MS HB65

District Attorney must file notice of intent to seek or reject the death penalty as soon as practicable, but no later than 30 days after arraignment unless the court grants additional time for good cause.

Notice of intent to seek death penalty must include all statutory aggravating factors under Section 99-19-101(5) and factors under Section 99-19-101(7) that the state intends to introduce during sentencing.

Notice must be filed with the circuit clerk and forwarded to the Administrative Office of Courts.

Prosecutor may withdraw notice of intent to seek death penalty at any time prior to imposition of sentence.

Effective date is July 1, 2010.