Earlier this month the United States Supreme Court issued its opinion in Salinas v. Texas, 570 U.S. ___ (2013). Before Salinas was arrested, police asked him a few questions. In response to one particular question, he remained silent and said nothing; he argued that this was his way of exercising his…
Mississippi Criminal and Family Law Blog
Mississippi Highway Patrol Gets Dinged by Supreme Court
In the recent Mississippi Supreme Court decision of Freeman v. State, NO. 2012-KM-00192-SCT, the court reversed a DUI conviction where the state trooper’s in-car video was lost prior to a new trial on appeal. In short, the defendant was never provided with a copy of the video used to convict him…
Clearing DUI Arrests in Mississippi
On April 11, 2013, Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed into law House Bill 481, which introduces several changes to Mississippi’s DUI laws. While I have previously addressed the ways in which this bill “cracks down” on impaired drivers, it also provides a benefit to potentially thousands of people who have been…
Federal Government Proposes Lower Limit for DUI
Tuesday, May 14, 2013, the National Traffic Safety Board announced its newest proposal for cracking down on alcohol-related traffic accidents. The NTSB is urging all states to lower the threshold blood alcohol concentration from .08 percent to .05 percent. This 37.5 percent decrease would make it MUCH easier to get…
Tips for Hiring a Mississippi DUI Attorney
Hiring a lawyer to fight your DUI charge in Mississippi is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Driving under the influence (DUI) is a complex and complicated criminal allegation with severe consequences if the charge results in a conviction in court. Here at my law office, we are…
County Attorneys Named in Lawsuit
Prosecutors in Hinds and Rankin counties Justice Courts are accused of concealing information that could prove defendants innocent of alleged crimes. A lawsuit was filed this April seeking an injunction against Hinds County Prosecutor Sherri Flowers and Rankin County Prosecutor Richard Wilson. Take a further look at the article: “The…
New Albany MS Ordinance Allowing Beer Sales Goes Into Effect
An ordinance to allow the sale of beer and light wines went into effect this passed Monday in New Albany. The businesses that have applied for the permit to sell still have not received their permits though. Take a further look at the article: According to Mississippi State Tax Commission…
Hiring a Good Defense Attorney
Here are a few tips when looking for a good defense attorney: Shop Around – Lawyers use advertising and advertising works but do not be suckered into hiring an attorney just because they have flexible payment plans or a picture of them looking mean. When looking for a good defense…
Hinds County Teens Encouraged To Stay Away From Alcohol
Hinds County, in the wake of prom and just before graduation, is sending out a strong message encouraging teens to stay away from alcohol. The message mainly focuses on showing teens that it is possible to have fun without alcohol. Take a further look at the article: “The message is…
Mississippi State Agents Raid Illegal Still
State agents raided an illegal still in McCool, MS, arresting one and seizing marijuana and whiskey. James E. Patterson, 55, was charged with making moonshine and growing marijuana. Take a further look at the article: The Mississippi Alcohol Beverage Control served a warrant on Tuesday, where they discovered 45 gallons…