Under Mississippi state law, a controlled substance is a drug or chemical component used to make a drug that may prove dangerous. The more dangerous the drug, the harsher the charge. The drug classification system or schedule puts notable drugs and the chemicals used...
A look at the validity of confessions
Law enforcement officers in Mississippi and throughout the country use a host of tactics to gather evidence tying a suspect to a case. One common piece of evidence involves confessions and statements signed by suspects, which links them to the crime. Yet, not all...
OCDETF program sees man pleading guilty to distribution charges
When it comes to drug charges, the state or federal courts take things seriously but tend to pursue distribution more aggressively than possession. The fines that jail-time accompanying them reflect this. In order to investigate and prosecute alleged distributors, an...
What penalties can you face for shoplifting?
If you think of shoplifting as a minor offense against a rich merchant who can easily adsorb the loss, think again. Mississippi takes a dim view of shoplifting, and Section 97-23-93 of the Mississippi Code provides for severe penalties upon conviction. FindLaw...
Can law enforcement search your car without a warrant?
Seeing those blue lights flashing in your rearview mirror may cause you anxiety and stress. You may feel especially uneasy if the law enforcement officer who stops you wants to look around your vehicle. Understanding what your rights are under these circumstances may...
What do you know about how judges set bail?
After a recent run-in with Mississippi law enforcement, police detained you until your trial. The judge set your bail, and you may wonder how she or he chose that specific amount. The American Bar Association explores the factors that affect bail amount. While...
What are some examples of white collar crime?
If you are facing white collar crime charges, it is very important to understand that this case could derail your life in countless ways. White collar crime is an umbrella term and some people do not recognize the various offenses that fall into this category. Some...
Intervention courts may prevent a criminal record
Researchers understand that incarceration serves well as punishment and keeps offenders from harming the public, but jail or prison time rarely functions as rehabilitation. In fact, people who have spent time in jail due to drug or alcohol use are more likely to...
Mississippi governor vetoes criminal justice reform
In July 2020, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves vetoed two bills that addressed criminal justice reform. The debate over Mississippi’s overcrowded prisons has accelerated, leaving many bipartisan lawmakers to condemn the governor’s action. Senate Bill 2123 and House...
Charges dropped against woman who called her parents racist on Facebook
A family fight on social media over a car led to criminal charges against a Mississippi woman, but the police have since dropped the charges. On June 5, the woman, 21, made a post on her Facebook page accusing her parents of racism and her mother of abusing her....