Criminal Defense in Mississippi

Mississippi ( MS)

Average: $6,000

Last Updated: Mar 2026

Low Estimate

$1,500

Simple / Uncontested Cases

Average Cost

                        $6,000                    
Typical
                        Criminal Defense Case
                    

High Estimate

$30,000

Complex / Contested Cases

Cost Component	Low	Average	High
Attorney Hourly Rate	$150/hr	$242/hr	$375/hr
Total Cost Estimate	$1,500	$6,000	$30,000
Court Filing Fee	$200

What to Know About Criminal Defense Costs in Mississippi

Mississippi classifies crimes without formal felony classes — penalties are set by individual statutes. Defense costs $1,500-$4,000 for misdemeanors to $6,000-$30,000 for felonies. Mississippi has implemented criminal justice reform through HB 585 (2014). The state has drug courts and intervention courts. Mississippi historically had high incarceration rates but has reduced them through reform.

Sources: State criminal code, Clio Legal Trends 2025, State Bar Association (MS)