A Charge Doesn't Have to Define What Comes Next
A domestic violence charge in Mississippi can affect your freedom, your family, your custody rights, your career, and your ability to own a firearm — all from a single arrest. Prosecutors treat these cases aggressively, law enforcement is trained to make arrests at domestic disturbance calls even when the evidence is limited, and the consequences of a conviction extend far beyond the criminal penalties themselves.
What many people don't realize is that a domestic violence charge doesn't even require a conviction to disrupt your life. A protective order alone can remove you from your home, restrict your access to your children, and affect your reputation — sometimes based on an allegation alone.
Gilliam Law Firm's domestic violence defense attorneys represent clients throughout Jackson, Madison County, Rankin County, Hinds County, and across Mississippi. Our team examines the evidence carefully, evaluates every available defense, and fights to protect our clients' rights, their families, and their futures from the earliest stage of the case.
Domestic Violence Cases Our Team Handles
Gilliam Law Firm provides criminal defense representation for the full range of domestic violence charges and related matters under Mississippi law.
Simple domestic violence
Aggravated domestic violence
Domestic violence by strangulation or
attempted strangulation
Domestic violence with a
deadly weapon
Domestic violence in the presence
of a child
Violation of a protective order or
restraining order
Stalking and aggravated stalking
Cyberstalking
Harassment charges arising from
domestic situations
Defense against emergency and
permanent protective orders
Expungement of domestic violence
charges after successful resolution
What Mississippi Law Actually Says About Domestic Violence
Under Mississippi Code § 99-3-7 and related statutes, domestic violence covers a wide range of offenses when committed against a 'household member' — which includes spouses, former spouses, individuals who share a child, persons currently or formerly living in the same household, and persons in a current or former dating relationship. This means a domestic violence charge can arise from a dispute between current or former partners, between roommates, between family members, or between co-parents — even when the parties no longer live together.
Mississippi follows a mandatory or preferred arrest policy for domestic violence calls. When law enforcement responds to a domestic disturbance and has probable cause to believe domestic violence has occurred, they are required or strongly encouraged to make an arrest — regardless of whether the alleged victim wants to press charges.
The alleged victim does not control whether charges are filed or pursued in Mississippi. Once a domestic violence arrest is made, the decision to prosecute rests with the District Attorney — not the complaining party. Even if the alleged victim recants or refuses to cooperate, the prosecution can and often does proceed.
Simple domestic violence — first offense: fine up to $500, up to 6 months in county jail, mandatory completion of a domestic violence prevention program, and permanent loss of federal firearm rights under the Lautenberg Amendment. Second offense: fine up to $1,000, up to 1 year in county jail. Third offense within five years: felony — fine up to $5,000 and up to 5 years in prison. Aggravated domestic violence: felony carrying up to 20 years. Domestic violence by strangulation: mandatory 2 to 10 years.
Beyond the criminal penalties, a domestic violence conviction — even a misdemeanor — permanently prohibits you from possessing firearms under federal law (the Lautenberg Amendment). It is a significant factor in Mississippi child custody determinations under Miss. Code § 93-5-24. It appears on background checks and can affect professional licensing, employment, housing, and immigration status.
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
Mississippi Domestic Violence Defense Attorney
Why Choose Gilliam Law Firm
We Know Mississippi Courts
Our criminal defense team practices in the courts of Madison County, Rankin County, Hinds County, and throughout Mississippi. We know the judges, the prosecutors, and the procedures — and that knowledge shapes how we build your defense.
Why Choose Gilliam Law Firm
We Prepare for Trial
Many criminal defense attorneys push clients toward plea deals because trials are difficult and time-consuming. Our team prepares every case with the full expectation that it may go to trial — because that preparation is what produces the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Why Choose Gilliam Law Firm
We Communicate
You will never be left wondering what is happening with your case. Our attorneys communicate clearly and directly with every client, explaining developments, options, and strategy in plain terms — not legalese.
When You're Facing a Domestic Violence Charge, You Want Vicki in Your Corner
Vicki Gilliam built this firm after seeing firsthand what happens when clients are treated as cases — handed off to whoever is available, rushed through the process, and left in the dark. She started Gilliam Law Firm with one standard: every client deserves an attorney who knows their case, tells them the truth, and fights for them personally.
Latest from Gilliam Law Firm
Insights, guidance, and answers to the questions Mississippi families ask most — straight from our legal team.
My little brother was in a fix. He was being blackmailed or accused of wrong doing. Vicky proved herself professional, knowledgeable and a credit to herself, her firm and the local, state and federal justice system. Thank you Vicky and “carry on the struggle “.
Bo S.
It was amazing to watch Miss. Gilliam in action. She showed without a doubt all the evidence. She is an amazing Lady and very intelligent.
James C.
Vicki is a great lawyer. She is always prepared and does a great job for her clients. When she goes to trial her clients have an advocate that is indefatigable and will not accept defeat.
Dan D.
