Legal Question in Criminal Law in Mississippi

Re: Classes of Misdemeanors in Mississippi

There are no "Class" misdemeanors in Mississippi. However, Domestic Violence is considered a "serious misdemeanor" because conviction on that charge prohibits the Defendant from being able to carry a weapon in the future, together with other restrictions on freedom otherwise available to one convicted of other routine misdemeanors. Other serious misdemeanors include shoplifting and Driving Under the Influence. The latter charges are serious in that repeat convictions carry enhanced sentences, and those sentences usually require minimum jail sentences to be served. A Third Offense Shoplifting, and/or a Third Offense DUI within five years of the first gives rise to a Felony, for which punishment includes a term in the State prison system.