Faqs

You should contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you’re arrested, charged with a crime, or believe you're under investigation. Early legal representation allows Mr. Sims to begin protecting your rights, reviewing the evidence, and preparing your defense immediately. Even if no charges have been filed yet, consulting with an attorney can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.

Look for a criminal defense lawyer with deep knowledge of criminal law, experience handling cases like yours, and a strong reputation in your local courts. The right lawyer should be familiar with the prosecutors and judges in your area, have a history of taking cases to trial, and be able to clearly explain your legal options.

Attorney Trae Sims brings over 25 years of experience, including time as a prosecutor and General Counsel to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. He focuses exclusively on criminal defense in Jackson, Ridgeland, Madison, and surrounding areas.

In many cases, yes.  There are provisions in the Mississippi DUI law that allow a driver to maintain the ability to drive while their DUI case is pending and even after conviction.  Because Trae Sims served on a statewide task force that helped create the current DUI statute, he knows how to best protect your driving rights after a DUI charge.

Even if you plan to plead guilty, it’s important to speak with a criminal defense lawyer first. The plea process can be complicated, and representing yourself may lead to a harsher sentence than necessary.

Attorney Trae Sims understands how to evaluate plea offers, negotiate fair sentencing terms, and guide you through the process — so you fully understand your rights and options before making any decision.

After an arrest in Mississippi, you’ll typically be taken to the jail or booking facility, where you’ll be fingerprinted, photographed, and asked to provide basic identifying information. Law enforcement may also check your criminal history through state and federal databases.

You should be allowed to make a phone call after the booking process. Depending on the charge, you may be released on bond or held in jail — especially in felony cases — until you appear before a judge, usually within 48 hours, to have your bond set and court date scheduled.

Attorney Trae Sims has tried hundreds of criminal cases over the course of his 23-year legal career. As both a former prosecutor and an experienced defense lawyer, he knows how to prepare for trial and advocate effectively in the courtroom.

Prosecutors and judges recognize which attorneys are willing — and able — to go to trial. That experience can make a real difference when negotiating plea offers or defending serious charges in Mississippi courts.

No — and no lawyer ethically can. It’s against legal ethics rules to promise a specific outcome in any criminal case. The facts, evidence, and decisions made by the judge or jury are unpredictable and vary in every situation.

However, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to give you a realistic idea of possible outcomes based on how similar cases are handled in Mississippi courts. At Sims Law Firm, we’re always honest about what you can expect — and we fight hard to protect your rights every step of the way.

Not always. Under Mississippi and federal law, officers are only required to read you your Miranda rights if you are both in custody and being interrogated. If you’re arrested but not questioned, Miranda warnings may not be legally required.

That said, one of your Miranda rights is the right to remain silent — and to speak with a criminal defense lawyer before answering questions. If you were arrested or questioned without a Miranda warning, contact Sims Law Firm to review your case and protect your rights.

No. Sims Law Firm requires full payment before beginning work on your case. This ensures we can stay fully focused on your defense — not on collections.

Fees vary depending on the nature of the charges and the complexity of the case. After an initial consultation, we’ll provide a fee quote based on your specific situation. We do not offer sliding scale rates or court-appointed representation.

No. Sims Law Firm focuses exclusively on criminal defense. We do not handle divorce, custody, adoption, or any other family law matters. If your legal issue is family-related, it’s best to contact a family law attorney in Mississippi who specializes in those cases.

Sims Law Firm focuses exclusively on criminal defense, including DUI, drug charges, violent crimes, and theft offenses. We represent clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges in both state and federal courts.

We do not handle personal injury, car accidents, medical malpractice, insurance disputes, civil litigation, family law, real estate matters, or business-related cases. If your legal issue does not involve a criminal investigation or criminal charges, it's best to consult an attorney who practices in that area.

We proudly serve clients across Central Mississippi, including Jackson, Ridgeland, Madison, and surrounding areas.

If you’ve been arrested, charged with a crime, or are under investigation by law enforcement, yes — Sims Law Firm can help. If your legal issue involves a civil dispute, family matter, or business concern, we recommend reaching out to an attorney in that area of law.