If you’ve been convicted of a crime in Mississippi, you may think that the consequences end once you’ve completed your criminal sentence. However, this is not necessarily true. Since you now have a criminal record, you’ll also be subjected to collateral consequences of your conviction.
These collateral consequences aren’t criminal penalties, but rather social and civil penalties that exist because you’ve committed a crime. For example, you may find that it is difficult to get a job, secure housing, and/or possess a firearm after you’ve been convicted of a crime.
Fortunately, there are ways to secure post-conviction relief and move on with your life. Contact Tupelo criminal defense attorney William Wayne Housley to schedule a free consultation and learn more about taking control of your future.
Getting Your Record Expunged
Have you ever been arrested? How about charged with and/or tried for a crime? Convicted or plead guilty? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you can be certain that a record of your incident exists. This record can make it difficult to live a normal life once you’ve moved on from your run-in with the law. Whenever someone runs a background check on you, they’ll see details of your criminal past. Fortunately, it may be possible to get your criminal record expunged.
What is Expungement?
Expungement simply means having your criminal record erased from publicly-searchable databases. If a future landlord or employer runs a background check, they will not find your criminal record. If your record is expunged, you can even truthfully say that you’ve never been arrested/charged/convicted. Expungement makes it as if your run-in with the law never happened, at all.
What Crimes Can Be Expunged?
Not everyone can get an expungement in Mississippi. First-time misdemeanor offenders have the best chance of securing an expungement, while repeat misdemeanor offenders may also be able to have their records expunged in certain situations. Only six felonies in Mississippi can be expunged: drug possession, larceny, bad check crimes, false pretenses, shoplifting, and malicious mischief.
DUI Expungements
Certain DUIs may also be expunged in Mississippi. However, it can be more difficult to get rid of drunk driving records. The state will only expunge a DUI if:
- This was your first DUI offense
- You do not have a CDL
- You did not refuse chemical testing (e.g., breathalyzer or blood test)
- Your BAC did not exceed .16 percent, and
- It has been at least 5 years since the incident.
You must also show good cause for having your record expunged.
Restoring Civil Liberties After a Conviction
When you are convicted of a crime in Mississippi, you may find that some of your civil rights are limited or simply taken away. You may be able to reinstate some of these civil liberties with the help of an experienced criminal attorney.
Voting Rights
In Mississippi, many convicted felons are prohibited from exercising the right to vote. If you have been convicted of murder, embezzlement, carjacking, a crime of theft, or another serious crime, you may be barred from voting for the rest of your life. If you have been convicted of a less-serious crime, you may be able to regain the right to vote by petitioning the state. Your attorney will be able to help you navigate the reinstatement process.
Gun Ownership
In Mississippi, the state automatically revokes gun ownership rights of any person convicted of a felony. However, if you comply with all conditions of your criminal sentence (including any probation, counseling, and rehabilitation), you may be able to regain your right to have and own a gun. Call Tupelo criminal lawyer William Wayne Housley to find out how he can help you secure a Certificate of Rehabilitation. With this certificate in hand, you can enjoy your right to own a gun, once again.
Get Your Life Back After a Conviction
Have you been convicted of a crime in Mississippi? If so, you may have noticed that your criminal record and conviction are making it difficult to live a normal life. Fortunately, there are mechanisms in place to help you move on with your life.
Contact William Wayne Housley, Attorney at Law for help with post-conviction matters. Attorney Housley can help you get your record expunged, petition to have your voting rights reinstated, and even re-secure your right to have a gun. Call today to schedule a free consultation and learn more.