What is a Mississippi Criminal Disposition?

 The disposition is the final decision about what happened to that charge — whether the person was convicted, dismissed, diverted, or something else. Dispositions are recorded in court records and are often used by employers, licensing boards, law enforcement, and background check services to see how a case ended.

A disposition can take many forms. The most common dispositions mississippi criminal disposition include: Convicted / Guilty — The defendant is found guilty by trial or pleads guilty. A conviction may lead to jail, prison, probation, fines, or other penalties. Not Guilty — The case goes to trial and the judge or jury finds the defendant not guilty.

Dismissed — The prosecution or judge ends the case without a conviction. Dismissals can be with or without prejudice (which affects whether the charge can be refiled).

Nolle Prosequi (“nolle pros”) — The prosecutor decides to drop the case.

Pretrial Diversion — The defendant completes certain conditions (like classes, restitution, or community service); if completed, the charge may be dismissed.

Deferred Adjudication / Non-adjudication** — Mississippi has forms of “non-adjudication” where the court withholds a formal finding of guilt while the defendant completes conditions; successful completion can prevent a conviction from being entered.Bench Warrant / Failure to Appear status — Not a final disposition itself, but it can delay or affect how the case is resolved.

Expired / Statute of Limitations — The state can no longer prosecute because too much time has passed, which can function as an effective disposition.

Dispositions matter because they control legal consequences, including eligibility for expungement, firearm rights, immigration consequences, and whether the event will appear on a background check. In Mississippi, certain dismissed, non-adjudicated, or first-offense dispositions may be eligible for expungement after specific conditions are met.