Mississippi Criminal and Family Law Blog

Mississippi Addresses Mental Health with House Bill 1222

Published on: December 7, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

The week of March 13, 2023, Mississippi passed House Bill 1222, also called the Mississippi Collaborative Response to Mental Health Act. This bill, which passed unanimously, was sent to the governor for his signature. It requires each municipality and county law enforcement agency to provide mental health training to all officers by 2031. It also requires that these law enforcement agencies must employ at least one Crisis Intervention Team Officer by the year 2025.

In the wake of police brutality and the broad media coverage it has gained, many states are looking at ways to curb deaths caused by police. For most, this looks like some sort of intervention program such as the one proposed here in Mississippi. According to the Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, of the 1,000 people fatally shot by police in 2018, 25% were mentally ill. The type of training looking to be introduced here aims to reduce the risk of serious injury or death during an emergency interaction between people with mental illness and police officers. Studies show this type of training leads to beneficial officer-level outcomes, such as officer satisfaction and self-perception of a reduction in use of force. It would also likely lead to prebooking diversion from jails to psychiatric facilities. This way, those suffering from mental illness can get the help they need rather than being thrown in a stressful environment like jail which would only make the matter worse.

Mental Illness in the Mississippi

Auto Thefts and Carjackings on the Rise

Published on: November 27, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Motor vehicle thefts across 30 major cities have increased by 59% from 2019 to 2022, according to the statistics released by the Council on Criminal Justice earlier this year. CBS News reported that according to a criminologist, Dr. Richard Rosenfeld, “motor vehicle thefts had been plummeting” for decades and were on their way down, due largely in part to the fact newer technology made stealing a car more difficult. However, Dr. Rosenfeld disclosed that the downward trend quickly began reversing “right at the start” of the pandemic, and “has persisted through the end of 2022 with no sign of letting up.”

According to the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, motor vehicle theft is the third most common property crime in the United States. Data from the city of Chicago indicates that most citywide carjackers are young adults, but that carjackings by juveniles has more than doubled, from 18% to 41%, between 2016 and 2021. Additionally, the National Insurance Crime Bureau reported that there were more than 936,000 vehicle thefts in 2021, a 27% increase since 2019. Crime analysts like Dr. Rosenberg stress that “recent increases in property crime and carjacking require immediate action from law enforcement and policy makers.”

How Does Mississippi Define Carjacking?

Can AI Be Used as Evidence in Mississippi Criminal Trials?

Published on: November 16, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Both defendants and prosecutors can call upon witnesses to testify during criminal trials – but what happens if that witness is an artificial intelligence rather than a human being? One might argue that AIs are inherently more reliable witnesses, and they are not subject to factors like bias or faulty memories. On the other hand, you might argue that AIs are fully capable of making mistakes, misinterpreting facts, and generally providing unreliable information. Whatever the case may be, prosecutors and authorities are already beginning to rely on AI for law enforcement purposes. How does this affect Mississippi residents?

The Authorities are Already Using AI to Pursue Suspects

The truth is that the use of AI in law enforcement is not a “theory” – it is already being used in states like Mississippi. There is a wide range of AI tools currently being used by law enforcement officials throughout the nation.

When Halloween Fun Leads to Criminal Charges in Mississippi

Published on: November 2, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Halloween is a wild night for many – representing an opportunity to embrace the spookiness and our darker sides. However, the rule of law does not suddenly cease to exist on Halloween night. On the morning of November 1, many people wake up and are confronted with the consequences of their activities during the previous night. There are endless possibilities when it comes to criminal charges after Halloween night, and people of all ages may experience consequences for their actions.

Crime Statistics on Halloween

According to various reports, violent crime rates increase by about 50% above the daily average on Halloween. In addition, pedestrian deaths are much more common on Halloween night for obvious reasons. With more pedestrians on the streets, it is easier for trick-or-treaters to be struck and killed by vehicles.

Don’t Let the Bird of Peace Be the Reason Why You Receive a DUI

Published on: September 8, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Dove hunting, an outdoor activity enjoyed by many, presents an opportunity to connect with nature and friends while showcasing hunting skills. However, amidst the excitement, it’s crucial to address a less-discussed aspect: the potential correlation between driving under the influence (DUI) and dove hunting. In this blog post, we’ll be shedding light on the importance of responsible behavior both on the hunting grounds and behind the wheel.

