Mississippi Criminal and Family Law Blog

Which Convictions Take Away Your Gun Rights in Mississippi?

Published on: February 23, 2024 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Most people are aware that if you commit a felony in Mississippi, you will lose your gun rights. However, there are a number of additional offenses that can also take away your right to bear arms – including certain misdemeanors. In addition, federal felonies that you may not even be aware of can prohibit you from purchasing or owning a firearm. Fortunately, it may be possible to regain your firearms rights under certain circumstances.

Any Felony in Mississippi Can Affect Second Amendment Rights

Any felony conviction will prevent you from owning, purchasing, or using firearms and ammunition in Mississippi. Examples of common felonies in Mississippi include:

The Role of Expert Witnesses in DUI Defense

Published on: February 15, 2024 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

In the complex landscape of criminal law, defending individuals charged with driving under the influence (DUI) requires a comprehensive approach. One crucial aspect that can significantly impact the outcome of DUI cases is the testimony of expert witnesses. Expert witnesses play a pivotal role in DUI defense by providing specialized knowledge and objective analysis. In this blog, we will delve into the importance of expert witnesses and how their testimony can shape the defense strategy in DUI cases.

Understanding Expert Witnesses

Expert witnesses are professionals with specialized knowledge, training, education, or experience in a particular field relevant to the case at hand. In DUI defense, expert witnesses can include toxicologists, forensic chemists, accident reconstruction experts, field sobriety test specialists, and more. These individuals possess the expertise necessary to examine scientific evidence, evaluate the reliability of law enforcement procedures, and provide professional opinions regarding the defendant’s sobriety, the accuracy of test results, and any potential errors or inconsistencies.

States Cracking Down on DUIs

Published on: February 8, 2024 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

South Carolina is taking stricter measures to combat drunk driving, potentially creating a larger number of drivers who will have to use ignition interlock devices. These devices are breath-analysis systems integrated into a vehicle’s electrical system to prevent individuals under the influence from starting the car until they pass a breath test with a blood-alcohol level below 0.02%.

Here are the key points:

Expansion of the Program: South Carolina recently updated its laws, requiring anyone convicted of a DUI with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% to install an ignition interlock device. This represents a significant expansion from the previous requirement, which applied to those with a blood alcohol level of 0.15% or repeat offenders.

What Happens if My Teenager Gets a DUI in Mississippi?

Published on: February 1, 2024 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

In Mississippi, it is illegal for individuals under 21 to consume alcohol. Therefore, if a minor is arrested for DUI, they will face legal consequences under the state’s underage drinking laws and DUI statutes. The severity of these consequences will depend on various factors, including the minor’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC), prior offenses, and the circumstances surrounding the arrest.

The law governing DUIs is found under Miss. Code Ann. § 63-11-30. The law governing minors arrested for DUI is specifically found under subsection 3 of the statute, the “Zero Tolerance for Minors” law. It applies when someone under 21 has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02% or higher but less than 0.08%. If their BAC is 0.08% or higher, the minor will be treated as an adult first-offense DUI, and those laws will govern.

Under the Zero Tolerance law, if someone under 21 is convicted for the first time of breaking this law and takes a chemical test or if no test results are available, they will be fined $250. They must also attend an alcohol safety education program within six months. The court may also require them to participate in a victim impact panel.

The Death Penalty in Mississippi: A Closer Look at Capital Punishment

Published on: January 25, 2024 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

The death penalty is a highly debated topic in Mississippi. It raises important questions about whether it is a fair and effective way to administer justice. In this blog, we will explore the history, legal framework, controversies, and ongoing discussions surrounding the use of the death penalty in Mississippi.

The Historical Context

Mississippi has a long history of using different methods, such as hanging, electrocution, and lethal injection, for carrying out the death penalty. Over time, the state has made changes to its approach based on legal reforms and changing public opinions.

How Does Mississippi Handle Armed Robbery?

Published on: January 18, 2024 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Armed robbery is a serious criminal offense in Mississippi, punishable by imprisonment, fines, and other penalties. If you or a loved one has been charged with armed robbery, it is crucial to act quick and seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney who can provide you with effective legal representation.

How Does Mississippi Define Armed Robbery?

In Mississippi, every person who feloniously takes or attempts to take from another person or entity against his will through the use of force or the threat of force, while in possession of a deadly weapon or firearm is considered to be guilty of armed robbery. The state considers this to be a serious offense that can result in significant prison time and other severe penalties.

Tackling Truancy: Understanding the Issue of Truancy in Mississippi

Published on: January 16, 2024 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Truancy, the act of students skipping school without a valid reason, is a widespread concern that affects educational systems across the globe. In the state of Mississippi, truancy has been a persistent challenge that impacts both individual students and the broader community. This blog post delves into the issue of truancy in Mississippi, exploring its causes, consequences, and the efforts being made to address it.

The Truancy Landscape in Mississippi

Mississippi, known for its rich history and culture, has faced its share of educational challenges over the years. Truancy is one of these challenges, with significant implications for students, families, and society as a whole. The state’s rural nature, socio-economic disparities, and historical factors have contributed to the prevalence of truancy in certain areas.

Locked and Loaded: Navigating Gun Violence and Legal Challenges in Mississippi

Published on: January 12, 2024 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

The 2023 St. Paddy’s Day parade in downtown Jackson took a tragic turn when two people were shot and killed. The suspect, Jordan Kyle Cummins, was arrested by Capitol Police. This incident sheds light on the gun violence problem in Mississippi. According to WAPT News, two victims were shot and killed around 1:00 p.m. during the parade festivities. Authorities said that Cummins was taken into custody without incident.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mississippi has had a higher gun mortality rate than any other state in the country. In 2020, Mississippi had a death rate of 28.6%, and with all of the gun related deaths that are on the news, it is likely that this number hasn’t decreased since 2020.

The Most Common Gun Crime Charges in Mississippi

Mississippi’s Two Types of Divorce

Published on: December 14, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

There are two types of divorce in Mississippi: Irreconcilable Differences divorce (sometimes called “ID divorce” or “uncontested divorce”) and Contested or Fault-Based divorce. The type of divorce you choose largely depends on whether or not you and your spouse can agree to a divorce.

Irreconcilable Differences Divorce

Irreconcilable differences divorce is also sometimes called uncontested divorce. This type of divorce is used where both spouses agree that they want to get a divorce and can agree to all the terms of the divorce. If one spouse does not want a divorce and does not agree to the divorce, ID divorce cannot be used, and the spouse who does want the divorce will have to file for fault-based divorce. What happens if the couple agrees that they both want to get a divorce, but cannot agree on certain terms like child support? In this type of situation, the couple can still file for irreconcilable differences divorce as long as they agree that the court will determine any remaining terms of disagreement.

How to Prepare for Divorce

Published on: December 11, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

When a marriage is breaking down and it becomes obvious that divorce may be approaching, it can be scary for everyone involved. However, there are several things that spouses can do to prepare for divorce if they know that they are likely headed in that direction. It is never a bad idea to prepare ahead of time so that the divorce process runs as smoothly as possible.

Basic Divorce Requirements

The first part of starting the divorce process is determining whether you meet the state residency requirement. To file for divorce in Mississippi, you must be a Mississippi resident for at least six months at the time of filing. Most people satisfy this condition easily, but if you have not lived in Mississippi for at least six months, you may need to wait until that six-month period has passed. Residency may be proved in many ways including but not limited to filing for a homestead exemption, registering to vote, purchasing an instate drivers’ license, and so on.