Hattiesburg Drug Crime Lawyers

Experienced Defense Against Drug Crimes in Mississippi

Drug charges are taken very seriously in the state of Mississippi. The state has some of the harshest penalties for drug crimes in the country. If you have been arrested for a drug crime, you need to contact a Hattiesburg drug crime lawyer to fight your charges.

At Johnson, Ratliff & Waide, PLLC, we have the experience and skill to defend you against any drug charges you may be facing. We will work to get your charges reduced or dropped if possible. If that is not possible, we will work to get you the best possible outcome in your case.

Call us today at (601) 202-8570 to schedule a free consultation with our Hattiesburg drug crime attorneys.

Types of Drug Crimes in Mississippi

Some of the common drug crimes include:

• Possession of a controlled substance
• Possession with intent to distribute
• Trafficking of a controlled substance
• Cultivation of marijuana
• Transportation of a controlled substance
• Sale of a controlled substance

These crimes can carry some very severe penalties. You can face years in prison, thousands of dollars in fines, and the loss of your professional license. The state takes drug crimes very seriously and will not hesitate to use the full weight of the law against you. The sooner you contact a drug crime attorney in Hattiesburg, the better your chances of getting the charges reduced or dropped.

Drug Possession Penalties in Mississippi 

The penalties for drug possession in Mississippi depend on the type of drug that was found on your person or property, the amount of the drug, and whether it was your first offense or a subsequent offense. First-time offenders may be eligible for a drug education program, while repeat offenders may be charged with a felony.

Drug possession penalties in Mississippi may include:

• Misdemeanor possession: Up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $500
• Felony possession: Up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $500,000
• 2nd degree possession: 2 to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000
• 1st degree possession: 10 to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $500,000

If you are convicted of drug possession, you could also be required to submit to a drug evaluation and treatment program. If you are found to be addicted to a controlled substance, you could be required to complete a treatment program in addition to serving jail time or paying a fine. You could also lose certain rights and privileges, including the right to own a firearm, the right to vote, and the right to obtain student loans.

Defenses Against Drug Charges in Mississippi

If you're facing drug charges in Mississippi, several defenses could potentially be used to help reduce or dismiss the charges against you. Here are some common ones:

• Lack of Knowledge: If you didn’t know the drugs were in your possession, this can be a strong defense. For example, if drugs were found in your car or home without your knowledge, your lawyer may argue that you were unaware of their presence.
• Illegal Search and Seizure: The police must follow specific procedures when conducting searches. If they conducted a search without a warrant, probable cause, or your consent, the evidence obtained may be inadmissible in court.
• Mistaken Identity: Sometimes, people are wrongfully accused due to confusion or similarity to someone else. If you were falsely identified, this could form the basis of your defense.
• Insufficient Evidence: If the prosecution cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were involved in the drug crime, your attorney can argue that there isn’t enough evidence to convict you.

Challenging Search and Seizure

An experienced drug crime attorney will closely examine how the evidence against you was obtained. If your constitutional rights were violated during the search, such as searching your home or vehicle without the proper legal grounds, this could result in the evidence being thrown out. This could drastically weaken the prosecution’s case and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.

Unlawful Arrest Defense

In some cases, your arrest may not have been legally justified. If the police did not have probable cause to arrest you or violated your rights during the arrest, your lawyer can argue that the arrest itself was unlawful. This may lead to the dismissal of the case or a reduction in charges.

Impact of Drug Crimes on Your Future

A drug conviction in Mississippi can have long-lasting effects. Here’s how it could impact your future:

• Criminal Record Consequences: A drug conviction can make it harder to find employment, secure housing, or obtain professional licenses. Many employers and landlords conduct background checks and may be reluctant to hire or rent to someone with a criminal history.
• Collateral Consequences: In addition to the direct penalties, a drug conviction can result in the loss of civil rights. For instance, you could lose your right to vote, own a firearm, or access certain government benefits, such as student loans or public housing.
• Impact on Immigration Status: For non-citizens, a drug conviction can have severe immigration consequences, including deportation, denial of citizenship, or a bar on re-entry into the U.S.

