer be working. In those types of cases, it might be a good idea to ask the court to modify the custody arrangement.

In Mississippi, there are specific rules and procedures for child custody modifications. In this blog post, we will discuss the rules for custody modifications, how the process works, and the importance of hiring an experienced family law attorney to handle your custody modification case.

Rules for Custody Modifications in Mississippi

Don’t Let the Bird of Peace Be the Reason Why You Receive a DUI

Published on: September 8, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Dove hunting, an outdoor activity enjoyed by many, presents an opportunity to connect with nature and friends while showcasing hunting skills. However, amidst the excitement, it’s crucial to address a less-discussed aspect: the potential correlation between driving under the influence (DUI) and dove hunting. In this blog post, we’ll be shedding light on the importance of responsible behavior both on the hunting grounds and behind the wheel.

The Thrill of the Hunt and Celebratory Behavior: Dove hunting season often brings a sense of camaraderie and celebration among hunters. After a successful day in the field, it’s common to gather and share stories of the hunt. Unfortunately, this celebratory atmosphere can sometimes lead to the consumption of alcohol. While enjoying the camaraderie, it’s important to maintain a responsible approach to alcohol consumption, avoiding the temptation to overindulge and impair your judgment.
Alcohol Consumption and Impaired Judgment: Alcohol impairs cognitive functions and motor skills, affecting the ability to make rational decisions. The effects of alcohol can be exacerbated by outdoor activities like dove hunting, where coordination and concentration are crucial. Impaired judgment can lead to unsafe behaviors on the hunting grounds, putting not only the hunter at risk but also others in the vicinity.

Why are DUIs So Common Over Labor Day Weekend

Published on: September 8, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

According to the National Safety Council, about 450 people die on US roads over the Labor Day holiday each year. 41% of these fatalities involve an alcohol-impaired driver. But why is Labor Day such a dangerous weekend for driving? What is it about this holiday that leads to such a high level of intoxicated driving? Perhaps most importantly, what should you do if you have been accused of a DUI over the Labor Day weekend?

Mississippi Highway Patrol Makes 141 DUI Arrests Over Labor Day Weekend

On September 5, it was reported that the Mississippi Highway Patrol had arrested over 140 DUI suspects over the preceding Labor Day Weekend. They also reported four confirmed deaths related to auto crashes. However, this represents a notable decline compared with 2022, when the MHP made over 270 DUI arrests over the Labor Day Weekend. However, there were only three auto deaths that year.