Best Criminal Lawyers in Mississippi
Joseph R. Franks
Criminal Lawyer
The Big Man Attorney Joseph “Joey” R. Franks grew up in West Monroe, Louisiana. After graduating from West Ouachita High School, he attended the University of Louisiana at Monroe where he graduated with a major in speech communication in 2008. Throughout high school and college he worked at various jobs including pouring concrete, carpentry, factory work at a paper mill, laborer at an antique auction, operating an antique store, and operating a salvage yard.
Following college, Joey went to work for the Louisiana and Delta Railroad where he began as a train brakeman. He received promotions to train conductor and locomotive engineer before going to work with the Canadian National/Illinois Central Railroad.
In 2011 however, Joey entered Mississippi College School of Law where he graduated cum laude in 2014. While in law school, he served on the Moot Court Board, as treasurer of the Student Federal Bar Association, the Civil Law Society, and as a student librarian.
Joey opened The Franks Law Firm, PLLC in June 2014. Since then he served hundreds of clients in the legal areas of Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA), Mississippi DUI Defense, Mississippi Criminal Defense, Mississippi Personal Injury, and Mississippi Workers’ Compensation.
For hobbies, Joey enjoys amateur photography, afternoons at Turcotte Shooting Range, hiking, and traveling. He is extremely grateful for the love and support of his mother, Floyce Franks.
Rufus Alldredge
Criminal Lawyer
Hello – my name is Rufus Alldredge. I represent and defend people against government. Usually this means representing and defending people on misdemeanor and felony charges. Representation also extends to asset seizures and forfeitures. I also help people maintain professional or technical licenses, their job and their livelihood.
It is best to begin representation as soon as the person knows he or she is being investigated. Usually the person learns of the charge upon arrest. Call your lawyer then. If a person learns he or she is being investigated by a Grand Jury, this is a unique opportunity to present your defenses prior to Grand Jury determination.
In many cases an underlying alcohol or drug problem results in an arrest. Left unchecked, the progression from substance abuse to chemical dependancy or addiction can consume a person’s life. Proactive strategy with a chemically dependant client begins with diagnostic assessment and may include residential or outpatient treatment, aftercare and appropriate followup with documentation forwarded to the attorney. In appropriate cases, addressing the underlying cause of a problem often leads to a good result in court.
I work closely with a client to preserve a professional or technical license, including representation of professional license issues before the appropriate board.
I was formerly a partner in an established Mississippi Gulf Coast corporate law firm. The call of the court room led me to the District Attorney’s office for the Second Circuit Court District where I served as an Assistant District Attorney, principally in Harrison County. As a felony prosecutor, I handled high profile cases of every type including drugs, crimes of violence against children and the elderly, property crimes, white collar crimes and Grand Jury investigations. I prosecuted asset seizures and forfeitures for Harrison, Hancock and Stone Counties.
Since leaving the District Attorney’s office, I have been dedicated to defend the rights of individuals arrested, charged or investigated by local, state and federal governments. This includes all criminal defense matters including bond reductions, drug charges, white collar crimes, property crimes, DUI misdemeanor and felony charges, DUI injury and death cases, expungements, probation revocations and parole hearings in State and Federal courts. I also defend civil asset seizures and forfeitures. I help maintain a client’s profession or technical license so he can keep his job and livelihood.
I give individual attention to each client in order to present the defense in the best possible light. For example, if alcohol or drugs are an issue, treatment options are presented and explored. First offenders may be eligible for alternative options including Drug Court, non-adjudication, or pretrial diversion. Personal and family ties, employment, professional and technical licenses are all factored into the defense strategy to minimize the consequences.
WAYNE HOUSLEY
Criminal Lawyer
My office is located near historic Crosstown in Tupelo at 110 Robins Street. It is with great compassion and desire to help you in your time of need that gives me the energy to represent my clients with zeal, compassion, and empathy. I have been a lawyer in this area for almost 25 years with an emphasis on litigation. I offer my experience as Tupelo criminal defense litigator to represent your best interest and to protect your rights throughout the legal process.
