A felony charge is the most serious thing the criminal justice system can put in front of you. The potential consequences go far beyond prison time — a felony conviction permanently strips rights, closes professional doors, and follows you in ways that affect every aspect of your life long after a sentence is served. If you are facing a felony charge in Mississippi, the quality of your legal representation matters enormously.

At Tollison & Webb P.A., we defend clients facing felony charges in Lafayette County Circuit Court and in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi. We approach every felony case with thorough investigation, honest counsel, and aggressive advocacy — from the earliest stages of a police investigation through trial if necessary.

What Makes a Felony Different

In Mississippi, a felony is any offense punishable by more than one year of incarceration in state prison. That distinguishes felonies from misdemeanors, which are punishable by up to one year in the county jail. The distinction matters for several reasons beyond the length of the sentence.

A felony conviction in Mississippi carries consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom:

• Loss of the right to vote (which may be restored through the state legislature or a governor’s pardon for certain offenses)
• Loss of the right to possess a firearm under both state and federal law
• Permanent criminal record visible on background checks
• Disqualification from many professional licenses, including law, medicine, nursing, teaching, and real estate
• Ineligibility for certain federal benefits and housing programs
• Deportation or immigration consequences for non-citizens
• Loss of eligibility for jury service
• Barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities

These collateral consequences mean that even a felony conviction with a suspended sentence or probation can fundamentally alter the course of a person’s life. This is why we take every felony case seriously, regardless of the specific charge or where the facts stand at the outset.

Felony Charges We Defend

We represent clients facing a wide range of felony charges in state and federal court. Our experience includes but is not limited to:

Violent Crimes

Violent felony charges — aggravated assault, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, manslaughter, and homicide — carry some of the longest sentences in the Mississippi criminal code. These cases are often built on eyewitness testimony, physical evidence, and forensic analysis, all of which can be challenged effectively with thorough investigation and skilled cross-examination. We examine the facts closely, retain expert witnesses where necessary, and develop defense strategies that account for the specific circumstances of each case.

Sex Crimes

Sex crime charges carry uniquely severe consequences, including mandatory sex offender registration that can last decades or a lifetime. Accusations do not equal guilt, and these cases frequently turn on issues of consent, credibility, and the reliability of forensic evidence. We defend clients facing charges of sexual battery, rape, statutory rape, child exploitation, and related offenses with the thoroughness and discretion these cases demand.

Drug Felonies

Drug trafficking, distribution, and manufacturing charges are felonies that frequently carry mandatory minimum sentences. Mississippi’s drug penalties are among the harshest in the nation, and federal drug charges are harsher still. We defend drug felony cases in both state and federal court, with particular attention to the legality of the underlying search and seizure, the reliability of informant testimony, and the sufficiency of the evidence supporting intent or trafficking allegations. See our Drug Crimes Defense page for a full discussion of how we approach these cases.

Weapons Charges

Felony weapons charges include possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime, and unlawful possession of certain prohibited weapons. Federal weapons charges, including those under 18 U.S.C. § 922, are aggressively prosecuted and carry substantial mandatory sentences. We examine the circumstances of every weapons charge for constitutional and evidentiary defenses.

Fraud and White Collar Crimes

Fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, wire fraud, mail fraud, and related financial crimes are frequently prosecuted as felonies in both state and federal court. These cases are built on documentary and financial evidence and often involve extensive pre-charge investigations. If you learn you are under investigation for a financial crime, contact an attorney immediately — before charges are filed. Early involvement by defense counsel can significantly affect how a federal investigation develops and whether charges are ultimately brought.

Burglary and Theft

Burglary, grand larceny, auto theft, and related property crimes are felonies in Mississippi above certain value thresholds. These cases often hinge on identification evidence, surveillance footage, and circumstantial proof of intent. We examine the strength of the identification evidence carefully and challenge the state’s proof of the essential elements of the offense.

Domestic Violence Felonies

Felony domestic violence charges — including aggravated domestic violence and domestic violence with a prior conviction — carry serious penalties and additional consequences including loss of firearms rights under both state and federal law. These cases are emotionally complex and frequently involve disputed accounts of events. We provide steady, clear-eyed representation that addresses both the legal and personal dimensions of these charges.

Federal Felonies

Federal felony charges are a categorically different level of legal exposure. Federal prosecutors are among the most experienced in the country, federal sentencing guidelines produce substantially longer sentences than state courts, and there is no parole in the federal system. The investigation that precedes federal charges is often lengthy and thorough, and by the time charges are filed the government has typically assembled an extensive case.

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, a designation reserved for attorneys with demonstrated experience and skill in complex federal criminal matters. This credential is not common among small and mid-size firms in North Mississippi, and it reflects a level of federal court experience that matters when your case is in federal court.

Common federal felony matters we handle include drug trafficking, firearms offenses, fraud and financial crimes, conspiracy charges, and RICO racketeering cases.

