Hattiesburg Criminal Defense & Family Law Attorneys
For over 46 years, Lowrey, Fortner, & Miri P.A. has served the Pine Belt with the depth of a full-service firm and the attention of counsel who know your name.
A legacy of excellence.
Founded in 1980 by Erik Lowrey, Lowrey, Fortner, & Miri P.A. has proudly served the Pine Belt region, Forrest County, Lamar County, and greater South Mississippi for over 46 years. What began as a single attorney’s commitment to ethical representation has evolved into a close-knit team of seven lawyers who share a deep dedication to our clients and community.
We believe the law should be a steady hand in uncertain times. Our attorneys bring over a century of combined experience, yet we treat every client with the personal attention they deserve.
A steady calm in the storm.
Clients choose Lowrey, Fortner, & Miri because we combine deep legal expertise with genuine personal attention. Whether you are facing complex divorce proceedings or require aggressive criminal defense in the Pine Belt area, our close-knit team of seven attorneys delivers responsive, practical counsel tailored to each client’s goals.
From Municipal Court to Federal Appeals
Our attorneys handle matters at every level of the system — Hattiesburg Municipal Court, Mississippi Chancery and Circuit Courts, the Fifth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. Clients never outgrow this firm.
Family Law & Criminal Defense Together
Custody disputes can generate criminal allegations, and charges can threaten parental rights. Our family and defense teams work side by side, protecting your family and your record at the same time.
A Pine Belt Institution
Seven attorneys with more than a century of combined experience and institutional knowledge of South Mississippi courts — the kind of standing that only four decades of local practice can build.
Real Courtroom Experience
Our attorneys have tried hundreds of cases to verdict. Opposing counsel knows we prepare every case as if it's going to trial, and that reputation changes how negotiations go.
Practice Areas
Family Law
Compassionate guidance through divorce, custody, alimony, property division, and support.
Criminal Defense
Aggressive defense for state and federal charges, DUI defense, youth court, and clearing records via expungement.
Estates
Thoughtful estate planning, probate, wills, and trusts handled with precision and care for your family's future.
Civil Litigation
Strategic civil litigation representation with precision and a deep understanding of Mississippi law.
Personal Injury
Dedicated representation for clients who have suffered injuries due to negligence, with a focus on securing fair compensation.
Appellate Work
Skilled appellate advocacy and post-conviction relief actions in state and federal courts to overturn unjust convictions.
What Our Clients Say
“KJ Miri is the best family law attorney in the Hattiesburg area. She is extremely professional, knowledgeable, and hard working. She truly has her clients’ and their children’s best interests in mind. She kept me updated throughout my entire case and was always quick to respond. I am forever grateful for her help.”
“I worked with KJ Miri and she was so professional, personal, caring and willing to listen. KJ’s knowledge and direction enabled me to navigate my situation with confidence. Great staff, location and atmosphere as well.”
“10/10! During a tough divorce, I was so fortunate to have KJ Miri represent me. She made the whole process so much easier, and I’m forever grateful. She’s truly a blessing.”
“My case was professionally and aggressively handled. I have every confidence in this firm. With little experience myself in law proceedings, I was made to feel comfortable and confident through the entire process.”
“Great team to work with. Very professional, responsive, and handled my case smoothly from start to finish. I’m very satisfied with the outcome and highly recommend them.”
“Excellent service and communication. I will recommend to everyone I know needing legal services. Shawn and Sarah are top notch.”
“Armand Miri was my attorney and he was open, honest and straight to the point. He worked so hard for me.”
“Highly recommend KJ Miri! She was upfront and honest with me during the entire process, and fought for what was best.”
Testimonials reflect the experiences of individual clients and are drawn from publicly posted reviews. Every legal matter is different; results depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.
Meet Our Attorneys
Experienced attorneys committed to knowledgeable, efficient, and ethical representation.
