5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Mississippi
If you are facing criminal charges, choosing the right lawyer may be one of the most important decisions you ever make. Your freedom, your record, and your future are on the line. Hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Mississippi is not about finding the cheapest option — it’s about finding the attorney with the right experience and strategy for your case.
Here are five key questions you should ask before hiring a criminal defense lawyer.
1. How many cases like mine have you handled?
Not every criminal case is the same. A DUI defense is very different from a murder trial.
DUI cases are highly specialized and often turn on whether the lawyer understands breath or blood testing, field sobriety tests, and their scientific weaknesses. A murder case, by contrast, may involve forensic experts such as tire tread analysts, shoe print examiners, or digital forensic specialists. These cases are far more complex and require specific experience.
The lawyer you hire should have real, proven experience handling cases like yours.
2. What is your track record inside and outside the courtroom?
It’s one thing to appear in court — it’s another to achieve results. Ask whether your lawyer has ever won a motion to suppress, had evidence excluded, or successfully convinced a judge to dismiss charges.
Many cases are won outside the courtroom — through preparation, investigation, and filing the right motions. A strong defense often comes from the work that takes place long before trial begins.
At McCormick Lawrence, we keep detailed records of every case — the courts we appear in, the prosecutors and officers we deal with, and the outcomes we achieve. We don’t just say we have experience; we can show it.
3. How well do you know the judge and the court?
There’s a saying: Good lawyers know the law. Great lawyers know the judge.
This doesn’t mean anything improper — it simply means that experienced attorneys know how judges run their courtrooms. Every judge has preferences: what arguments they find persuasive, how hearings are conducted, and what details matter most to them.
A lawyer who regularly practices in your court already understands those “unwritten rules,” and that knowledge can give you a valuable advantage.
4. How will you communicate with me about my case?
One of the biggest frustrations people have with lawyers is a lack of communication. You should know from the beginning how your attorney plans to update you — whether that’s by phone, email, or in-person meetings.
Consistent communication means you’ll never be left wondering what’s happening in your case. It also helps you make informed decisions at every step. A good lawyer will be clear about when and how you can expect updates, and will follow through on that commitment.
5. What is your strategy for my case?
Finally, ask your lawyer what their plan is. Do they expect to challenge the stop or search? Will they file motions to exclude evidence? Do they plan to bring in expert witnesses? Or is trial the most likely path?
Cases can change as new evidence comes in, but a good defense lawyer should still be able to give you a clear direction from the beginning.
Conclusion
The criminal defense lawyer you choose can make the difference in your case. These five questions can help you look beyond sales pitches and focus on what matters most: experience, results, and strategy. If you or someone you know is facing charges in Mississippi, McCormick Lawrence is here to help. Our firm handles DUI defense, drug offenses, violent crimes and other serious charges throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We are committed to transparency and always willing to share our experience and results with clients.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get answers to your questions.