Mississippi Criminal Defense Lawyers

Your freedom and future are at stake after being charged with a crime. University students, in particular, may face criminal charges and penalties and the risk of school sanctions, including expulsion. Any individual charged with a misdemeanor or felony needs a criminal attorney to protect their rights as a defendant—it can make all the difference in the case outcome.

Felony & Misdemeanor Defense Attorneys in Oxford, MS

When accused of a felony or misdemeanor offense in the Oxford area, your first priority should be to retain the services of a skilled legal representative who will vigorously defend your rights and freedoms. As Oxford, Mississippi criminal defense attorneys, the legal team at Tannehill Carmean represents clients in state or federal court and with the University of Mississippi Judicial Council. Contact our office today for aconsultation.

Do You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney in Oxford, Mississippi?

Your options might seem limited in the face of an arrest or a police investigation or when charged with a crime. Under the U.S. Constitution, defendants have rights. You have the right to remain silent. When dealing with law enforcement officers, exercise the right to remain silent and contact Tannehill Carmean without delay. Our Mississippi criminal defense lawyers will act swiftly. The sooner we get involved, the better the case could turn out for you.

Can My Case be Defended Successfully?

Criminal charges can result in severe penalties, including fines, jail time, and a permanent mark on your record. No matter the charges you may be facing, having a resourceful and skilled defense attorney working on your behalf could dramatically increase the chances of a favorable outcome.

Crimes in Mississippi are charged as a misdemeanor or felony offense. A felony is much more severe, with the maximum penalty for a felony conviction as extreme as life in prison or the death penalty. A convicted felon can lose the right to vote, own a firearm, hold professional licenses, find quality employment, or work and live where they choose. With our Oxford, MS, criminal attorneys fighting on your behalf, you have a much better chance of avoiding some of these negative consequences.

Types of Criminal Defense Cases We Handle

At Tannehill Carmean, we handle all types of criminal cases, from minor infractions and misdemeanors to the most serious felonies. Some cases we defend include the following:

• DUI
• Minor in Possession of Alcohol
• Possession of a False ID
• Public Drunk/Disorderly Conduct
• Drug Possession
• Assault and Battery
• Sex Offenses
• Domestic Violence
• Weapons Offenses
• Violent Crimes
• White Collar Crimes
• Federal Crimes
• Stalking & Aggravated Stalking
• Juvenile Crimes
• Trespassing
• Violations of Probation

Being arrested does not mean you are guilty or will be convicted—but the quality of your defense plays a significant role in the outcome of your case. The presumption of innocence is recognized as part of “due process.” You are innocent until proven guilty—but it likely will not feel that way. Our criminal defense attorney in Oxford, MS, can fight to help you seek a favorable outcome, no matter how serious the charges against you.

Do I Need a Federal Crime Defense Lawyer?

Some criminal acts are considered illegal under both federal and state laws. If you’ve been charged with an offense, you may face charges filed in federal court—the toughest courts in the nation. A U.S. attorney will be your prosecutor, and these are typically prosecutors who have risen in the ranks in the criminal justice system. The penalties imposed in federal court generally are much more severe than those imposed in a conviction in state court. If you are indicted on the federal level, our firm can provide the defense you need. Some of the cases we handle include the following:

• Controlled substance trafficking – Trafficking in controlled substances can be charged as either a federal or state crime. Even if you aren’t really involved in trafficking, you can be charged with this crime based on the type and amount of drugs discovered.
• Federal gun crimes – In some cases, gun possession violates both state and federal laws. Depending on the circumstances, the U.S. attorney could decide to try your case in federal court.
• Tax fraud – Deliberately withholding your federal tax payments or doing anything else to deceive the IRS will always be treated as a federal crime.
• Wire fraud – Wire and mail fraud are federal crimes involving using electronic means or the U.S. mail to perpetrate a crime.

These are just a few examples of federal charges. You always risk being caught in the federal court system if you allegedly committed an offense that involved crossing state lines. Call our firm immediately if you’ve been accused of a federal crime or are under investigation. Never answer questions from federal investigators without the protection of a federal criminal defense lawyer to manage the questioning process.

How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help?

Being accused of a crime can be both terrifying and embarrassing. But letting fear or shame prevent you from getting the professional support you need could be a mistake that lasts a lifetime. Nothing is more important than the quality of your criminal lawyer when it comes to the decisions made by juries in Mississippi. The prosecutor will be focused on ensuring that you are found guilty and have full support from the resources provided by the government—a dire legal situation. Our established and trusted criminal defense attorneys can help in several key areas:

• Communication with Authorities: Situations involving the authorities are serious, and people who have been arrested may not understand some tactics used to trick or get information from the accused. We will supervise these communications and ensure you get fair treatment.
• Support at Arraignment: Our Mississippi criminal defense attorney will represent your interests with respect to fair bond at your arraignment as well as during any plea deal discussions with prosecutors.
• Assistance With Hearings: We will make sure that any evidence used against you is admissible. And, if your charges should be dropped or the case dismissed due to a lack of evidence, we will fight for your interests.

