Ocean Springs Criminal Defense Lawyer

Top Rated Criminal Defense Attorney in Ocean Springs, MS

A criminal offense can result from a wide range of circumstances and arise anywhere in the Ocean Springs community, including on Bienville Boulevard, U.S. Highway 90, Interstate 10, or near downtown Ocean Springs and the Gulf Coast. If you are charged with a crime, an Ocean Springs criminal defense lawyer from Taylor & Cox Law Firm can help you understand the charges against you and defend you in court.

About Taylor & Cox Law Firm

Taylor & Cox Law Firm has more than 25 years of combined firm experience in a variety of legal matters on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Attorney J. Tyler Cox attended Mississippi College on a football scholarship and received an undergraduate degree before graduating from Mississippi College School of Law and becoming licensed to practice law in 2019.

Attorney Cox has served as President of the Jackson County Bar Association and currently serves as President Emeritus. Attorney Cox has also worked as a prosecutor for Ocean Springs Municipal Court. The firm utilizes a team approach to cases so attorneys and staff can discuss case strategy and legal issues together.

Understanding Criminal Defense Laws

In Mississippi, the law covers a range of criminal offenses. Each one has its own set of penalties, legal steps, and rules of evidence, dictated by the nature of the alleged wrongdoing. The elements of the charged offense must be established by the prosecution according to the applicable legal standard. Additionally, penalties also vary based on the crime allegedly committed, aggravating factors, the severity of the crime, and the defendant’s criminal history.

For instance, Mississippi Code § 97-3-7 establishes offenses involving simple assault and aggravated assault. Simple assault can involve intentionally, knowingly, or carelessly causing physical harm or trying to make someone fear immediate severe injury. Aggravated assault encompasses more severe situations, like trying to cause grave bodily harm or actually injuring someone with a deadly weapon.

Property crimes can also result in substantial penalties. For example, under Mississippi Code § 97-17-23, burglary is defined as the act of breaking and entering another’s dwelling or sleeping quarters with the intent to commit a crime, punishable by three to 25 years in prison upon conviction. The law also increases penalties in cases where a person is likely to be terrorized.

Types of Criminal Cases We Handle

At Taylor & Cox Law Firm, we defend clients in a number of criminal matters, whether they are misdemeanors or felonies. Some common criminal defense cases we handle include:

• DUI
• Drug crime
• Assault
• Theft
• Robbery
• Domestic violence
• White collar crimes
• Violent crimes
• Gun crimes
• Sex crimes
• Arson
• Burglary

The penalties and procedures following a charge vary significantly with each crime. For instance, a misdemeanor case in municipal or justice court follows a different procedure than a felony case in circuit court.

Crime in Ocean Springs, MS

NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of Ocean Springs crime showed the city with a violent crime rate of 0.84 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of about 17.46 per 1,000 residents. NeighborhoodScout’s data also estimated a 1 in 57 chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Ocean Springs, and a 1 in 1,185 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.*

Should your case go to trial, it is likely going to be held in a local court. Ocean Springs Municipal Court is located at 3810 Bienville Boulevard, Ocean Springs, MS 39564. The Municipal Court in Ocean Springs handles misdemeanor offenses, violations of local ordinances, traffic infractions, and specific civil domestic protective orders.

Jackson County Justice Court has a West Office in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. It is located at 6904 Washington Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS 39564. In Jackson County, the Justice Court presides over misdemeanor criminal cases, initial felony hearings, and specific types of citations.

Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you are charged with a crime, it is important to not try to handle the legal aftermath alone. An Ocean Springs criminal defense attorney can be the difference between a secure future and one with incarceration and long-term restrictions. When you hire a criminal defense lawyer, they can review the evidence against you and build an appropriate defense on your behalf. Legal representation can also help you understand important deadlines, court requirements, and plea options.

FAQs

What Happens if I Am Arrested but Not Formally Charged in Ocean Springs, MS?

Being arrested does not automatically lead to formal criminal charges. Prosecutors may evaluate the evidence after an arrest and decide not to file charges. If this happens, you may be released, asked to appear in court, or experience additional developments. A legal professional can examine your arrest and explain any future developments that may take place.

Does a Criminal Charge Have an Effect on My Professional License in Ocean Springs, MS?

A criminal charge can potentially have an effect on your professional license, depending on the charge and the license. Some licensing boards can be concerned with the nature of the offense, whether there was a conviction, and whether the conduct in question is relevant to the responsibilities of the profession.

Is a Criminal Charge Included in a Background Check in Ocean Springs, MS?

A criminal charge can appear on certain types of background checks even if the case does not lead to a conviction. What information shows up, and if it shows up at all, often hinges on the kind of background check conducted, the specific records examined, and the ultimate outcome of the legal proceedings.

What Should I Do If I Receive a Subpoena for a Criminal Case in Ocean Springs, MS?

If you receive a subpoena in relation to a criminal investigation or prosecution, read the instructions and deadlines carefully. Also, ascertain if you are a defendant, witness, or other party, as your legal rights and obligations may vary. Refusing to adhere to a subpoena often leads to criminal penalties. Details outlined in a subpoena are a legal requirement for the individual being served.

Contact Taylor & Cox Law Firm Today

If you have been charged with a crime in Ocean Springs, Taylor & Cox Law Firm can help you in the legal process. Contact us today to speak with an attorney.

*Care should be taken in using crime data. Reported crime does not always account for all criminal activity, and annual rates can vary significantly.