Mississippi § 31-7-55 - Penalties.
Full text of Mississippi Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 31-7-55 — Penalties., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-7-55. Penalties.
[The following provisions apply to violations which occur on or after August 16, 1988.] It is hereby declared to be unlawful and a violation of public policy of the State of Mississippi for any elected or appointed public officer of an agency or a governing authority, or the executive head, any employee or agent of an agency or governing authority to make any purchases without the full compliance with the provisions of Chapter 7, Title 31, Mississippi Code of 1972. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (4) of this section, any person who intentionally, willfully and knowingly violates the provisions of Chapter 7, Title 31, Mississippi Code of 1972, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) and not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for each separate offense, or sentenced to the county jail for not more than six (6) months, or both such fine and imprisonment, and shall be removed from his office or position. Any person who intentionally, willfully and knowingly violates the provisions of subsection (1) of Section 31-7-57 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) and not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or sentenced to the county jail for not more than six (6) months, or both such fine and imprisonment, and shall be removed from his office or position. Any person diverting the benefits of any article of value tendered or received by any agency or governing authority to his or her personal use, in violation of Section 31-7-23, if the value of such article be less than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or sentenced to the county jail for not more than six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment, shall be removed from his office or position, and shall be required to return the money value of the article unlawfully diverted to the agency or governing authority involved. If the value of the article be Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or more, such person shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) nor more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), or sentenced to the Department of Corrections for not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years, or by both such fine and imprisonment, shall be removed from his office or position, and shall be required to return the money value of the article unlawfully diverted to the agency or governing authority involved. The provisions of this section are supplemental to any other criminal statutes of this state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi § 31-7-55
What does Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 31-7-55 cover?
Section 31-7-55 ("Penalties.") is part of the Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated, the codified statutory law of Mississippi. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Mississippi § 31-7-55?
A common citation format is "Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 31-7-55" (Mississippi). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Mississippi law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Mississippi official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Mississippi attorney.
How does Mississippi § 31-7-55 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Mississippi can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Mississippi.