A criminal charge can upend your life before a single day in court. Your job, your reputation, your freedom, and your future can all hang in the balance the moment you’re arrested or learn you’re under investigation. At Tollison & Webb P.A., we believe every person deserves a vigorous defense and that a charge is not a conviction.

Our attorneys represent clients facing criminal charges in Oxford, Lafayette County, and throughout North Mississippi, in both state and federal court. Whether you’re dealing with a first-time DUI, a drug possession charge, or a serious felony, we bring the same commitment to your defense: thorough preparation, clear communication, and aggressive advocacy on your behalf.

Your Rights Begin the Moment You’re Charged

Under the United States Constitution, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. You have the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to a fair trial. These aren’t just formalities; they are powerful protections that can make the difference between a conviction and a case being dismissed.

The problem is that those rights are only as strong as the attorney who enforces them. Prosecutors in Mississippi are experienced, well-resourced, and motivated to secure convictions. Insurance adjusters and investigators begin building a case against you immediately. The sooner you have skilled legal representation on your side, the better your position.

Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present. Call us first.

Criminal Defense Practice Areas

We handle a broad range of criminal matters in state and federal courts. Click any practice area below to learn more about how we approach those cases.

DUI Defense

Mississippi takes driving under the influence seriously, and a conviction carries consequences well beyond the courtroom, including license suspension, mandatory treatment programs, increased insurance rates, and potential job loss. A first offense DUI in Mississippi can result in up to 48 hours in jail and a 90-day license suspension. Subsequent offenses carry significantly harsher penalties.

We scrutinize every aspect of a DUI arrest, from the legality of the traffic stop to the calibration and administration of field sobriety tests to the chain of custody for blood or breath samples. Many DUI cases have defenses that are not immediately obvious. We find them.

→ Learn more about our DUI Defense practice

Drug Crimes Defense

Drug charges in Mississippi range from simple possession of marijuana to trafficking offenses that carry mandatory minimum sentences of years in federal prison. The severity of the charge depends on the type of substance, the quantity, and whether there is any evidence of intent to distribute.

We defend clients facing charges for possession, possession with intent to distribute, manufacturing, and trafficking. We examine whether the search and seizure was lawful, whether evidence was properly handled, and whether there are grounds for suppression or reduction of charges.

→ Learn more about our Drug Crimes Defense practice

Felony Defense

A felony conviction in Mississippi is life-altering. Beyond the prison sentence, a felony record can strip you of your right to vote, your ability to possess a firearm, your professional licenses, and your housing and employment opportunities. The stakes could not be higher.

Our attorneys have experience handling serious felony cases, from aggravated assault and robbery to homicide defense. We take the time to fully investigate the facts, challenge the state’s evidence, and develop a defense strategy tailored to the specific circumstances of your case.

→ Learn more about our Felony Defense practice

Misdemeanor Defense

Misdemeanors are often treated as minor matters, but a conviction goes on your permanent record and can affect employment background checks, professional licensing, and more. Common misdemeanor charges we handle include simple assault, petty theft, trespassing, disorderly conduct, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

We treat every case seriously, regardless of the charge. If there is a path to dismissal, reduced charges, or eligibility for expungement, we will find it.

→ Learn more about our Misdemeanor Defense practice

Federal Criminal Defense

Federal charges are an entirely different category of legal exposure. Cases are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys, among the most experienced prosecutors in the country, and sentencing guidelines in federal court are significantly harsher than in state court. The investigation alone, before any charges are filed, can last months or years.

Taylor H. Webb is a member of the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi, an appointment reserved for attorneys who have demonstrated the skill and experience to handle complex federal criminal matters. If you are under federal investigation or have been charged in federal court, you need counsel with specific federal experience, not simply a state court practitioner.

