Articles Posted in Criminal Defense

One of the most confusing things about the criminal justice system is that the same conduct can sometimes be charged in either state court or federal court. I’ve had clients ask me: “How is it that my friend got arrested for drugs in state court, but I’m being investigated by the FBI?” Or: “How can…

Do I Really Need a Lawyer If I’m Just Going to Plead Guilty? One of the most common questions I get from potential clients is: “Why do I need a lawyer? Can’t I just go to court, plead guilty, pay my fine, and move on?” My answer is usually the same: Maybe. But before you…

One of the most common questions people ask after a traffic stop is whether police had the right to search their vehicle. The short answer is: sometimes. But officers cannot automatically search every car they stop. The legality of a vehicle search often depends on the facts of the stop, whether consent was given, whether…

If you’ve been charged with a crime, one of the most important conversations you may have with your lawyer is whether you qualify for pretrial diversion. For many people, this program offers a chance to resolve a criminal charge without a conviction, but it comes with strict requirements and isn’t available in every case. At…

When a child is charged with a crime in Mississippi, one of the most important questions is whether the case should be handled in youth court or adult court. The answer matters because the youth court system is built around rehabilitation and second chances, while adult courts focus on punishment. For families facing this situation,…

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…

Being arrested and charged with a felony is one of the most stressful experiences a person can face. For many, the first question after an arrest is: “How do I get out of jail?” That’s where bond comes in. But being out on bond is not the end of your case—it’s just the beginning. In…

One of the most common questions I get as a criminal defense lawyer is: “What does it mean that I’ve been indicted?” What is an Indictment? An indictment is a formal written document issued by a grand jury. It is not a finding of guilt—it is simply the legal way the State of Mississippi brings…

If you’ve ever been arrested or watched a legal show, you’ve probably heard the line: “You have the right to remain silent…” But what happens when the police don’t say that? Does it mean your case gets thrown out? Not necessarily. As a criminal defense law firm, we hear it all the time: “they never…

If you’ve been charged with a drug crime in Mississippi, you may be wondering if there’s any way to beat the case. At McCormick Lawrence, PLLC, we defend clients every day who are facing charges like drug possession, drug trafficking, or possession with intent to distribute. The good news: there are many ways to fight…