Erik M. Lowrey
Thomas (Tom) Fortner
Shawn M. Lowrey
Richard Filce
Kimberly-Joy (KJ) Miri
Arman Miri
Valorie G. Cochran
Legal Updates & Analysis
Practical guidance from our attorneys on the issues that matter most to Mississippi families and individuals.
Supreme Court Rules Defendants Can Sometimes Appeal Despite Appellate Waivers
What the Hunter v. United States decision means for Mississippi clients who signed plea agreements with appellate waivers.
Mississippi Law to Charge Teens as Adults for Certain Gun Crimes Takes Effect July 1
Prosecutors gain new discretion to move juvenile gun cases into adult court. What families across the Pine Belt should know.
Mississippi Moves Toward 50/50 Parenting Time as the Starting Point in Custody Cases
Equal parenting time becomes the presumed starting point in new custody cases. How the change could affect Mississippi parents.
Practice Area Guides
Detailed resources on the legal issues that matter most to families and individuals in South Mississippi.
Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
Protect your assets and define your financial future with a clear, enforceable agreement before or during marriage.
Read the Guide →Record Expungement in Mississippi
Clear your record and move forward. We help eligible clients expunge arrests, dismissals, and certain convictions.
Read the Guide →Property Division in Divorce
Fair and strategic division of marital assets and debts under Mississippi’s equitable distribution laws.
Read the Guide →Federal Criminal Defense
Understanding federal charges, how they differ from state cases, and why experienced federal court representation matters.
Read the Guide →Alimony & Spousal Support
Experienced advocacy for clients seeking, defending against, or modifying spousal support in divorce.
Read the Guide →Appellate & Post-Conviction
Challenging wrongful convictions and illegal sentences through direct appeals and Post-Conviction Relief.
Read the Guide →Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Lowrey, Fortner, & Miri different from other Hattiesburg law firms?
Three things set us apart. First, scale of representation: our attorneys handle matters at every level of the system — from Hattiesburg Municipal Court to the Mississippi Supreme Court, the U.S. Fifth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court — so clients never outgrow the firm as a case escalates. Second, depth: seven attorneys practicing together since 1980, including a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the City of Hattiesburg Public Defender. Third, our work speaks publicly: matters handled by our attorneys have been covered by the Associated Press, Reuters, PBS NewsHour, and Mississippi Today.
Can one firm handle both my family law case and a related criminal matter?
Yes, and it is one of the most practical advantages we offer. Divorce and custody disputes sometimes generate criminal issues — domestic violence allegations, protective order violations, or charges that threaten custody and visitation. Because our family law and criminal defense teams practice under one roof, we can protect your parental rights and your record simultaneously, rather than forcing you to coordinate two separate firms in the middle of a crisis.
What courts and counties does Lowrey, Fortner, & Miri P.A. serve?
We primarily serve Forrest County, Lamar County, Jones County, and the broader Pine Belt Region of South Mississippi. Our attorneys regularly appear in Chancery Courts, Circuit Courts, Municipal Courts, Youth Courts, and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.
How does the firm approach high-conflict divorce and family law litigation?
Our approach centers on strategic de-escalation combined with aggressive preparation. We prioritize finding amicable, negotiated settlements to save you time and emotional distress. However, if a fair agreement cannot be reached, our litigators are fully prepared to advocate for your rights and your children's best interests in court.
Do your attorneys handle both state and federal criminal defense?
Yes. Unlike many firms that restrict their practice to state-level crimes, our partners have decades of experience handling highly complex federal indictments, white-collar investigations, and federal habeas corpus appeals alongside our state circuit court practice.
What should I bring to my initial legal consultation?
To maximize the value of your consultation, please bring any active court summons, existing legal orders, relevant financial documents (for divorce or support cases), and a chronological summary of the events leading to your legal issue. Full transparency allows us to build the strongest possible strategy.
Can the firm help clear my criminal record after a case is dismissed?
Yes. We guide clients through the Mississippi expungement process under Code § 99-19-71. We evaluate your eligibility to seal arrests, dismissed charges, and certain non-violent convictions to protect your employment and housing prospects.