→ Learn more about our Federal Criminal Defense practice

Expungement

A past conviction doesn’t have to define the rest of your life. Mississippi law allows certain criminal convictions to be expunged from your record, meaning they will no longer appear on most background checks. Eligibility depends on the nature of the offense, the outcome of the case, and the amount of time that has passed.

We help clients understand whether they qualify for expungement and guide them through the process from start to finish. A clean record opens doors to employment, housing, and professional opportunities that a criminal conviction can close.

→ Learn more about our Expungement practice

Why Criminal Charges in Oxford Require Local Knowledge

Mississippi’s criminal justice system is not monolithic. How a case is handled depends heavily on the jurisdiction, the judge, the prosecutor, and the local legal culture. Lafayette County courts operate differently from federal courts in Oxford, and the strategies that work in one environment may not translate to another.

Our attorneys practice regularly in Lafayette County Circuit Court, County Court, and Justice Court, as well as in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi. We know the prosecutors, the judges, and the procedures. That local familiarity is not a small thing—it shapes how we evaluate your case and the realistic options available to you.

Oxford is also home to the University of Mississippi, and we regularly represent students and university employees facing charges that carry the added risk of academic or professional consequences in addition to criminal penalties. We understand the full scope of what is at stake for our clients in this community.

What Happens After You’re Charged

The criminal process in Mississippi typically unfolds in several stages, and what you do at each one matters:

• Arrest and Booking: You are booked and may be held pending arraignment. Bond may be set at this stage.
• Initial Appearance / Arraignment: You will be formally notified of the charges and enter an initial plea. This is often your first court appearance.
• Preliminary Hearing: For felony charges, a hearing may be held to determine whether there is probable cause to proceed to trial.
• Discovery: Your attorney reviews the prosecution’s evidence, identifies weaknesses, and begins building your defense.
• Pretrial Motions: We may file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or address constitutional violations before trial.
• Plea Negotiations: Many cases resolve through negotiated plea agreements. We assess whether a plea is in your best interest and negotiate from a position of strength.
• Trial: If no acceptable resolution is reached, we take your case to trial and present your defense before a judge or jury.
• Sentencing: If convicted, we advocate for the most favorable sentence possible given the circumstances.

Having an attorney involved from the very beginning, ideally before you speak to law enforcement at all, gives you the best chance of a favorable outcome at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Should I talk to the police without a lawyer?

No. You have the right to remain silent, and you should exercise it. Politely tell law enforcement that you wish to speak with an attorney before answering any questions. Even if you are innocent, speaking to investigators without counsel present can produce statements that are used against you in ways you did not intend.

What’s the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Mississippi?

Misdemeanors are crimes punishable by up to one year in the county jail. Felonies carry sentences of more than one year and are served in state prison. The distinction also affects civil rights — a felony conviction can result in loss of voting rights, firearms rights, and professional licenses in Mississippi.

Can I get my criminal record expunged in Mississippi?

Possibly. Mississippi allows expungement for certain first-offense misdemeanors and some felonies after a waiting period. Charges that were dismissed or resulted in acquittal are generally easier to expunge than convictions. We can evaluate your specific record and tell you whether you qualify.

What if I can’t afford bail?

We can request a bail reduction hearing and argue for lower bail or release on your own recognizance. The court will consider factors such as your ties to the community, employment, and the nature of the charges. We take this step seriously—unnecessary pretrial detention has real consequences for your job and family.

How much does a criminal defense attorney cost?

Attorney fees vary based on the complexity of the case, the charges involved, and the anticipated amount of work. We are transparent about fees from the outset and work with clients to find workable arrangements. The cost of good legal representation is almost always less than the long-term cost of a conviction.

Speak With a Criminal Defense Attorney in Oxford Today

If you or someone you love has been charged with a crime in Oxford, Lafayette County, or anywhere in North Mississippi, or if you believe you are under investigation, contact Tollison & Webb P.A. immediately. The earlier we are involved, the more options we have.

Call us at (662) 234-7070 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation. We will listen, clearly explain your options, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.