The legal arena presents many complex issues that are often overwhelming, confusing and stressful. Allow me to fight for you. When you need an attorney in Tupelo, Mississippi that you can trust, look no further. My training, drive, commitment and resolve will get the best possible result in your matter.
You can count on my professionalism, integrity, diligence, and experience to serve you.
My practice serves Lee, Itawamba, Pontotoc, Union, Lowndes, Oktibbeha, Chickasaw, Alcorn, Tishomingo, Tippah, Calhoun, Prentiss, and Monroe Counties. If a case proves interesting, then I am willing to serve statewide.
I have been recognized by AVVO as a 10 out of 10 “Superb” for my achievements as an attorney and commitment to represent his clients with zeal, passion, and competency.
M. DEVIN WHITT
Criminal Lawyer
M. Devin Whitt has been practicing law since 2002 and has tried numerous cases across the State of Mississippi for a variety of clients. He enjoys helping people with their legal issues and he strives to personally work with every client to help them meet their legal objective. Devin lives in North Jackson and his office is located in Ridgeland, Mississippi. He practices primarily in the tri-county area of Hinds, Madison and Rankin counties and concentrates his practice primarily in the area of Divorce and Family Law, DUI and Criminal Defense.
J.D., Mississippi College School of Law, Jackson, Mississippi, 2002
cum laude
Chairman, Mississippi College School of Law Moot Court Board; Finalist, Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush Moot Court Competition; Ninth-Annual Judge Conrad B. Duberstein National; Bankruptcy Moot Court Competition Semi-Finalist – Award: Best Brief; Tenth-Annual Judge Conrad B. Duberstein National Bankruptcy Moot Court Competition
BS BA, Athens State University, 1999
Political Science/Criminal Justice, cum laude
U.S. District Court Northern District of Mississippi
U.S. District Court Southern District of Mississippi
U.S. District Court Southern District of Mississippi
U.S. Bankruptcy Court Southern District of Mississippi
U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit
Tangi A. Carter
Criminal Lawyer
For over 25 years, Tangi has helped clients navigate the legal system. She will treat you with respect and utilize her knowledge and experience to protect your rights and liberty. She is admitted to practice law in Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, Tennessee, and Federal Courts.
Tangi earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Mississippi College School of Law in 1997 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1994.
As a former Federal and State Public Defender, she successfully handled numerous trials, pleas, sentencings, bail hearings, arraignments, docket calls, motion hearings, and probation violations. She previously worked for a DUI defense firm in which she handled DUI cases throughout Northwest Florida.
Tangi was previously a staff attorney and court administrator for Mississippi’s 15th Judicial District for three years and worked closely with Drug Court. She has also previously clerked in Federal and State Courts.
Tangi currently handles federal and state criminal cases throughout Mississippi and Louisiana.
As an active member of several legal organizations, Tangi stays up-to-date on current events within the legal community. Tangi was recently selected, for the second year in a row, to the Top 100 Criminal Trial Lawyers in the State of Mississippi This honor is given to only the top 100 attorneys for their superior qualifications, trial results, and leadership as criminal defense lawyers.
J. MATTHEW EICHELBERGER
Criminal Lawyer
Over the course of his career, thousands of individuals, including judges, prosecutors, doctors, business owners, and elected officials, have turned to J. Matthew Eichelberger for legal help in their time of need. There’s a reason for that.
In addition to being recognized as Trial Lawyer of the Year, Matt maintains an AV Preeminent® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, a perfect 10.0 Avvo Rating, and has been recognized as Super Lawyers® Mid-South Rising Stars.
Matt began practicing law in 2003 with the Jackson law firm of Sanford & Harper, where he worked for now-U.S. Congressman Gregg Harper. Seeking to get as much trial experience as possible, Matt became the Assistant Public Defender for Washington County, Mississippi in 2004.
While there, he tried 18 felony cases to a jury verdict, including trials for murder, manslaughter, rape, armed robbery, house burglary, auto theft, aggravated assault, shooting into an occupied dwelling, business burglary, and possession of controlled substance with the intent to distribute. Aside from representing people at trial, Matt also represented hundreds of Washington County residents on crimes ranging from capital murder to drug possession to embezzlement.
