Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Jackson, MS

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency matters, you can dial 601-960-1234 to call the Jackson Police Department.

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

  To request a copy of your police report in Jackson, call 601-960-1341.

• How much blood alcohol content level will get you arrested in Jackson?

  In Jackson and the rest of Mississippi, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.8% or more. For individuals under the age of 21, it is illegal to dive under the influence of .02 BAC or higher. When operating commercial vehicles, drivers’ BAC must be .04% or lower.

• Are there alternatives to serving jail time in Jackson?

  Yes, there are alternatives to serving jail time in Jackson, which are offered to qualified offenders. Depending on the charges involved in a person’s case, they could, instead, pay hefty fines, undergo drug and alcohol education programs, go on probation, or engage in community service if convicted. An experienced lawyer can help identify one’s non-jail options.

• What are the consequences if you are convicted of a crime as a college student in Jackson?

  If you are convicted of a criminal offense as a college student in Jackson, you may face some serious consequences. These may include loss of athletic and academic scholarships, ineligibility to obtain a professional license, school suspension or expulsion, and loss of federal financial aid. You may also be disqualified from applying for certain jobs or get evicted from student housing.

• Can you erase a criminal record under your name in Jackson?

  It is possible to get your criminal records in Jackson removed or “expunged.” However, this is not available to everyone. There are different eligibility requirements if you wish to get your criminal records erased, and most violent crimes committed by adults can’t be expunged or sealed. Some of the offenses that can be expunged in Mississippi are malicious mischief, shoplifting, controlled substance possession, larceny, false pretenses, and bad checks.

• Can a criminal defense lawyer in Jackson ask for your acquittal?

  It is possible for your attorney to file a motion for acquittal if they believe that the state did not present enough evidence to prove that you committed the crime. A motion for acquittal asks the court to take the case from the jury and let the judge acquit you of all charges. It is likely that your attorney will file this motion after the state has wrapped up the case, and it is clear that there is an insufficient amount of evidence against you.

• 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.