Bill Text: MS HB1487 | 2012 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Crime victims; authorize to employ private attorney to prosecute case as alternative to DA's office.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Failed) 2012-03-06 - Died In Committee [HB1487 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2012-HB1487-Introduced.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2012 Regular Session
To: Judiciary B
By: Representative Dixon
House Bill 1487
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE CRIME VICTIMS TO EMPLOY PRIVATE ATTORNEYS TO PROSECUTE CRIMINAL CASES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, if the victim of a crime has a conflict of interest with the district attorney prosecuting such case, the victim or the victim's family has the right to employ another attorney to prosecute the case. If the victim or the victim's family so wishes, the district attorney may still prosecute or assist the attorney hired under the provisions of this section with the prosecution of the case.
(2) The victim or the victim's family may file a complaint with the Supreme Court or the Attorney General alleging inadequate prosecution and if an investigation reveals that inadequate prosecution has occurred, appropriate sanctions shall be levied against the prosecutor who handled the case.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2012.
