Criminal Defense in Jackson, MS
What Is a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Because a criminal conviction can have serious consequences, you want an experienced Jackson, Mississippi attorney on your side.
These attorneys research the facts of your case so you can have peace of mind. By performing their investigation, criminal defense attorneys put you in a better position to negotiate a deal with the prosecutors, possibly resulting in reduced charges, a lower bail amount, less sentencing time, and even possibly dismissed charges. Put simply, hiring a defense lawyer in Jackson, MS is the most effective way to protect your rights.
Unfortunately, the Mississippi criminal process more than likely leads to costly fines, jail time, and possible incarceration for those who do not have competent legal counsel.
As jails become increasingly overcrowded, criminal defense attorneys work with prosecutors to reduce the time that you may spend in jail. They do this by formulating a plea, reviewing the procedure of the search and seizure, questioning witnesses, gathering evidence, assessing the potential sentence, and investigating the prosecutor’s case. Furthermore, your Jackson criminal defense lawyer helps you understand the complex criminal justice system.
Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Jackson, Mississippi
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer gives you access to a Jackson professional who defends you aggressively. This means you have someone standing beside you when you face the judge. If you are looking to hire a compassionate and committed criminal defense lawyer in Jackson, MS who is ready to help represent you in court, we have lawyers who are standing by in all areas of law throughout multiple locations in the United States. Get in contact with us today.
What is the Difference Between Parole and Probation?
If you are facing criminal charges in Jackson you may have an option for either parole or probation. While their names are similar, these two concepts are vastly different. Your criminal defense attorney can help you understand these alternatives to incarceration.
Probation
Probation is typically an alternative to jail or prison. There are times when a judge may order a defendant to serve probation. If you are on probation, you will be under a certain set of guidelines. Furthermore, there will also likely be strict supervision rules.
Because of this, Mississippi laws are in place to force you to submit to warrantless searches without any probable cause.
When you receive probation, a judge usually will allow you to show that you have an interest in receiving rehabilitation. Probation in place of an incarceration sentence may not be an option without expert defense, though. Accordingly, to avoid a direct prison sentence you should immediately seek legal advice.
Even though probation does not send you to jail, it usually requires you to follow many of the same conditions that come with serving time in prison. Some of these conditions include participating in rehabilitating programs, following a curfew, and receiving frequent drug testing.
In Jackson, Mississippi you may be also required to pay restitution, court costs, a fine and any other fees. The length of time you are on probation may drastically range, depending on the initial crime and your previous history.
The maximum probationary sentence a judge can hand down in Mississippi is 5 years. The court will take into account various factors when conducting sentencing, such as criminal history and the severity of the offense.
Probation Revoked
If you do not follow the precise instructions a judge gives you, the judge may revoke your probation. This typically results in incarceration. Furthermore, depending on the nature of your violation, you may receive an additional sentence beyond your initial one.
The Mississippi Department of Corrections oversees those on probation in Jackson and will help you in setting meetings with your court-appointed probation officer. Additional terms of your probation may include community random drug testing, maintaining employment, and remaining at your current residence for the duration of your probation. You’ll also be expected to be an upstanding citizen and refrain from future criminal acts. Violating these terms can result in your arrest, and may force you to appear before a judge at the U.S. District Court of Jackson. If the judge rules against you, you can face jail time or even the revocation of your probation.
Typically, a probation officer manages your probation. This officer monitors your progress and compliance. He or she also files periodic reports with the court. Accordingly, if you do not comply with the terms of your probation, the judge is apt to know. Then he or she may revoke your probation and send you to jail. A Jackson, Mississippi criminal defense attorney can help you with probation violations.
Parole
With parole, you report to a parole officer instead of a probation officer. Your parole officer will explain the expectations and conditions you must meet while monitoring your progress and reporting to the court and parole board.
Parole refers to the period following your release from incarceration. Like probation, it comes with specific conditions and safeguards that you are required to follow.
Parole in Jackson is at the discretion of the Mississippi Parole Board, and under their purview. Parole is a chance to rejoin the community and should be taken as an opportunity for rehabilitation. You’ll be required to meet regularly with your parole officer and may have to submit to random drug tests and searches of your residence. In addition, you’ll be required to obtain the permission of the court before traveling outside the state. You’ll also be barred from owning a firearm. You can arrange meetings with your parole officer through the parole board, or the Marion County Probation and Parole Office.
If you violate the terms of your parole, the parole board may require you to finish the remaining time of your sentence. Certain violations, though, may result in additional charges and a longer incarceration time resulting in the need for a Jackson, MS criminal defense attorney.
Work With an Experienced Local Jackson, Mississippi Criminal Defense Lawyer
A Jackson criminal defense attorney works with the prosecuting attorney to determine a beneficial outcome in your criminal case.
You may not want to go through the criminal justice process alone. By working together to negotiate an affordable bond or a later plea deal, an experienced Jackson, MS criminal defense lawyer uses all available resources and relationships with prosecutors to negotiate the best possible outcome for your criminal defense case. He or she may also help you seek a dismissal of your criminal complaint.
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in any state, contact our team to learn how we can connect you with a reputable criminal defense attorney near you. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Mississippi state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.