Ballard Law, PLLC is a criminal defense lawyer in Jackson, Mississippi that fights to protect the rights of those who have been arrested for DUIs, felonies, drug possession, and drunk driving charges. Our law firm works closely with individuals facing charges to help them defend their innocence or to assist them with finding the best outcome for their case, which can include securing a plea deal or diversion program.
In recent weeks, thanks largely due to social distancing measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, reports indicate that DUI arrests have decreased. Yet, for families of those whose loved ones are in jail, this has been a stressful time. Across the country, some inmates have been released from jails in order to stop the spread of the virus in prisons. Families in Mississippi have expressed concerns that their loved ones could become sick. Inmates are housed close together and many share bunkbeds with one another, hardly a situation where people can avoid gathering in groups of 10 or more as the CDC has encouraged.
According to Mississippi Today, criminal defense lawyers and other advocates have already expressed concerns about the conditions in some prisons. With the coronavirus pandemic upon us, concerns for inmates continues to grow. The New York Times reports that defense lawyers across the country are urging officials to release inmates to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in jails. The Times reports that aging prison populations put some prisoners at high-risk for disease. Many prisoners suffer from diabetes and other health conditions that could put them at more serious risk of infection should they become sick.
Some districts are looking at whether they should release nonviolent inmates or increase the number of people placed in house arrest. Mississippi Today notes that the parole process is moving forward as business as usual, but advocates and criminal defense lawyers worry that a business as usual approach might put prisoners at risk. Many other municipalities have released prisoners, with some officials calling jails “petri dishes” for the virus to spread.
In some cases, the Times reports that inmates in jail awaiting trial have been able to have their trials expedited. In New York, inmates in jail for nonviolent crimes and those whose prison sentences were soon to be completed were released.
Ballard Law, PLLC is a criminal defense lawyer in Jackson, Mississippi that is closely watching how coronavirus might impact the Mississippi prison system and how it might impact prisoner release. If you have a loved one awaiting trial or if you are in jail, Ballard Law, PLLC may be able to help you. We can work with prosecutors and review the details of your case to determine whether the state has a strong case and may be able to fight for your rights and release. Reach out to us today to learn more about your rights and the next steps or connect with our lawyer by contacting USAttorneys.com today.
