Mississippi Criminal Law Blog

An arraignment hearing is the first formal court appearance after criminal charges are filed. During this hearing, the judge reads the charges, advises the defendant of constitutional rights, accepts a plea, and addresses bond or bail. Understanding what happens in an arraignment hearing can help you prepare for this critical step in the criminal process.…

When it comes to criminal law, one of the most important parts of the U.S. Constitution is the Fifth Amendment. This amendment helps protect people who are accused of crimes and makes sure they’re treated fairly. In this post, we’ll break down what the Fifth Amendment means and why it matters so much. The Right…

Statutes of limitations play a crucial role in the criminal justice system. They set the time limit for prosecutors to bring criminal charges. In Mississippi, the statute of limitations varies depending on the nature of the crime. While certain serious offenses like murder and rape have no statute of limitations, others have specific timeframes within…

A restraining order in Mississippi is a court order that directs one person to stop threatening, harassing, or abusing another. Mississippi law calls these "Domestic Abuse Protection Orders" or civil injunctions. Most people use the term "restraining order." This guide covers who qualifies for protection. It explains how to file step by step, what evidence…

Law enforcement officers commonly use breathalyzer tests to determine the level of intoxication in individuals suspected of driving under the influence (DUI). Many people believe that these tests are foolproof and always accurate. However, diabetes, a common medical condition, may lead to false positive results on breathalyzer tests. In this blog, we will explore the…

Bail is a financial arrangement that allows a person who has been arrested and charged with a crime to be released from jail while awaiting trial. The purpose of bail is to ensure that the defendant will appear in court for all required hearings and proceedings. If the defendant fails to appear, they forfeit the…

In Mississippi, as in other states, a conviction is not always the final word on an individual’s guilt or innocence. Post-conviction relief (PCR) can offer an essential legal remedy for those who have been wrongfully convicted or sentenced. This process allows individuals to challenge their convictions after their trial is over and the appeal process…

The right to remain silent is a crucial protection that individuals have when facing criminal accusations. It is enshrined in the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution and ensures that individuals are not compelled to provide testimony that could incriminate them. When individuals are being questioned by law enforcement officials, they can invoke their…

The issue of murder in the United States is one that captures national attention, especially during times of crisis or when high-profile cases make headlines. But behind the sensational stories and media coverage is a complex, often troubling trend that reveals a lot about the state of violence, crime, and public safety in the U.S.…

No. Under Mississippi law, a convicted felon cannot own, carry, or be around a firearm they can reach. The state's felon-in-possession of a firearm prohibition and the federal firearms ban both apply, and a state conviction can bring up to ten years in prison. The narrow exceptions are a pardon, a certificate of rehabilitation, or…