Constable Robert Hancock

03/12/2026

Public Information Post: Ma*****na and Driving Under the Influence

Our office has seen an increase in DUI cases involving ma*****na. With the creation of Mississippi’s medical cannabis program, it is important for the public to understand how Mississippi law applies to driving after using ma*****na or other controlled substances.

First, ma*****na DUI is real and it is illegal. Mississippi law makes it unlawful for a person to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of any drug or controlled substance.

Many people believe DUI laws only apply to alcohol or that there must be a specific THC level similar to the .08 BAC standard for alcohol. That is not how the law works.

Under Mississippi law, a person is considered "under the influence" when a substance has affected them in a way that "lessens their normal ability for clarity, judgment, and control while operating a vehicle."

In ma*****na DUI cases, impairment is typically determined through the totality of the circumstances, which may include:

• Driving behavior observed by law enforcement
• Physical indicators such as bloodshot eyes, slowed reactions, or balance issues
• Statements made by the driver
• Field sobriety testing
• The odor or presence of ma*****na
• Toxicology testing when available

Mississippi courts have repeatedly held that these types of observations may be used to determine whether a driver was under the influence of ma*****na.

It is also important to understand that urinalysis and/or toxicology testing can confirm exposure to ma*****na but, does not always show when the substance was consumed or whether the driver was impaired at that exact moment, which is why officer observations and other evidence are often important in these cases.

Finally, the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act did not make it legal to drive while under the influence of ma*****na. The law specifically states that DUI laws still apply even when ma*****na is being used legally for medical purposes if it impairs a person’s ability to operate a motor vehicle. (Miss. Code Ann. 63-11-30(15))

The same principle applies to many prescription medications that can impair a person’s ability to drive safely.

Driving under the influence of any substance places everyone on the road at risk. Our office remains committed to enforcing Mississippi’s DUI laws to protect the safety of our community.

If you choose to use ma*****na—whether recreationally in another state or legally through Mississippi’s medical cannabis program—do not drive while under its influence.

Public safety on our roadways depends on it.

11/22/2025

11/19/2025

Careless Driving vs. Reckless Driving: What’s the Difference?

We’ve been seeing more dangerous driving cases in Rankin County lately — especially among young drivers. A reminder: our Rankin County judges do not extend much grace when someone is convicted of reckless driving or drag racing, or speeding 100+ mph.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

1) Careless Driving (Miss. Code § 63-3-1213)

Definition: Driving in a careless or imprudent manner without proper regard for road conditions or traffic.

Example:
• Drifting over the center line while checking your phone.

Penalties:
• Fine: $5–$50

Careless driving is legally a lesser offense than reckless driving — but still a moving violation that can affect insurance and driving record.

2) Reckless Driving (Miss. Code § 63-3-1201)

Definition: Driving in a way that shows a "willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others."

Example:
• Passing vehicles on a blind curve at high speed.

Penalties:
• 1st offense: $5–$100
• 2nd or later: Up to 10 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both.

Reckless driving is a greater offense and treated far more seriously by the courts.

BONUS:

Drag Racing (Miss. Code § 63-3-1215)

Definition: Participating in any race, speed competition, or acceleration contest on a public road.

Example:
• Lining up at a red light and “seeing who gets there first.”

Penalties:
• A misdemeanor that carries up to $1,000 fine, 6 months in jail, or both.

Rankin County judges have ZERO TOLERANCE for drag racing — it’s one of the quickest ways to end up with a criminal record and potential jail time.

Talk to the young drivers in your home. A few seconds of showing off can carry long-term consequences. Stay safe, Rankin County.

08/21/2025

🛑 Know the Law: Do You Have to Roll Down Your Window During a Traffic Stop in Mississippi?

Yes, you do—if you’re pulled over while driving in Mississippi, you are legally required to show your driver’s license, and that means more than just pressing it up against the glass.

Under Mississippi Code § 63-1-41, drivers must “display” their license upon demand by a law enforcement officer. Courts and law enforcement interpret “display” to mean physically handing it over—not just showing it through a closed window.

Refusing to roll down your window may:

• Prevent the officer from verifying your identity or safety,
• Interfere with the lawful ex*****on of their duties,
• Escalate the encounter and potentially lead to arrest.

In fact, continued refusal may result in charges such as Disorderly Conduct (Miss. Code § 97-35-7).

What You Should Do During a Stop:

1. Pull over safely.
2. Roll down your window.
3. Provide your driver’s license, registration, and insurance when asked.
4. Remain calm and respectful.

Officers have a legal right to issue commands during a stop, including asking you to exit the vehicle. Failing to comply with these lawful orders can lead to arrest—even if the original stop was for a minor violation.

You have rights—but so do the officers responsible for ensuring safety on our roads.

Stay safe. Be informed. Know your rights and responsibilities.