The Thrill of the Hunt and Celebratory Behavior: Dove hunting season often brings a sense of camaraderie and celebration among hunters. After a successful day in the field, it’s common to gather and share stories of the hunt. Unfortunately, this celebratory atmosphere can sometimes lead to the consumption of alcohol. While enjoying the camaraderie, it’s important to maintain a responsible approach to alcohol consumption, avoiding the temptation to overindulge and impair your judgment.
Alcohol Consumption and Impaired Judgment: Alcohol impairs cognitive functions and motor skills, affecting the ability to make rational decisions. The effects of alcohol can be exacerbated by outdoor activities like dove hunting, where coordination and concentration are crucial. Impaired judgment can lead to unsafe behaviors on the hunting grounds, putting not only the hunter at risk but also others in the vicinity.

Why are DUIs So Common Over Labor Day Weekend

Published on: September 8, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

According to the National Safety Council, about 450 people die on US roads over the Labor Day holiday each year. 41% of these fatalities involve an alcohol-impaired driver. But why is Labor Day such a dangerous weekend for driving? What is it about this holiday that leads to such a high level of intoxicated driving? Perhaps most importantly, what should you do if you have been accused of a DUI over the Labor Day weekend?

Mississippi Highway Patrol Makes 141 DUI Arrests Over Labor Day Weekend

On September 5, it was reported that the Mississippi Highway Patrol had arrested over 140 DUI suspects over the preceding Labor Day Weekend. They also reported four confirmed deaths related to auto crashes. However, this represents a notable decline compared with 2022, when the MHP made over 270 DUI arrests over the Labor Day Weekend. However, there were only three auto deaths that year.

Can Criminal Defense Attorneys Actually Win Cases? Yes They Can, and Here is Why!

Published on: August 9, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Introduction:

Being accused of a crime can be a daunting experience that has the potential to turn your life upside down. However, everyone deserves a fair trial and the right to defend themselves. That’s where criminal defense attorneys step in. In this blog post, we’ll explore the crucial roles that your criminal defense attorney plays in protecting your rights, explaining the legal process, and offering guidance during challenging times.

The Importance of Criminal Defense:

Looking For An Attorney? Choose Wisely!

Published on: August 7, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Choosing Wisely: What to Look for in a Qualified Attorney

Finding the right attorney to represent your legal interests is a crucial step when faced with any legal issue. Whether you’re dealing with criminal charges, a child custody dispute, or navigating a complex legal matter, having a qualified attorney by your side can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Below are just a few key factors to consider when searching for a qualified attorney who can effectively advocate for your rights and interests.

Expertise and Experience

Real Estate Investor Pleads Guilty to $3M Bankruptcy Fraud Scheme

Published on: August 4, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Wednesday February 28, 2023, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced that a Michigan real estate investor has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $3 million in a wire and bankruptcy fraud scheme, The investor, Sean Phillip Tissue, was charged in October of 2022. Tissue was the owner of numerous companies including: The Centureon Companies, Greystone Home Builders, Sycamore Homes, Lenovo Homes, NROL Holdings, Phillip Ryan, Boardwalk Heights B2R and NROL Property and Investment.

According to the information unsealed at his guilty plea hearing, Tissue engaged in a real estate investment fraud scheme from 2015 to 2021. During the 6 year period, Tissue made or caused others to make false and fraudulent representations to induce potential investors from Israel, India, South Africa, and other countries. He convinced them to invest in real estate in Michigan, Texas, and other locations. Tissue also cause various false documents to be provided to investors, including fake deeds, fake wiring instructions, fake bank statements, fake leases, and fake inspection reports. He also provided a fake name to investors, “Sean Ryan”. Through this scheme, he made over $3 million.

Tissue is looking at a sentence of statutory maximum penalties of 20 years in prison for wire fraud and 5 years in prison for bankruptcy fraud. “Sean Tissue orchestrated an elaborate scheme to defraud individual investors. He tried to avoid repaying those investors by declaring bankruptcy, and his lies and deceits continued in the bankruptcy proceeding,” Ison said in a statement.

Meth vs Fentanyl Charges in Mississippi: What’s the Difference?

Published on: August 2, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Meth and fentanyl are both “hard drugs” that the State of Mississippi views seriously. If you are caught with this drug, you face serious consequences in the Magnolia State, especially if the authorities believe that you had an intent to distribute these drugs. But what exactly is the difference between meth and fentanyl in the eyes of the law? Which one is worse? Can you expect a lighter penalty for possessing one drug rather than the other?

Regardless of what type of drug you have been caught with, it makes sense to get in touch with a qualified defense attorney as soon as you are able. Virtually all drugs can lead to serious consequences in the State of Mississippi, and you need to get started with a defense strategy as soon as possible.

Meth and Fentanyl are Both Controlled Substances