Mississippi CRIMINAL DEFENSE Attorney

FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHTS OF THE ACCUSED

Residents in Mississippi who are charged with a crime will benefit from the help of a Mississippi criminal defense attorney with a record of success defending clients and helping them navigate through the MS criminal justice system. John M. Colette and his criminal defense staff work quickly and thoroughly to investigate criminal cases and to protect and defend clients.

Don’t risk your freedom and resources with an untested attorney. With more than 30+ years of experience and a reputation for excellence recognized by judges, prosecutors, and his peers, John M. Colette and his staff consistently win not guilty verdicts, dismissals, and reduced charges for clients.

Why is hiring the right criminal defense attorney important?

After you have been arrested, it’s important to contact an attorney right away. An experienced attorney will immediately begin to review your case and look for holes in the investigation. Did the police officer follow the proper protocol when arresting you? Was evidence collected during an illegal search of your property? An attorney will be able to identify these flaws right away.

Criminal defense lawyers can also help create a defense strategy to use in court. For example, if you were accused of assault, an attorney may be able to argue you acted in self-defense and therefore should not be charged.

Our attorneys will help you through every step of the legal process, but you have to make the first call. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

When can a defense attorney ask for an acquittal?

If your case goes to trial, a jury will decide whether you are innocent or guilty after hearing from both your attorney and the prosecutor. But sometimes, it’s not up to the jury to make a decision. If your attorney believes the state did not present enough evidence to prove you committed the crime, he may file a motion for acquittal. This motion asks the court to take the case from the jury and allow the judge to acquit the defendant of all charges. Attorneys will usually file this motion after the state has wrapped up its case, when its clear that there is an insufficient amount of evidence.

What are the different types of crimes in Mississippi?

Crimes in Mississippi can be categorized as either a felony or misdemeanor. Felonies are designated as class A, B or C, while misdemeanors can either be regular misdemeanors or gross misdemeanors depending on the crime that was committed. Most charges will be filed by the state, but in some cases, you could face federal charges if you have been accused of violating any federal laws.

What will a criminal defense lawyer do to defend my charges?

A conviction can negatively affect your personal and professional life in a number of ways. If you have been charged with a crime in Mississippi, whether you are innocent or guilty, you will need a skilled criminal defense attorney to defend your rights and fight the charges. Attorney John M. Colette has defended hundreds of clients in Jackson, Gulfport, Southhaven and across the state of Mississippi.

If you are facing criminal charges in Mississippi, contact the John M. Colette as quickly as possible. We know that even the best people can sometimes make mistakes. We offer valuable legal advice and aggressively defend each of our clients who are facing charges. Send us a message using the contact form on this site.

What should you do when you are arrested?

If you are arrested in Mississippi, you will most likely be handcuffed, put into a police car and taken to the police station. If the officer plans on questioning you, then he is legally required to read you your Miranda rights before doing so. But, even before they read you your Miranda rights, they are allowed to use anything that you say against you in court. That’s why it’s always best to stay silent when dealing with law enforcement officers and exercise your right to an attorney.

The urge to assist one’s fellow man is understandable. After all, it’s part of human nature to want to be helpful. But when the person asking for “your help and cooperation” is a police officer, you may want to think twice – and then, while you’re thinking it over, call your lawyer. Often, law enforcement officers will use that natural instinct you have “to help”,  to facilitate their investigation of you. In short, officer friendly may not be so friendly after all.

Why do law firms advise you remain silent following an arrest?

The best advice that any attorney can give you is to remain silent when you are being questioned or investigated by law enforcement officers. Wait until you have contacted an experienced Mississippi criminal defense attorney at the John M. Colette & Associates before you talk to police.

The goal for police is often to try and get you talking while you’re off guard or nervous, instead of taking the time to gather your thoughts and consult legal counsel. Law enforcement would like nothing more than for you to either incriminate yourself or say something that isn’t true (even if you made an honest mistake) – either of which allows them to leverage possible criminal charges against you in order to get what they want.

When should you hire a criminal defense lawyer after being arrested?

If you have been arrested, the first thing you should do is contact John M. Colette to speak with our team of Mississippi criminal defense attorneys. The sooner you contact an attorney, the quicker we can begin investigating the details of your case and defending your rights. Every second counts, so don’t hesitate to call one of the top law firms in Mississippi as soon as you have been arrested. Contact us by phone, or email us using the form on this site.

An attorney can help you maintain your innocence until proven guilty.

Remember, if you are being charged with a crime, you are given the benefit of the doubt until the prosecution can prove that you are guilty. “Beyond a reasonable doubt” means that the prosecution must present a solid, convincing case to prove that you committed the crime. Being arrested does not lead to an automatic conviction, so don’t give up hope once you have been taken to the police station and charged with a crime.