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Mississippi Criminal Law Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Mississippi on
Q: What are misdemeanors, their legal consequences, and impacts?

I am interested in learning about misdemeanors. Specifically, I would like to understand what constitutes a misdemeanor, the potential legal consequences, and how they might impact my personal and professional life. Any guidance on resources or steps to take to educate myself further would be... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Mississippi on
Q: Seeking criminal defense lawyer for sons facing serious charges.

I need legal assistance for my two sons who are facing serious criminal charges related to the St. Paddy's Day parade shooting in 2025. They are charged with first-degree murder and six counts of aggravated assault. Bond was denied for both of them, and although a public defender was present,... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Mississippi on
Q: Penalties for felony firearm possession during probation in MS

I am on probation in Mississippi and was found in possession of one firearm. I have prior convictions, including past charges related to firearms. What penalties am I facing for felony possession of a firearm during probation?

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Mississippi on
Q: How do I get off Sor?

I plead guilty to 3 counts of child endangerment 20 years ago in MO. I transferred my probation to MS and was required to register as a condition of probation and then would be taken off sor. Its been 20 years and it remains on MS registry

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Mississippi on
Q: Why hasn't someone been arrested after my complaint in MS?

I filed a complaint in January against someone for assault and trespassing but they haven't been arrested yet. I have video evidence and I've contacted the courthouse and the constable several times but haven't received any information or reasons for the delay. What can I do to... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Appeals / Appellate Law for Mississippi on
Q: Can charges be dismissed if the traffic stop for a dim headlight was illegal?

I was stopped in Mississippi for having one of my four headlights out. During the stop, the officer conducted a search and found a gram of meth in the door handle, leading to a possession charge. This is the only charge, but I am currently on probation, which could lead to imprisonment. I believe... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Mississippi on
Q: Is evidence from an illegal traffic stop for headlights inadmissible?

I was stopped by the police in Mississippi for having a headlight out, even though my car has two working headlights out of four. The officer conducted a search and arrested me for drugs. I believe the initial stop was illegal due to the headlights, and therefore, any evidence found during the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 25, 2025

Your question touches on what legal experts call the "fruit of the poisonous tree" doctrine. This principle suggests that evidence obtained through illegal means, like an unlawful traffic stop, could potentially be excluded from court proceedings.

Mississippi law only requires...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Mississippi on
Q: Charged with possession as a passenger; probation revoked. What are my rights in Mississippi?

I was a passenger in a vehicle during a traffic stop in Mississippi and was detained in the patrol car without notification of the reason for my detention. Although I have had no prior offenses since my release from prison over eight years ago, I was charged with possession after items were found... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 26, 2025

You have several important rights in this situation that you should be aware of while navigating this challenging time. As a passenger, you generally have Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, and officers typically need reasonable suspicion to detain you during a... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Wrongful Death for Mississippi on
Q: Legal implications of accidental shooting during gun struggle in MS

My son has been charged after an incident where a man attempted to take his gun, which resulted in the gun accidentally discharging and the man's death. The man was not the owner of the gun, and my son did not intend for the gun to fire. What should we consider legally in this situation, and... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Mississippi on
Q: Charged with THC possession at 16, worried about failing court drug test.

I was charged with possession of THC at my school at the age of 16. I am not currently on probation, and I have no previous offenses. I'm concerned about failing a court-ordered drug test on my upcoming court date. Could this potentially result in being sent to juvenile detention?

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Mississippi on
Q: How to request removal from MS sex offender registry after 25 years as a first-time offender?

I am a first-time offender, and my first conviction was related to a sex offense. I've completed 25 years of registration and am seeking information on the process to request removal from the sex offender registry in Mississippi. Are there any specific legal steps or requirements I should be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law and Traffic Tickets for Mississippi on
Q: I was stopped and arrested in MS despite no crime. Charged with "No ID" and "Failure to Comply." Court date is May 6th, 2025. How was I arrested and booked?