SUCCESS IN HIS CAREER
In 2005, Matt moved to Texas, where he practiced criminal defense, construction litigation, and oil and gas litigation. Soon after moving there, Matt joined the firm of Gibson, Hotchkiss, Roach & Davenport, one of the oldest law firms in Texas. While in Texas, Matt successfully recovered over one million dollars for his clients, and successfully defended clients on charges ranging from Class C misdemeanors to first-degree felonies.
In once instance, Matt obtained a dismissal for a client who was facing two first-degree aggravated assault charges involving law enforcement officers. That client faced up to 198 years in prison had Matt not gotten the charges dismissed. Matt moved home to Mississippi from Texas in late 2007. He has been a member of the State Bar of Texas since 2005.
When Matt moved back home to Mississippi in 2007, he joined the Office of the Hinds County Public Defender. He immediately took on multiple high-profile cases, winning an acquittal in a capital murder trial, a dismissal in another murder case, and eventually the reversal of one of Mississippi’s most highly-publicized murder convictions in decades.
Matt tried numerous cases while at the Hinds County Public Defender’s Office, ranging from capital murder to drug possession, and represented many other clients who received pre-trial disposition of their cases. After leaving the Hinds County Public Defender’s Office in 2010, Matt opened the law firm of Eichelberger & Lee with his longtime friend, P.J. Lee, where they focused on criminal defense, DUI defense, and civil rights.
James (Jim) Lloyd Davis, III
Criminal Lawyer
Mr. Davis is a third generation attorney with over 35 years’ experience in handling over a thousand felony and misdemeanor criminal cases in state and federal courts in south Mississippi. During this time span Mr. Davis has handled over 100 homicide cases, including numerous capital murder cases, which have gone all the way to verdict and he has actually obtained not guilty verdicts to capital murder, and has had numerous capital murder cases where the defendants did not receive the death penalty but received life sentence. He has had numerous death penalty cases reversed on appeal. Mr. Davis actually carried a federal death penalty case to the United States Fifth Circuit where he was successful in having the federal death penalty statutory procedurally found to be unconstitutional.
Mr. Davis has handled over 100 homicide cases during the last 35 years of practice, and has had successful jury trials in numerous murder and manslaughter cases. He has had success in appealing numerous unfortunate convictions to the Mississippi Supreme Court, which were reversed and sent back for new trial or resentencing. Also, for the last 35 years, Mr. Davis has been qualified as a lead counsel in death penalty cases in state and federal courts, and again, having tried numerous death penalty cases, he has handled appeals and oral arguments in the Mississippi Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals for the United States Fifth Circuit, and he is qualified and approved to appear in the United States Supreme Court.
Mr. Davis has an extensive history of success in obtaining 20 or more not guilty verdicts in jury trials in state and federal courts. In 2005 and 2006 he served as President of the Mississippi Public Defender’s Association. He has served on their Board of Directors for numerous years. He is also a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and has been a requested speaker on the following topics:
- Jury Selection;
- Opening and Closing Statements;
- Reserving Issues for Appeal;
- Prosecutor Misconduct;
- Jury Instructions; and
- Eye Witness Identification.
Mr. Davis is one of the most qualified, experienced and competent criminal defense attorneys on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Jim Davis would be more than happy to handle your case in any other following stages in federal and state courts in south Mississippi:
- Initial Appearance
- Bond Settings and Reduction
- Preliminary and Detention Hearings
- Arraignments
- Pretrial Motions
- Bench and Jury Trials
- Sentencing
- Appeals
- Post-Conviction and Habeas Relief
The Magnolia State’s Legal Landscape: Why You Need the Best Criminal Defense Attorney in Mississippi
Mississippi, the birthplace of the Blues and steeped in rich history, boasts diverse landscapes and vibrant communities. However, even in the most peaceful settings, legal troubles can arise. If you’re facing criminal charges in Mississippi, securing the services of the best criminal defense attorney can be the difference between a life-altering conviction and a successful defense. This comprehensive guide explores the invaluable benefits of retaining a skilled legal professional to navigate the intricacies of Mississippi criminal law and fight tirelessly to protect your rights.
