Your court case is likely in Lamar County, not Hattiesburg, because much of Hattiesburg and Oak Grove sits outside the city limits in unincorporated Lamar County. Understanding which building to go to and what happens in each court will save you time, money, and stress.
This is the first surprise most people get. You live in Hattiesburg. Your case should be in Hattiesburg. But the court clerk tells you to go to Purvis.
The reason is simple: Hattiesburg city limits do not cover all of Hattiesburg. Much of Oak Grove and parts of Hattiesburg are outside the city's corporate boundaries. If your case arose in those areas, you are in unincorporated Lamar County. The county courthouse is in Purvis, the county seat, about 15 miles southwest.
If you were arrested within Hattiesburg city limits on a minor charge, you might see Hattiesburg Municipal Court. But if the offense happened outside the city, or if you are charged with a felony, you go to county court in Purvis.
Purvis has two main courthouse buildings. They are two blocks apart, and it is easy to go to the wrong one.
Circuit/County Court Building, 203 Main Street, Purvis. This is where criminal felonies are prosecuted, criminal misdemeanors are handled, and civil lawsuits are filed. If you are charged with a felony DUI, drug possession, assault, or theft, you come here. If you are suing someone for money or property damage, this is also where your case starts. The court handles cases for the 15th District.
Gamble Chancery Building, 403 Main Street, Purvis. This building handles family law and estates. Divorce cases, custody disputes, child support modifications, adoption, and probate are handled here. A chancellor, not a jury, decides family cases. If your case involves children, marriage, or inheritance, you go here, not to Circuit Court.
Justice Court, Purvis. Justice court handles small claims, evictions, and minor misdemeanors. Claims are limited to a few thousand dollars. If you are being evicted or have a small debt claim, this court may have jurisdiction.
Municipal Courts in Purvis, Sumrall, and Lumberton. Each of these towns has a municipal court that handles city ordinance violations and minor offenses within that city's limits. A first-offense DUI in Purvis might be handled here if the evidence is weak. These courts have limited jurisdiction and limited penalties.
Lamar County is in Mississippi's 15th Judicial District. The district covers Lamar County only. It has its own set of judges, courtrooms, court rules, and case management systems.
Different districts across Mississippi have different judges, different workloads, and sometimes different practices. Knowing you are in the 15th means you are in Lamar County court, subject to the judges and procedures of that district. Some attorneys have more experience in one district than another. If you hire a lawyer, ask if they work regularly in the 15th District.
If you have been arrested on a felony charge in Lamar County, here is what happens.
You are brought before a judge or justice at the Police Department, Sheriff's Department, or county jail. This initial appearance must happen within 48 hours of arrest. The judge tells you what you are charged with, explains your rights, and sets bond. You have the right to counsel. If you cannot afford a lawyer, tell the court and you may be appointed a public defender.
Next is a preliminary hearing, usually in justice court. The prosecution presents just enough evidence to show a crime probably occurred. Your lawyer can cross-examine witnesses. If the evidence is weak, your attorney can argue for dismissal.
If the charge survives the preliminary hearing, the case goes to a grand jury. Grand juries in Mississippi meet during court terms. This can take months. The grand jury decides whether to indict you. An indictment means the case goes to Circuit Court for arraignment and trial.
In Circuit Court you enter a plea or prepare for trial. Most cases resolve through plea agreements. If you go to trial, a jury decides your guilt or innocence.
Family cases in Lamar County are heard in Chancery Court at 403 Main Street, Purvis.
For divorce, Mississippi law requires a 90-day waiting period from the time you file until the judge can finalize the divorce if you and your spouse agree on everything. If you disagree on property, alimony, or custody, the case takes longer and you will likely have multiple court dates.
Custody is decided by a judge using the "best interests of the child" standard. Child support is calculated based on both parents' income: 14 percent of combined income for one child, 20 percent for two, 22 percent for three.
You can modify custody or support orders if circumstances change significantly. These modifications also go through Chancery Court.
First, know which building you are going to. Check your paperwork. Criminal and civil cases go to 203 Main. Family law cases go to 403 Main. Do not just show up at the courthouse and ask around.
Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Find out whether you need to check in with anyone or if you just wait in the courtroom. Bring a copy of every document you have received from the court or the other party.
Dress professionally. You are asking a judge to decide something important. Judges notice what you wear. No jeans, t-shirts, hats, or tank tops.
Silence your phone. Put it away before you enter the courtroom. Do not record anything. Do not bring any weapons, even if you have a permit.
Be honest and direct. Answer questions yes or no, not with a long story. Let your attorney do the talking if you have one. If you are representing yourself, speak respectfully to the judge and the other party's attorney.
Much of Hattiesburg and Oak Grove sits outside the Hattiesburg city limits in unincorporated Lamar County. If your case arose in that area, the state courts with jurisdiction are in Purvis, not Hattiesburg. City municipal court handles only city ordinance violations within Hattiesburg's corporate limits.
Circuit Court handles criminal felonies and most civil disputes. Chancery Court handles divorce, custody, property division, estates, and probate. Both are in Purvis but in different buildings. If your case involves a family matter, you will go to the Gamble Chancery Building. If it is a felony or civil lawsuit, you go to Circuit/County Court.
The 15th District is the judicial district that covers Lamar County. It has its own judges, courtrooms, and procedures. Understanding which district your case is in matters because different districts have different judge assignments, case management practices, and sometimes different local rules.
Municipal courts handle city ordinance violations and minor offenses. You have the right to represent yourself, but you also have the right to counsel. A lawyer can help you understand the charge, negotiate with the city prosecutor, and protect your record. Misdemeanor convictions can affect employment, housing, and professional licenses.
Bring a government-issued photo ID, all court documents and notices you received, and any evidence you plan to present. Dress professionally, arrive 15 minutes early, and silence your phone. Bring copies of documents for the judge and the opposing party. Never bring weapons, recording devices, or disruptive items into the courthouse.
You are facing a court date in Purvis or somewhere in Lamar County. You need to know what happens next. Lowrey, Fortner, & Miri P.A. represents clients in criminal defense, family law, divorce, custody, child support, and DUI cases throughout Lamar County and the 15th District. We help you understand the court system, prepare for your hearing, and fight for the best outcome.
Call us at (601) 582-5015 or visit our practice pages to learn more about how we can help.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Contact our office to discuss your specific situation.