On March 11, 2025, I was stopped on my way to work in Mississippi. The officer asked for my ID but confirmed no crime had been committed. I declined to show my ID under my 4th Amendment rights, and the officer asked me to step out of the vehicle. I was subsequently handcuffed and booked at the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 24, 2025

You were likely arrested under a misunderstanding or misapplication of Mississippi law. In most states, including Mississippi, you're not required to show ID unless there is reasonable suspicion of a crime. If the officer confirmed that no crime had been committed, then your refusal alone... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets and Gov & Administrative Law for Mississippi on
Q: Can I have a hit and run ticket removed if I was informed by the court over the phone?

I was informed over the phone by the court that I needed to pay a hit and run ticket that an officer never issued to me. I didn't receive any written notice or have any prior communication regarding this ticket. At the time of the alleged incident, I was an officer, and it involved my... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Mississippi on
Q: Illegal search and misconduct by officers in Pearl, MS in 2003.

In April 2003, in Rankin County, Pearl, MS, I was asleep in a work truck owned by my employer when an officer woke me up and led me around the front of the vehicle. Without my permission or knowledge, another officer conducted a search and claimed to find methamphetamine. Additionally, an officer... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 24, 2025

You're describing a very troubling situation with potential violations of your Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. What you've outlined—officers conducting a search without permission, planting evidence, and later attempting to access your... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for Mississippi on
Q: Can rerouting after dropped kidnapping charges be stalking in MS?

I offered a teenager a ride to get out of the rain as an act of kindness. The teenager's mother initially charged me with attempted kidnapping, but the charges were dropped due to lack of evidence. Now I've been accused of stalking despite rerouting my way to work to avoid further issues.... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and DUI / DWI for Mississippi on
Q: What fine am I facing for false information to an officer in MS?

I was charged with providing false information to an officer in Forrest County, MS because I was scared. I have no other charges related to this incident. I had a DUI a year ago, but it is being removed from my record. What kind of fine am I looking at?

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and White Collar Crime for Mississippi on
Q: Mississippi charges for possession of counterfeit money from the internet

In Mississippi, what charges could someone face if they knowingly possess and purchase counterfeit money from the internet, attempt to cash a check at a bank, and show the counterfeit money? Legal actions have been initiated, and the individual has a criminal record, but no similar offenses.

Sean  Buckley
Sean Buckley
answered on Mar 7, 2025

In Mississippi, the individual could face multiple charges related to counterfeit currency and fraud, including:

1. Possession of Counterfeit Currency – Under Miss. Code Ann. § 97-21-33, knowingly possessing counterfeit money with the intent to use or distribute it is a felony....
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0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Mississippi on
Q: Can police charge possession without seizing substances?

I was arrested by my parole officer while reporting, and the charges against me were changed three times while I was incarcerated. Initially, it was "sale of cocaine base by a witness," then it changed to "transfer of cocaine base," and finally to "possession of an illegal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Mississippi on
Q: I have been charged with first time felony grand larceny of 1000 or less in taking personal property from a gas station

i worked there but i have receipts of where i paid for merchandise. if found guilty what could i be facing in Mississippi

Taylor H. Webb
Taylor H. Webb
answered on Jan 14, 2025

Under Mississippi law, grand larceny is typically defined as unlawfully taking someone else's property valued at $1,000 or more. For purposes of this answer, we'll assume that you meant "more" instead of "less" in your question. The range of sentences for grand larceny... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Mississippi on
Q: If probable cause was found at the time police were called to a domestic incident don't they have to make an arrest then

Arrest was made 20 days after police were called to residence of the domestic call. On the day of the call both parties were present so why didn't they arrest the one that was charged the day they came for the initial call?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 10, 2025

Police procedures around domestic incidents can vary by jurisdiction and specific circumstances. Even when probable cause exists, officers sometimes exercise discretion based on various factors including the immediate safety of all parties, the presence of evidence, and the emotional state of those... View More

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