— Rankin County Prosecutor’s Office

06/25/2025

I’m not going to say who…. but a friend just called and asked if I would loan her $1300 to help pay her rent. Those who know me, know that I’m always willing to help out friends & family. I told her to give me some time to think about it and I would call her back. Before I called her back, her brother called to let me know that she was lying and not to give her the money !! He went on to say that the real reason she wanted the $1300 was to get her boyfriend out of jail so she could be under the same roof as him for his birthday
I thought about it for a minute and decided to give her the money anyway because we all need help at times.
A couple of hours later I get a call from the police station. It was her - crying, screaming and asking why I gave her counterfeit money
My response…. so you and your boyfriend could be under the same roof for his birthday!
If you laughed, your other friends may want to laugh too!! Go ahead & steal this…… I did!

06/23/2025

📢 New Mississippi Laws Taking Effect July 1, 2025 — What You Should Know

Several new laws passed by the Mississippi Legislature will go into effect on July 1, 2025, many of which impact criminal justice, law enforcement, and justice court proceedings.

Here's a summary of key changes that may be relevant to Rankin County residents in the realm of criminal justice and/or Justice Court:

🔹 HB 724: Makes it a misdemeanor to assist someone with casting an absentee ballot but intentionally fail to turn it in, preventing the vote from being counted. Punishable by up to $1,000 fine and one year in jail.

🔹 HB 1200: Real Property Owners Protection Act: Establishes a legal process and court form for removing squatters from private property.

🔹 HB 1203: Prohibits camping on public property (e.g., sidewalks, streets, parks). First offense: up to $50 fine.

🔹 SB 2328: Clarifies tenant eviction notices and allows RV park owners to remove individuals for specific reasons, with a defined legal process.

🔹 SB 2482: Provides free access to Mississippi Electronic Court records for public defenders and prosecutors handling cases with indigent defendants.

🔹 SB 2771: Revises permanency hearing timelines in youth court and allows the State Public Defender’s Office to represent juveniles in certain cases.

🔹 HB 565: Requires law enforcement agencies to report to the state board when an officer resigns, is terminated, or leaves due to disciplinary reasons.

🔹 HB 861: Good Samaritan Reporting Act: Provides legal immunity to individuals who report sexual assaults or help victims during a medical emergency.

🔹 HB 1189: Increases funding for the Victims of Human Trafficking Fund through new mandatory payments upon certain convictions.

🔹 HB 1077: Prohibits the sale of Kratom to persons under 21.

🔹 HB 1308: Creates the new felony crime of “grooming” a child for exploitation.

🔹 HB 1338: Impersonating a police officer is now a felony offense in Mississippi.

🔹 HB 1637: Requires restitution to landowners if someone is convicted of trespassing to hunt or fish and illegally harvesting game or fish.

🔹 SB 2200: Adds a criminal fine for anyone convicted of fentanyl delivery resulting in death, in addition to prison time.

🔹 SB 2208: Increases the penalty for making a terroristic threat toward an airport — minimum 5 years in MDOC custody.

🔹 SB 2311: Creates the new crime of mail theft, with defined penalties.

🔹 HB 1459: Allows the Mississippi Supreme Court to appoint judges for the Capitol Complex Improvement District (CCID).

🔹 HB 2886: Establishes the Mississippi Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team under the Department of Public Safety.

🔹 SB 2210: Updates the calendar for fireworks sales across the state.

For a list of all bills that are becoming law this year, visit:
https://www.legislature.ms.gov/legislation/previous-sessions/

As your County Prosecuting Attorney, I’m committed to keeping Rankin County informed and safe. Please feel free to reach out with questions about how these new laws may impact you or our community.

03/14/2025

Stay weather alert tonight and tomorrow

01/19/2025

The National Weather Service has forecasted widespread snowfall throughout the state beginning in the early hours of Tuesday (1/21/25) morning. Here are some tips on how you and your family can prepare:

🌨Monitor the weather
🏘Check on your family, friends and neighbors
🎒Replenish your emergency kit
🐾Don't forget your pets - if you are cold, they are cold

If you or anyone you know needs a place to shelter from the cold temperatures, here is a link to a list of warming shelters reported to MEMA: https://www.msema.org/shelters-and-safe-rooms/

This list will be updated as more shelters are reported to us.

07/02/2024

URGENT ALERT: Our trailer was stolen in Ridgeland, Mississippi today. If you see it, please contact us immediately at 888-203-0028. Your help in spreading the word is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

12/28/2023

Waste Management was closed on Monday, December 25th and collection resumed on Tuesday, December 26th.
This pushes all collection days for the week to the next day.

Waste Management pick up Schedule:

Monday 12/25 will be picked up on Tuesday 12/26.
Tuesday 12/26 will be picked up on Wednesday 12/27.

Thursday 12/28 will be picked up on Friday 12/29.
Friday 12/29 will be picked up on Saturday 12/30.

**This same format will carry into the following week for the New Year’s holiday.**

Monday 1/1/24 will be picked up on Tuesday 1/2/24.
Tuesday 1/2/24 will be picked up on Wednesday 1/3/24.

Thursday 1/4/24 will be picked up on Friday 1/5/24.
Friday 1/5/24 will be picked up on Saturday 1/6/24.

Thank you!