People who are facing criminal charges often hope that they can avoid incarceration, which is why it may be upsetting to some Mississippi residents to realize that they’re facing charges in a state with a high incarceration rate. A high incarceration rate doesn’t mean that every case will lead to jail or prison. Instead, this means that the criminal justice system here understands that incarceration is a suitable sentence for many crimes, so the possibility must be taken seriously.
If you’re facing charges, you’ll have to think carefully about how to handle your defense. Whether your charge is non-violent or violent, you’ll need to think carefully about the defense strategy you use.
Why does the state’s incarceration rate matter?
Mississippi had the highest incarceration rate in the nation in 2023, even though the state’s overall crime rate was below the national average. This shows that the incarceration rates aren’t determined by crime rates alone. Instead, charging decisions, plea deals, sentencing laws and access to alternative sentences are all factors of the high incarceration rate.
Another thing to consider is that the people who are incarcerated are often there for non-violent convictions. Drug, property, and other non-violent cases can lead to incarceration, as well as other sentences like probation, fines, community service and other penalties.
Working with someone familiar with your case and the court handling it may be beneficial. They can explain your defense strategy options and help you learn how each one may impact your future. Doing this as early in the case as possible gives you time to determine how to proceed and allows you to set up the strategy in a way that you’re comfortable with.