Drug Crime Sentencing and Reduction

In Mississippi, there are ways to reduce the severity of your sentence or avoid jail time altogether. Here are some options:

• Alternative Sentencing Options: Programs like drug court, probation, and diversion programs offer alternatives to incarceration. These programs focus on rehabilitation and can help you avoid a prison sentence while receiving treatment for drug-related issues.
• Potential for Reduced Sentencing: If you cooperate with law enforcement or complete a rehabilitation program, you may be eligible for a reduced sentence. Demonstrating your commitment to change can have a positive impact on the outcome of your case.
• Impact of Prior Convictions: If you have a criminal history, it can impact your sentencing. Repeat offenders may face harsher penalties. However, an experienced lawyer can explore options like plea deals or negotiating with the prosecution to minimize the impact of your past convictions.

In any case, having an experienced drug crime defense attorney can help navigate these complex legal issues and secure the best possible outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Drug Crimes in Mississippi

• What should I do if I am arrested for a drug crime in Mississippi?
  If you are arrested for a drug crime, it is important to stay calm and avoid making any statements to the police without an attorney present. Contact an experienced drug crime lawyer in Hattiesburg immediately to protect your rights. Your attorney will help you understand the charges and advise you on the best course of action.
• What are the potential penalties for a drug possession conviction in Mississippi?
  The penalties for drug possession in Mississippi depend on several factors, including the type of drug, the amount found, and whether you have prior convictions. For a misdemeanor possession charge, you could face up to 6 months in jail and a fine. For felony possession, you could face years in prison and fines up to $500,000, depending on the degree of the charge. It's important to note that having prior convictions, including a previous DUI defense or drug offense, could lead to harsher penalties.
• How can an attorney help me reduce my drug charges?
  A skilled drug crime attorney can evaluate your case, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and explore possible defenses, such as illegal search and seizure or mistaken identity. Your attorney can also negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or a favorable plea deal.
• Can I get into a rehabilitation program instead of serving jail time for a drug crime?
  Yes, Mississippi offers alternative sentencing options such as drug court, probation, and diversion programs for eligible individuals. These programs focus on rehabilitation and may allow you to avoid jail time while receiving treatment for drug-related issues. An attorney can help determine if you qualify for these programs.
• Can a drug conviction affect my immigration status?Yes, if you are not a U.S. citizen, a drug conviction can have serious consequences for your immigration status. It may lead to deportation, the denial of citizenship, or restrictions on re-entry into the country. It’s important to discuss these potential consequences with your lawyer, especially if you are an immigrant.
• What is the difference between misdemeanor and felony drug charges in Mississippi?
  Misdemeanor drug charges are generally for lower quantities of drugs or less severe offenses, and they carry lighter penalties. Felony charges are for more serious drug crimes, such as trafficking or possession with intent to distribute, and they carry more severe penalties, including longer prison sentences and higher fines.
• How can I challenge the evidence against me in a drug case?
  Your attorney can review the details of how the evidence against you was obtained. If the police did not follow proper procedures, such as conducting an illegal search or seizure, this evidence could be suppressed, making it harder for the prosecution to prove its case.

Contact Our Hattiesburg Drug Crimes Lawyer Today

At Johnson, Ratliff & Waide PLLC, our Hattiesburg drug crime lawyers have handled thousands of cases and have successfully resolved thousands of cases for our clients. We have the experience and skill to help you with your drug crime charges.

When you contact our firm, we will review your case and give you a free consultation. During this consultation, we will review the details of your case and determine the best course of action to take. We will discuss your legal options with you and help you understand your rights.

Contact a Hattiesburg drug crime lawyer at (601) 202-8570 to schedule your free consultation today.