Articles Posted in MS Criminal Laws

South Carolina lawyer, Alex Murdaugh, was once a respected figure in the legal community. He came from a prominent family of lawyers, with his father and grandfather both having successful careers in the legal profession. Alex himself was known for his skill and success in the courtroom. However, in 2021, the seemingly perfect life of Alex Murdaugh began to unravel. In June of that year, he discovered the bodies of his wife and son at their family home. At the time, it was believed that they had been killed in a botched robbery attempt, and Alex himself became a key figure in the investigation.

As the investigation unfolded, the story became more complicated. It was revealed that Alex had been involved in a number of shady financial dealings. He was heavily in debt and had even misappropriated funds from a settlement for a client. It was also discovered that he had arranged for a former client to kill him in order to collect a life insurance payout, but that the hitman had botched the job.

As the evidence mounted against him, it became clear that Alex Murdaugh was not the victim he had claimed to be. In fact, he appeared to be a master manipulator who had orchestrated a web of lies and deceit in order to cover up his own crimes. The prosecution presented compelling evidence against Alex Murdaugh in his murder trial. There were inconsistencies in his story about discovering the bodies of his wife and son, and the forensic evidence did not support his version of events. The prosecution also presented evidence of his financial troubles and the failed hit on his own life, suggesting that he had a motive to kill his wife and son.

Facing criminal accusations of any kind can be scary as a conviction can result in severe penalties and affect your personal and professional lives. Hiring a criminal defense attorney is key to any sort of accusation that you may be facing in state or federal court. Working with a qualified criminal defense attorney with experience at the federal level can help you avoid a conviction or get reduced penalties.

Although certain crimes can lead to state-level investigations and trials, they may result in federal charges if you have violated any federal laws, affected interstate commerce, crossed state borders, or committed the crime on federal property. If federal agents conducted the investigation, the US Attorney can elect to prosecute you at the federal level.

Federal Prosecution Has More Resources for Investigation

Criminal charges and accusations are serious matters. Even something as simple as a traffic ticket can have a lasting impact on your business and your personal life. The Carmody Law Firm can help you by vigorously defending your case so that you can go back to living your life.

Our criminal defense lawyers have decades of combined experience, and our firm has been trusted in the state of Mississippi for well over 43 years. When it comes to criminal law, experience is everything – and our attorneys at the Carmody Law Firm have the experience necessary to protect your rights in any court room.

Why Do You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney to Help Defend Your Rights?

A couple of weeks ago, Jerrell Powe, a former standout and six (6) year NFL player, appeared in court and was charged with kidnapping and conspiring to commit a crime. The Ridgeland Police Chief disclosed that the incident began in Laurel, Mississippi and ended after the alleged victim was able to contact Ridgeland police. According to WLBT-TV, the individual stated that he was not only kidnapped “against his will,” but “forced to withdraw” money at a local bank. 

According to a spokesperson for Powe, however, the entire incident was the result of a scam. Apparently, Powe had loaned money to the alleged victim and was only trying to get his money back. Whether Powe believes he was in the wrong or not, the charges he faces are very serious and could carry severe consequences.

How Does Mississippi Define Kidnapping?

Many people do not realize the severity of Mississippi’s stalking laws. You might assume that following an ex-girlfriend around or even bugging her on social media is no big deal. Although no one is actually being “hurt” in these scenarios, you may be breaking the law. Read a few news stories about stalking in Mississippi within the past few years, and you will quickly realize that people who engage in these acts run the very real risk of going to prison. But what exactly happens when you stalk people in Mississippi, and what penalties might you face if you are caught?

Examples of Stalking in Mississippi and Across the United States

The most recent example of stalking came in November of 2022. This situation involved an individual who had allegedly used a dating app to stalk a victim. According to the Oxford Police Department, they had received a complaint from a victim who walked into the department to get help from this alleged stalking. No other information was provided about the incident, although the defendant was promptly arrested and issued a $15,000 bond. This shows that modern “stalking” may not simply involve following someone down the street. It may also involve dating apps, social media, and other digital communication tools without any actual direct contact.

The type of defense that you put forth in your criminal case matters. If your legal arguments are poorly made, or if your representation simply isn’t aggressive enough, you might be at an increased risk of being not only convicted but also being hit with the harshest penalties allowable under the law.

That’s why it’s probably in your best interests to carefully consider the type of legal representation that you want on your side. If you qualify, you can be represented by a public defender, but these attorneys are notoriously overworked, which means that they might not be able to give you the time and attention that you and your case need and deserve.

Why You Should Consider Representation by a Private Attorney

It’s no surprise that certain crimes spike around the holidays. Increased alcohol consumption, as well as financial and emotional stress, sometimes causes people to do things they wouldn’t ordinarily do. One example is drinking too much and then driving, or getting into a fight with a loved one, or shoplifting. Unfortunately, a poor decision now can have an impact long after the holidays are over. Here’s a look at a few common holiday crimes that can turn your “Christmas cheer into holiday tears!”

Driving While Intoxicated

During the holiday season, there is no shortage of celebrations and parties. Police often step-up DUI enforcement during this time of year, putting more officers on the roads to ensure the safety of all drivers. Police will be looking for any reason to stop motorists, like simply having a taillight out or failing to use a turn signal.

If you have committed a major crime in Mississippi, you might be wondering whether the court will “take it easy” on you. This is obviously something that all defendants hope for, as no one wants to spend more time in prison than they absolutely have to. But is it true that certain members of the population receive more lenient treatment than others? What about older women? At first, you might assume that almost everyone involved in the legal system would be merciful towards an old woman. But your sentence really depends on your unique circumstances. Some crimes are viewed with such disdain that your gender and your age do not play a role in your sentencing. But what can you do if you face charges in Mississippi?

Examples of Charges Involving Older Women in Mississippi

If you want to know how the legal system in Mississippi deals with older women, you might want to consider a few recent examples. On October 14th of 2022, it was reported that an 80-year-old grandmother in Mississippi has been arrested for possessing meth. She had just two grams when police searched her and discovered the drug in her purse. The elderly individual was immediately charged with possession of a controlled substance and booked into a detention center. At the time of her arrest, the defendant was in a car with her two grandsons. When the drugs were found during a traffic stop, the grandmother admitted that the drugs were hers. However, she might’ve “taken the fall” for her grandsons. In any case, this story illustrates that elderly individuals will still be arrested and charged by police in Mississippi for things like drug possession.

The holiday season is well underway! Decorations are up, stores are crowded with an abundance of shoppers, and holiday parties have commenced. For many, it is a time of happiness and cheer. It’s a time to celebrate and appreciate time with family and friends. For others, the holidays are particularly challenging, bringing up difficult emotions or memories, and increased stress. Whether you are full of holiday spirit or struggling through the season, it is helpful to be aware of some of the top crimes committed during the holiday season:

Shoplifting:

Shoplifting from a retail store is a common crime and it is no surprise that it is even more common during the holidays. Shopping is at a peak during the holiday season. Even with seasonal help, there are frequently not enough employees to be heedful and fully attentive to the holiday crowds. Shoplifters often take advantage of these conditions and rates of theft increase significantly.