Expungement Programs in Mississippi
- Mississippi allows defendants to avoid or expunge some convictions under certain conditions.fingerprint image by dip from Fotolia.com
A criminal record can be a bar to employment, visitation with children and even entry into the armed services. If you have been arrested for a criminal offense and convicted in the state of Mississippi, you may be entitled to have the record of your arrest and conviction expunged. Additionally, Mississippi allows defendants to avoid convictions under certain circumstances, even if they have pleaded guilty to the crime. - According to Mississippi Code Section 99-19-71, anyone that has been convicted of a misdemeanor and is also a first offender may petition the court to have their record expunged. In some instances, such as first-time possession of marijuana, the expunging is automatic. Other, more serious offenses are expunged at the discretion of the court.
- Mississippi Code Section 99-15-26 allows a defendant charged with a misdemeanor or felony that is not a crime against another person or fraud/embezzlement in public office to have their plea of guilty taken but judgment and sentence withheld in return for the completion of court-ordered conditions. In essence, this allows the defendant to avoid a conviction if they comply with the court-ordered conditions, such as community service work, counseling or payment of restitution.
- Under Mississippi Code Section 41-29-150, a defendant that has been charged with a controlled-substance offense may be able to have his conviction dismissed by successful completion of a period of probation that includes a drug-treatment program.
- Similar to the drug-treatment option, Mississippi Code Section 9-23-23 allows a defendant that has successfully completed the requirements of Drug Court to have the record of their conviction dismissed.
