Bill > SB2076

This bill establishes a new sentencing enhancement for individuals deemed "habitual misdemeanor offenders." A habitual misdemeanor offender is defined as someone facing sentencing for a misdemeanor offense who has previously been convicted as an adult of at least four other specific misdemeanor offenses. These prior offenses must be distinct, not part of the same criminal incident, and committed within three years of the current misdemeanor offense. The bill specifies that "convicted" means a determination of guilt through a trial or a guilty or no contest plea, even if the judgment was withheld. The "specified misdemeanor offenses" are those found in various chapters of Title 97 and Title 41 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, covering a range of crimes. If a court determines a defendant meets this definition, they will be guilty of a felony and face imprisonment in the Department of Corrections for up to two years, effectively increasing the penalty for repeat misdemeanor offenders. This act will become effective on July 1, 2026.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2076.xml