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Lazavious Smith sentenced to 20 years for House Burglaries and Car Theft

Greenville, MS – Washington County resident Lazavious Smith pled guilty to several House Burglaries in Washington County Circuit Court, District Attorney Dewayne Richardson announced today. Richardson said, “Smith was scheduled to be tried in open court starting at 8:30 Tuesday morning, but instead he pled guilty.”  Lazavious Smith had been arrested and charged by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department for several home invasions that occurred in Washington County.  Smith was later indicted by a Washington County Grand Jury for several burglary charges as well as a car theft charge.

Lazavious Smith pled guilty to his crimes and was sentenced to a total of 20 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.  Smith has to serve the first 15 years of his sentence and then he will be on probation for the remaining 5 years of his sentence. This case was investigated by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney’s office appreciates Sheriff Milton Gaston and his staff’s hard work in helping to remove another criminal from the streets of Washington County.

July 30, 2015
Contact: W. Dewayne Richardson
District Attorney, Fourth Circuit Court District | 662-378-2105

Breaking News

26th
May
26th
May

JOHN SCATES, JR. FOUND GUILTY OF AGGRAVATED ASSAULT WITH ENHANCEMENT

Greenville, MS—John Scates, Jr., 49, of Greenville was found Guilty of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm Enhancement in Washington County following a two-day jury trial, District Attorney Dewayne Richardson announced today. The State presented evidence to the jury at the […]... read more

24th
May
24th
May

DRIVER SENTENCED TO MAXIMUM FOR SHOOTING EX, KILLING BABY

Greenville, MS—Jonathan Driver of Etta, MS, was convicted of Second Degree Murder and Attempted Murder in Washington County following his guilty pleas on Monday, District Attorney Dewayne Richardson announced today. With his trial scheduled to take place in July, Driver […]... read more

11th
May
11th
May

WILLIE PAM CONVICTED IN HOLLANDALE MURDER

Greenville, MS- District Attorney W. Dewayne Richardson announced this week that Willie Pam pled guilty Monday, May 10th, in Washington County Circuit Court to the charges of Second Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon. With the […]... read more

20th
April
20th
Apr

GREENVILLE RAPIST SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS

Greenville, MS— District Attorney W. Dewayne Richardson announced today that Henry Ransom pled guilty Monday, April 19th, in Washington County Circuit Court to the charge of Sexual Battery. With the case set for trial this week before Circuit Judge Richard […]... read more

resources

Attorney General

www.ago.state.ms.us

MDOC

www.ms.gov

Federal Prisoners

www.bop.gov

Sex Offender Registry

state.sor.dps.ms.gov

AG Victim Unit

www.ago.state.ms.us

Our Mission

The mission of the District Attorney’s Office for the Fourth Circuit Court, under the direction of
W. Dewayne Richardson, is to seek justice in order to maintain an environment of safety, security and lawful behavior for the citizens of the Fourth District.

The Office of the District Attorney uses lawful and reasonable methods to successfully identify and prosecute those who commit felony crimes. When a crime occurs, the Office of the District Attorney diligently pursues the indictment and conviction of those responsible, while adhering to all rights of the Victim, ensuring the victim is being provided all direct services applicable, and acknowledging all constitutional safeguards for the accused.

The District Attorney’s Office for the Fourth
District’s goal is to work with law enforcement and the judiciary to punish those who break our laws with adequate punishment. Every representative of the Office of the District Attorney pledges their commitment and full support to the protection of all citizens within the Fourth Circuit Court District.

Contact

Greenville Office
P.O. Box 426
Greenville MS 38702
[P] 662.378.2105
[F] 662.332.4665
generalinfo@msdeltada.com

Indianola Office
P.O. Box 1046
Indianola, MS 38751
[P] 662.887.4306
[F] 662.887.6275
generalinfo@msdeltada.com

Greenwood Office
P.O. Box 253
Greenwood, MS 38935
[P] 662.453.1089
[F] 662.451.7291
generalinfo@msdeltada.com

Judicial Process

Citizen's Involvement in the criminal justice system typically begins with them being a victim, witness, or defendant of a crime. Arrests are made generally by a judge-issued warrant or by a police officer observing a crime in process. Law enforcement may also arrest someone if it has probable cause to believe the person committed a criminal offense. When individuals are arrested they are routinely advised of their Miranda Rights upon arrest, advising them that they have the right to remain silent and that anything they say will be used against them in court. On being questioned, defendants have the right to have their attorney present or to have one appointed if they are indigent.

Felony defendants appear at a first appearance and have the charges reviewed. A judge will inquire if the defendant has an attorney. If low income, the defendant may qualify for a court-appointed lawyer. No plea is entered at this time unless the defendant wishes to plead guilty or waives indictment and has an attorney present. All felony cases are presented to a grand jury in the county that the crime was committed. In the State of Mississippi, only a grand jury has the authority to indict an individual for a felony offense and require them to stand trial for the charges alleged in an affidavit and indictment.

If an indictment is issued, the defendant is bound over to stand trial or enter a guilty plea to the crimes alleged. When a criminal trial occurs all 12 jurors must find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Sentences are decided by Circuit Court Judges in all criminal matters. In most cases a recommendation is made regarding imprisonment, probation, fines and restitution.

Municipalities


• City of Greenville

• City of Hollandale
• City of Leland
• City of Metcalfe

• Washington County
• City of Indianola
• City of Ruleville
• City of Drew

• City of Moorhead

• City of Inverness

• City of Sunflower

• Sunflower County

• City of Itta Bena

• City of Greenwood

• Leflore County

Disclaimer of Liability

The information contained in this web site is provided for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon as legal advice. With respect to any information found on this web site, neither the Office of the District Attorney, 4th District, nor any of its employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and aptness for a particular purpose, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the inaccuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information conveyed. Nothing contained in the Web site is intended to constitute a promise, expressed or implied, by the Office of the District Attorney, 4th District to engage in any undertaking. The Washington County District Attorney's Office is not responsible for the contents of any off-site pages referenced. These links are provided as an information service only.

To the extent that pending criminal matters are discussed in this website, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The materials on this Web site are copyrighted. Copying, reproduction, or distribution of any part of this Web site is prohibited without the prior written consent of the Office of the District Attorney, 4th District. However, downloading and printing of materials from this web site is allowed for the personal use of visitors to the web site. In fact, such use is encouraged.

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Office of the District Attorney, 4th District