Don’t wait another minute. Contact us today.

What Should Ole Miss Students Do if Charged with a Crime?

If you’re a student at Ole Miss and were arrested and charged, even for a misdemeanor, you must act quickly. Avoid discussing the details of your case with friends or on social media, as your words could be used against you in court. A criminal conviction can have lasting effects beyond fines, probation, or jail time. For students, a conviction could impact academic standing, scholarships, or the ability to continue to be enrolled at the university.

A conviction for a crime is visible on a background check and can negatively affect job opportunities and internships. For some crimes, you could lose eligibility for federal financial aid. It is essential to have the support of legal counsel who takes all the steps necessary to pursue the most favorable outcome. At Tannehill Carmean, we have served the student community of Ole Miss for decades and are honored to be considered the leading criminal law firm in Oxford.

Experienced Mississippi Defense Lawyers for Criminal Charges

When it comes to your freedom and whether or not an allegation turns into a conviction and a permanent record, you owe it to yourself to fight back. If you are a student at the University of Mississippi, you can’t afford the negative consequences of a conviction—it could change your life forever.

Your Advocate in Criminal Charges in Mississippi: Tannehill Carmean

Our experienced criminal defense lawyers at Tannehill Carmean will fiercely advocate for your rights. We have been named “Oxford’s Best Law Firm” every year since 2010 for good reason. We know our way around the courtroom and are familiar with the available alternative programs. Our defense team is strategic, dedicated, and intelligent. We work long hours to craft a defense that could lead to the charges against you being reduced or dropped entirely. Our legal team is driven by our dedication to our clients and is focused on achieving the most favorable outcome based on the facts in the case.

Why Do I Need to Hire a Criminal Lawyer?

You have the right to an attorney, and if you can’t afford one, you will be provided a lawyer by the state, as required under the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Public defenders in Mississippi are overwhelmed by the volume of cases they are assigned. An individual charged with a serious offense may spend months or longer in custody, with little to no access to counsel. When accused of a criminal offense and in custody, our criminal attorneys in Oxford will take the legal actions needed to arrange bail when possible. Once bail is in place, you can return to your home, family, education, and employment while awaiting trial.

What Are the Steps in a Criminal Case in Mississippi?

Felony riminal cases have several steps, each of which is important to the outcome of the case. Your criminal lawyer should be at your side managing every legal issue that arises. The steps are as follows:

• Arrest: The accused individual is arrested, charged with the offense, and transported to the local jail to be held while awaiting a court appearance.
• Initial Court Appearance: The accused will appear in court, where the judge will inform the individual of the charges and determine the issue of bail. When bail is set, the accused person, once bail is posted, is free but may have specific restrictions.
• Preliminary Hearing: This hearing will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed with criminal charges. The prosecutor will present evidence to establish that you are guilty of committing the crime. Your defense lawyer plays a critical role in this hearing, as evidence can be presented, witnesses cross-examined, and weaknesses in the case identified.
• Indictment: An indictment is when a grand jury is convened, composed of regular citizens from the area. They review the evidence to decide if there’s sufficient proof to charge them with the crime. If they believe the evidence is enough, they will be indicted and formally accused of the crime.
• Arraignment: After an indictment, the individual appears at the arraignment. This is a short hearing where they are informed of the charges against them and where they plead “guilty” or “not guilty.”
• Discovery: In the discovery stage, both sides (defense and prosecution) share information and evidence about the case.
• Plea Negotiations: Plea negotiations are talks between the accused individual, their lawyer, and the prosecutor. A plea deal may involve an offer to reduce the charge of the sentence imposed on the accused with the goal of avoiding trial.
• Trial: If no plea deal is reached, the case proceeds to trial. A judge or judge and jury hear the evidence presented by the prosecutor and the defense to decide whether the individual is guilty or not guilty. The prosecutor bears the burden of proof and must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the person committed the crime.
• Sentencing: If found guilty, the judge imposes the penalty, including jail time, probation, fines, or a combination. The punishment depends on the crime, the individual’s criminal record, and other factors.
• Appeal: If a legal error occurred in the trial, the convicted individual can file an appeal. A higher court is asked to examine the case and decide if the trial was fair. Appeals may lead to a new trial or a change in the sentence, or the original sentence may stand.

Do You Need a Criminal Lawyer in Oxford, MS?

Every case is unique, and we give each client the personalized attention they deserve. If you are facing criminal charges in Mississippi, don’t try to handle this situation alone. There’s simply too much at stake. Call our office today at 662-236-9996 or contact us online to schedule a consultation to discuss your options.