Drug Crimes Defense in
Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Penalties depend on the type and amount of drug. A first offense of possessing 30 grams or less of marijuana carries only a fine of $100 to $250, while possession of other controlled substances or larger amounts can be a felony with significant prison time under Mississippi Code § 41-29-139.

Possession is having drugs for personal use. Distribution or sale charges involve intent to sell or deliver drugs to others. Distribution charges carry much harsher penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences for larger amounts.

Under Mississippi Code § 41-29-139(f), trafficking includes selling or possessing 30 or more grams (or 40 or more dosage units) of a Schedule I or II drug, one kilogram or more of marijuana, or 500 or more grams of a Schedule III, IV, or V drug. Trafficking carries 10 to 40 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years that cannot be suspended, and aggravated trafficking of 200 grams or more of a Schedule I or II drug carries 25 years to life.

Yes. Many drug cases are resolved through plea negotiations, motions to suppress evidence, or by challenging the validity of searches and seizures. We aggressively look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Drug court is an alternative to traditional prosecution for eligible non-violent offenders. It involves treatment, regular court appearances, and drug testing. Successful completion can result in dismissed charges or reduced sentences.

Police may find drugs through plain view, consent searches, probable cause, or during inventory searches after arrest. We carefully examine whether the search was legal and whether evidence should be suppressed.

Yes. Under the doctrine of constructive possession, you can be charged if you had knowledge and control over the drugs, even if they were not on your person. We challenge these cases when evidence of knowledge or control is weak.

Certain drug offenses, especially trafficking and distribution of larger quantities, carry mandatory minimum prison sentences. These can range from several years to decades depending on the drug and amount involved.

Yes. Under Mississippi Code § 41-29-147, a second or subsequent drug offense can be punished by up to twice the prison term and twice the fine otherwise authorized. We work to challenge the use of prior convictions when possible.

Remain silent and ask for an attorney immediately. Do not consent to searches or answer questions without legal counsel. Contact our office as soon as possible so we can begin protecting your rights.

Federal charges often involve larger quantities, interstate activity, or federal agencies. They generally carry harsher penalties and different procedures. We have experience defending both state and federal drug cases.

Yes. Certain drug convictions can result in license suspension. We often negotiate to minimize or avoid license consequences when possible.

A confidential informant is someone who provides information to police, often in exchange for leniency. We carefully examine the reliability of informants and challenge their use when appropriate.

Yes, in many cases. For first-offense simple possession, Mississippi Code § 41-29-150 allows the court to defer proceedings and place you on probation without entering a conviction; if you complete probation, the charge is dismissed and can be expunged. Drug court, diversion programs, and favorable plea deals are other options we aggressively pursue to avoid convictions and jail time.

Without expungement, drug convictions can remain on your record permanently and affect employment, housing, and licensing. We help clients explore expungement options after their case is resolved.