Areas of Practice
Divorce
Going through a divorce isn't easy. In a stressful situation like litigating intimate, personal relationships, it's important to have an attorney who is competent, relaxed, and can calmly explain your options and stay focused on your goals. We can help you decide between filing a "no fault" divorce or a "fault based" divorce, between seeking joint or primary custody, and between dividing marital assets and/or seeking permanent support. Our services begin by scheduling a consultation. Plan for this first meeting to last at least an hour.
CRIMINAL AND CIVIL APPEALS
We represent both appellants and appellees in the Mississippi Court of Appeals and Mississippi Supreme Court. If you are interested in appealing a final judgment, you should seek counsel immediately as there are strict deadlines.
relief from unjust orders
Many times, a Court orders child support, alimony, or some other type of financial relief and then something unexpected occurs: a child gets sick, a parent loses a job or becomes disabled. Suddenly the original order becomes unjust and unworkable. Let us sit down with you, discuss your concerns, and help you determine whether to seek a modification of the order, the relative risks associated with seeking a modification, and the likelihood of success.
felony criminal defense
Nothing is scarier than being on trial for a felony crime. We have successfully represented clients facing life sentences, and have litigated over 1,000 felony cases. We currently represent clients across East Mississippi, and we have the experience to help you or your loved one get the best possible outcome in their situation. From murder to white collar crime, we are equipped to handle any felony case the State may bring.
Child support & paternity
When a child is born to unmarried parents, the first step to creating a legal bond is to establish paternity. Once paternity has been establish, either through agreement or by DNA test, child support is ordered. Many State courts have overlapping jurisdiction to hear these types of claims, and it's important to have an attorney that best understands the limits of each court and where best to base/defend your claim(s).
ADOPTION
Adoption is a two-step process. First there will be a trial on whether the biological parents’ rights should be terminated. In order to termination rights, you must prove that the parent has either abandoned or deserted the child, or that the parent is morally unfit. Our office has handled numerous termination cases, both defending the natural parents and seeking the termination of rights, and we are well-equipped to handle your termination case. If termination is granted, the child is free to be adopted. Adoptions are sealed matters and not open to the public.
child custody & visitation
The pole star consideration that Judges and Chancellors consider in custody cases is the "best interests" of the children. Whether you are a grandparent, natural parent, or loved one seeking custody or defending a custody suit, we can help you navigate the law and the different courts to help you obtain your goals.
misdemeanors & traffic violations
These cases begin in either a Municipal/City Court or a Justice Court and are defined by them carrying either a simple fine or jail time of one year or less. Because these cases are still considered criminal in nature, the accused have all the Constitutional rights afforded to them by the State and the Federal governments. Misdemeanors often carry indirect but not inconsequential penalties, like spikes to your insurance premiums, whether insurance carriers are willing to cover you at all, future employment opportunities, and stacking of misdemeanors to create felony charges. If you are charged with one or more misdemeanors, contact our office. We can help you decide how best to safeguard your Constitutional rights, protect your record, and keep you from paying exorbitant fines.