Moss Point Expungement Lawyer

Moss Point Expungement Attorney

Criminal charges and convictions can cause lingering effects on your life years after a dismissal or completed sentence. If your criminal record is causing issues, a Moss Point expungement lawyer can help you with your case. They can explain your options and guide you through the proceedings.

About Miller Law Offices

At Miller Law Offices, we are dedicated to aiding the people of Moss Point, Pascagoula, Gautier, and cities throughout Jackson County and Southern Mississippi in their expungement cases. Founder Kyle Miller has years of legal experience and knowledge, having handled over 12,000 misdemeanor charges as a county prosecutor before starting his own firm.

Overview of Expungement Cases in Mississippi

Approximately 77 million Americans have a criminal record. In 2023, Mississippi had the highest prison population per capita, with 19.5 thousand prisoners, or a rate of 652 per 100,000 people. If you or a loved one has recently served time, whether at Jackson County Adult Detention Center or South Mississippi Correctional Institution, expungement can be a key tool in giving yourself a fresh start after paying your dues.

What Is an Expungement?

An expungement is the process of clearing your criminal record of previous criminal charges, arrests, or convictions. It typically erases these incidents from public court records and background checks, allowing you to continue on your life without their burden. Your criminal record may also be sealed, which removes any offenses from public access but retains them in official court records.

Expungement Requirement in Mississippi

Expungement matters vary on a case-by-case basis, with each requiring its own approach. The easiest type of expungement is for dismissed cases. Any person accused of a criminal charge that is dropped, dismissed, or resolved in a not guilty trial verdict is immediately eligible for complete expungement.

Misdemeanor convictions are harder to expunge than dropped charges. First offender misdemeanors that are not crimes against the person, traffic violations, crimes of violence, or embezzlement are generally eligible for expungement. In addition, no public official can have their record expunged if a criminal conviction relates to their official duties.

Felony convictions are the most difficult type of expungement case to process in the state. Mississippians may have one eligible felony conviction removed from their record in their lifetime. Ineligible offenses include violent crimes, drug trafficking, repeat DUIs, and those related to abuse. To qualify, a person must complete the terms of their punishment and wait five years from the date of completion to apply.

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Hire an Expungement Lawyer

Expungement cases often require extensive legal background and familiarity with the process to be effective. While you may represent yourself in the proceedings, hire an expungement lawyer to help you through this confusing process. A few ways your Moss Point expungement attorney can assist in your case include:

• Reviewing eligibility. Skilled legal counsel can review your case and determine whether you are eligible for expungement.
• Preparing paperwork. Expungement cases require extensive documentation that utilizes precise wording. Your attorney can draft and file all paperwork related to your case.
• Gathering evidence. Evidence such as proof that you completed your sentence, original case files, and letters of recommendation or character references is integral to the proceedings. Your lawyer can gather all the necessary evidence for your case.
• Representation in court. Representing yourself during expungement hearings can be overwhelming. Miller Law Offices can present your case and advocate for you throughout the process, both in and out of the courtroom.

FAQs

How Much Does an Expungement Attorney Cost in Mississippi?

How much your Mississippi expungement attorney costs depends on the complexity of your case, court fees, and the fee structure for the law firm. A simple misdemeanor charge that was dismissed with strong character references typically costs less than representation for a felony conviction. Another contributing factor is the pricing model, with various firms using flat fees, hourly rates, or retainer expenses for expungement law services.

What Offenses Cannot Be Expunged in Mississippi?

When looking into expunging your record, it is important to know what offenses cannot be expunged in Moss Point, Mississippi. Felonies that are not eligible for expungement under state regulations include violent crimes, arson, drug trafficking, a third or subsequent DUI conviction, felon in possession of a firearm, failure to register as a sex offender, witness intimidation, voyeurism, abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable person, and embezzlement.

Do You Need an Attorney to Get Your Record Expunged in Mississippi?

State law does not legally require you to have an attorney when petitioning to have your criminal record expunged. However, investing in a skilled attorney can come with many key benefits to your case. Expungement cases require careful wording and drafted documents, with minor errors often resulting in automatic denials. Your lawyer can draft all paperwork and advocate for you throughout the proceedings.

What Is the Difference Between an Expungement and Sealed Records in Mississippi?

The difference between an expungement and sealed records is an important distinction to understand if you have a Mississippi criminal history. An expungement removes any event from public access and orders court clerks to seal or destroy public records. Sealed records are removed from public access and are typically only available to those convicted of crimes as a child. Both alterations use the same process in Mississippi.

How Long Does an Expungement Take in Mississippi?

How long your expungement may take in Mississippi depends on the type of case, the severity of the charge, whether you were convicted, and the court’s workload. A straightforward expungement for a dismissed charge or faulty arrest may be resolved much quicker than a case centered on a felony conviction with objecting parties. Your attorney can provide a rough timeline for your particular situation.

Speak With a Moss Point Expungement Attorney Today

Miller Law Offices cares about helping our residents expunge their records and rebuild their lives. Contact us today to book your first consultation, during which we can learn your story, explain your options, and provide potential pathways towards altering your criminal record.

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