Understanding Mississippi Criminal Law: A Complex Legal Maze
The Mississippi criminal justice system operates under a strict framework of laws and procedures. Understanding the charges you face, your rights, and potential consequences is crucial. Here’s a glimpse into the complexities of Mississippi criminal law:
- Types of Offenses: Criminal offenses in Mississippi range from misdemeanors (punishable by a fine and/or jail time of less than one year) to felonies (carrying serious penalties like imprisonment for extended periods).
- Presumption of Innocence: The Mississippi legal system upholds the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.” The burden of proof lies with the prosecution to demonstrate your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Miranda Rights: You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney upon arrest. Understanding and exercising these rights is critical for protecting yourself from self-incrimination.
Understanding these legal aspects and navigating the complexities of a criminal case requires a deep understanding of Mississippi law and the intricacies of the legal process. Here’s where the best criminal defense attorney in Mississippi becomes your champion:
- Understanding Your Rights and Options: Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming. A lawyer explains your rights and explores all available legal options, guiding you towards the course of action that best addresses the specific details of your case.
- Investigating the Charges: A skilled lawyer meticulously investigates the circumstances surrounding your arrest. This can involve gathering evidence, questioning witnesses, reviewing police reports, and potentially challenging the legality of your arrest or search procedures.
- Building a Strong Defense Strategy: Based on the investigation, your lawyer develops a robust defense strategy tailored to your case. This strategy may involve challenging the prosecution’s evidence, negotiating with prosecutors for a plea bargain, or taking your case to trial.
- Effective Communication with Prosecutors and the Court: Criminal defense attorneys are adept at communicating effectively with prosecutors and judges. They advocate for your interests and present a compelling case, ensuring your voice is heard throughout the legal process.
- Suppression of Evidence: If your lawyer determines your rights were violated during the investigation or arrest, they may file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, potentially weakening the prosecution’s case.
- Trial Experience: While most cases are resolved through plea bargains, some go to trial. An experienced lawyer provides effective representation in court, fiercely defending your rights and presenting a comprehensive defense strategy before a jury.
Beyond Legal Expertise: The Qualities of a Top-Tier Criminal Defense Attorney in Mississippi
Not all criminal defense attorneys are created equal. Here are the hallmarks of a top-tier lawyer to consider when selecting the best advocate for your situation in Mississippi:
- Extensive Experience in Mississippi Criminal Law: Mississippi has specific laws, precedents, and court procedures. A lawyer with a proven track record of handling criminal defense cases in Mississippi understands the nuances of the legal landscape and can effectively navigate the system to your advantage.
- Aggressive Advocacy: Facing criminal charges requires a lawyer who is not afraid to fight for your rights. They should be assertive in negotiations and present a strong defense in court.
- Compassion and Understanding: Criminal charges can be emotionally charged. Your lawyer should be empathetic to your situation and provide support as you navigate this challenging period.
- Client-Centered Approach: The best criminal defense lawyers prioritize understanding your unique circumstances, goals, and concerns. They work collaboratively with you to develop a legal strategy that aligns with your priorities and strives for the best possible outcome.
- Clear Communication and Accessibility: Clear and consistent communication is essential. A top-tier lawyer keeps you informed of case developments, addresses your questions promptly, and ensures you feel included in the decision-making process.
- Competitive Fees and Flexible Payment Structures: Criminal defense attorneys offer various fee structures, including hourly rates or flat fees for specific services. Discuss fees upfront to ensure transparency and explore options that fit your financial situation.
Finding the Right Advocate: Resources for Legal Representation in Mississippi
- Seek Recommendations: Talk to friends, family, or colleagues who have faced criminal charges and inquire about their lawyers.
- Mississippi Bar Association: Contact the Mississippi Bar Association for referrals to qualified criminal defense attorneys in your area.