Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Gulfport, MS

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Gulfport, Mississippi?

  The Gulfport Police Department has its non-emergency dispatch hotline at 228-868-5959.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Gulfport, Mississippi?

  The Gulfport Police Department is at 2220 15th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501, and can be reached at 228-868-5962 for records requests.

• What kinds of offenses are criminal defense attorneys in Gulfport likely to come across?

  A criminal defense counsel in Gulfport is over ten times more likely to come across a property crime than a violent one. The former occurs at a rate of 43.16 for every thousand citizens, with simple thefts accounting for 76.4% of all incidents. Violent events count for 4.26 occurrences per a thousand citizens.

• When could the police in Gulfport search a criminal defendant without a warrant?

  The police in Gulfport and the state can use the exceptions to the search warrant requirement to conduct searches without going to court. One of these circumstances is if the suspect consented to the search freely and without coercion, as this counts as a waiver of the right to a warrant-free search. An individual may also be searched if the police have the legal right to arrest someone and discover contraband in plain sight or nearby.

• When can a criminal defendant in Gulfport invoke the denial of the right to a speedy trial to get a case dismissed?

  A criminal defendant in Gulfport can invoke the right to a speedy trial after 270 days have passed since they were arraigned and the litigation process has not begun. The government can also ask for an extension of this period for a good cause. One such cause is an overabundance of work at the prosecution office, which calls for a motion for continuance.

• What steps should a criminal defendant in Gulfport take when approached by the police?

  Criminal defendants in Gulfport should politely refuse to talk to the police about the case and invoke the constitutional right against self-incrimination. The suspect must calmly ask not to be searched, invoke the Miranda rights, and ask the authorities to be referred to a criminal defense attorney if there is an attempt at questioning or arrest.

• What are the qualifications that a citizen of Gulfport must look for when selecting a criminal defense counsel?

  A citizen of Gulfport who needs criminal defense counsel should look for someone who has experience in penal law practice. Past work as a public defender is a plus because it implies grace under pressure and heavy workloads. It is also ideal to search for someone who has been a prosecutor since it shows familiarity with government tactics and counters.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.