How We Approach Felony Defense

No two felony cases are alike, and cookie-cutter defense strategies produce cookie-cutter results. Our approach to every case starts with the facts — not assumptions about what the outcome will be.

Thorough Investigation

We examine every piece of evidence the state intends to use, and we look for evidence the state may have overlooked or chosen not to pursue. That includes police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, forensic analysis, phone and financial records, and any other material relevant to the facts of the case. We retain independent experts where the evidence warrants it.

Constitutional Challenges

Many felony cases involve evidence obtained through searches, surveillance, or interrogation that may have violated your constitutional rights. Suppression of unlawfully obtained evidence can dramatically weaken or eliminate the state’s case. We file pretrial motions to suppress whenever the facts support it and litigate those motions aggressively.

Honest Evaluation

We tell clients the truth about their cases, including the difficult parts. That means giving you a realistic assessment of the evidence, the likely range of outcomes, and the genuine risks and benefits of going to trial versus negotiating a resolution. You cannot make good decisions without accurate information, and it is our job to give it to you straight.

Skilled Negotiation

The majority of felony cases resolve through plea negotiations rather than trial. A well-negotiated plea can mean the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor conviction, between prison and probation, or between decades and years. We negotiate from a position of preparation — prosecutors respond differently to defense counsel who have done their homework than to those who have not.

Trial Readiness

When trial is the right path, we are ready to take it. We prepare every case as if it is going to trial, which strengthens our negotiating position and ensures that if trial becomes necessary, we are not scrambling to catch up. We have tried felony cases in Lafayette County Circuit Court and in federal court, and we bring that experience to every case we handle.

If You Are Under Investigation — Before Charges Are Filed

One of the most important things we can tell you is this: you do not have to wait until you are arrested to call an attorney. If you know or suspect you are under investigation for a felony offense, contacting a lawyer immediately is one of the most protective things you can do.

In the pre-charge phase, law enforcement may contact you for an interview, ask to search your home or vehicle, or approach people close to you. Every interaction in this phase is an opportunity for investigators to gather evidence. An attorney can advise you on how to respond, assert your rights, and in some cases engage with investigators or prosecutors in ways that affect whether and what charges are filed.

If you have received a federal target letter — a written notice that you are the target of a federal grand jury investigation — contact us immediately. A target letter means federal charges are being seriously considered. Having experienced federal defense counsel involved at this stage can be critically important to the outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Mississippi?

A felony is any offense punishable by more than one year in state prison. A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in the county jail. The distinction affects not just the length of the potential sentence but also the long-term consequences — felony convictions carry civil rights losses, professional licensing consequences, and permanent record implications that misdemeanors generally do not.

Can a felony conviction be expunged in Mississippi?

Certain felony convictions are eligible for expungement in Mississippi. First-offense, non-violent felonies may be expunged five years after completion of the sentence, provided the court finds you have been rehabilitated. Not all felonies qualify — violent offenses, sex offenses, and certain other categories are generally ineligible. We evaluate every client’s record for expungement eligibility and handle the process for those who qualify.

Should I talk to police if I am a suspect?

No. You have the right to remain silent, and you should exercise it. This applies whether you are innocent or not. Statements made to investigators — even truthful ones intended to clear your name — are frequently used against defendants in ways they did not anticipate. The only thing you need to say to law enforcement is that you wish to speak with an attorney before answering any questions.

How long does a felony case take in Mississippi?

It varies considerably depending on the complexity of the case, the court’s docket, and whether the case proceeds to trial. A relatively straightforward felony case that resolves by plea can be concluded in several months. Complex cases, federal prosecutions, and cases that go to trial can take a year or more. We keep clients informed throughout the process and manage cases as efficiently as the facts and strategy allow.

What if I cannot afford bail?

We can request a bail reduction hearing and argue for lower bail or release on recognizance based on factors including your ties to the community, employment, family situation, and the nature of the charges. Pretrial detention has serious consequences for your job, your family, and your ability to assist in your own defense. We treat bail as an urgent matter and move quickly when a client is held.

Is it ever better to plead guilty than go to trial?

Sometimes, yes. The decision depends entirely on the strength of the evidence, the realistic range of outcomes at trial versus through a negotiated plea, and your specific circumstances and priorities. We never pressure clients toward a particular outcome. Our job is to give you an honest, thorough analysis of your options and advocate effectively for whichever path you choose. What we can tell you is that the decision should be made carefully, with complete information, and with counsel who has genuinely prepared the case.

Speak With a Felony Defense Attorney in Oxford Today

If you or someone you care about is facing a felony charge in Oxford, Lafayette County, or anywhere in North Mississippi — or if you believe you are under investigation — contact Tollison & Webb P.A. today. Time matters in felony cases, and early involvement by defense counsel consistently produces better outcomes.

Call us at (662) 234-7070 or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential consultation.