Yes. You have the right to change attorneys at almost any point in your case if you’re not confident in your representation.  However, timing may affect how it impacts your case.

Yes, your attorney can guide you through Mississippi’s expungement process to potentially seal eligible convictions or arrests.

No. While a victim can request that the charges be dropped, the final decision rests with the prosecutor. In Mississippi, it is the state that brings criminal charges and decides whether to move forward with the case – not the victim.

No. Your lawyer’s job is to protect your rights, ensure a fair process, and defend you – regardless of guilt or innocence.

Attorney-client privilege keeps your communications with your lawyer confidential, allowing you to share information openly so that they can defend you effectively.

Parole is the early release of a prison inmate under supervision, after serving part of their sentence. Parole is:

• Granted by a parole board
• Supervised by a parole officer
• Conditions must be followed to stay out of prison

Probation is a court-ordered period of supervision in the community, often instead of serving jail time. Probation is:

• Given at sentencing
• May include conditions such as drug testing, curfews, or community service
• Violation can result in jail time

Expungement:

• Removes or seals a criminal complaint from public view
• Must meet specific eligibilty requirements
• Often used for first-time offenses or dismissed charges
• Treated as if the offense never occurred (with sme exceptions)

Pardon:

• Forgives a conviction — but the record remains
• Granted by the Governor
• Does not erase the conviction
• Can restore certain civil rights, such as gun ownership

Yes. A lawyer can often reduce charges, minimize penalties, or find legal flaws in the case – even when pleading guilty seems like the best option.

Yes. Polygraph (lie detector) results are often inadmissible in court and don’t prevent charges. Prosecutors can still move forward with other evidence.

1. Remain Silent and Request an Attorney: After being arrested, you have the right to remain silent and request an attorney. Exercising these rights is crucial. Don’t provide any explanations or justifications, even if you believe you are innocent. Instead, say you wish to remain silent and request to speak to a lawyer immediately.
2. Do Not Sign Anything: Avoid signing any documents, including those related to releasing property or waiving your rights, without first consulting your attorney. Your attorney can advise you on the implications of signing any documents and help protect your rights
3. Be Respectful and Cooperative: While exercising your rights, maintain a respectful attitude towards the officers involved. This includes cooperating with their instructions while also asserting your right to remain silent and your right to counsel.

1. Arraignment: During the arraignment hearing, the defendant is formally informed of the charges filed against them, advised of their constitutional rights, and asked to enter a plea – guilty or not guilty. Having legal representation during this stage is essential to ensure your rights are protected from the outset.
2. Pre-Trial: This includes discovery and legal motions. During discovery, both sides exchange evidence and witness information. Attorneys may also file motions to challenge evidence, request dismissal of charges, or seek other legal remedies. Many cases are resolved during this pre-trial phase through plea negotiations, which can lead to a reduced charge or sentence without proceeding to trial.
3. Jury Selection: Also known as voir dire, a panel of potential jurors is questioned by both the defense and prosecution attorneys to determine any biases or conflicts. Each side can request the removal of certain jurors to ensure a fair and impartial jury is seated. This step is crucial, as the selected jury will ultimately decide the outcome of the case. 
4. The Trial: It begins with opening statements where both the prosecution and defense outline their positions. The prosecution then presents its evidence and calls witnesses, followed by the defense’s opportunity to do the same. Both sides are allowed to cross-examine each other’s witnesses. After all evidence is presented, closing arguments are made to summarize each side’s case and persuade the jury. 
5. Deliberation: As the trial concludes, the jury will enter into deliberation. This is a private discussion where jurors review facts, evidence, and testimony to reach a unanimous verdict. Deliberations can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the complexity of the case.
6. Verdict: If the defendant is found not guilty, they are acquitted, and the case is closed. If found guilty, the court schedules a sentencing hearing. In some cases, if the jury cannot reach a unanimous decision, a mistrial may be declared, and the case could be retried.
7. Sentencing: During the sentencing phase, the judge determines the appropriate punishment based on a variety of factors, including the severity of the offense, the defendant’s prior criminal history, victim impact statements, and applicable sentencing guidelines. Sentences can range from probation and fines to incarceration.