Covington County felonies are prosecuted in the 13th Circuit Court District at the courthouse in Collins. Federal cases go to federal court. Highway 49 between Hattiesburg and Jackson sees intensive drug and gun enforcement. Justice Court handles county misdemeanors; municipal courts in Collins and Mount Olive handle city charges. We serve Covington County residents and those arrested on the Hwy 49 corridor.
- Felonies are charged in the 13th Circuit Court District at the courthouse in Collins
- Highway 49 corridor sees heavy drug and gun interdiction enforcement
- Justice Court hears county misdemeanors; municipal courts hear city charges
- Initial appearance required within 48 hours for bond setting
- We serve Collins, Mount Olive, Covington County, and Hwy 49 corridor arrests
Expert Covington County Criminal Defense
Criminal charges in the 13th Circuit Court District can devastate your freedom, employment, and family. Whether you face felony charges at the Covington County Courthouse in Collins, were arrested on Highway 49 for drug or gun possession, or face a misdemeanor in Justice or municipal court, you need immediate, skilled legal representation. Lowrey, Fortner, & Miri P.A. has defended thousands of Mississippians in serious criminal cases for over 45 years.
Tom Fortner, our criminal defense lead counsel and partner, brings decades of courtroom experience and an unwavering commitment to protecting your constitutional rights. The Highway 49 corridor between Hattiesburg and Jackson is a major enforcement zone for state police and federal agents. We understand how these cases develop, the science behind breath and drug tests, search and seizure law, and how to aggressively defend your freedom.
How Criminal Defense Works in the 13th District
Understanding the felony prosecution timeline in Covington County helps you prepare a strong defense. Here is what to expect from arrest through trial at the courthouse in Collins.
You are arrested, taken to jail, and booked. You have the right to remain silent and to request an attorney. Say nothing about the charge to anyone except your lawyer. Contact us immediately so we can begin protecting your rights.
Within 48 hours under the Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure, you must appear before a judge at the Covington County Courthouse. The judge informs you of charges, advises you of your rights, and determines bond. Your attorney advocates for low or no-cost release.
If arrested without a warrant, you have the right to a preliminary exam where the prosecution must show probable cause. We cross-examine witnesses, expose weaknesses in the state's case, and often challenge searches and seizures.
At arraignment at the 13th Circuit Courthouse in Collins, you enter a plea and we receive the prosecution's evidence. We conduct forensic review, demand disclosure of exculpatory evidence, and develop our defense strategy.
We file motions to suppress illegal searches, challenge witness reliability, and negotiate with prosecutors. Many cases resolve through plea negotiation. We explore every option to minimize your exposure.
If we go to trial at the Covington County Courthouse, we present a vigorous defense, cross-examine the state's witnesses, and protect your jury trial rights. If a favorable plea is reached, we ensure you understand the terms and consequences.
The Courts That Serve Covington County
Courthouse in Collins. Part of the 13th Circuit Court District. Hears all felony charges including drug crimes, gun charges, assault, theft, DUI, and other serious offenses. Trial judge and/or jury decide guilt and sentencing.
Hears county-wide misdemeanor charges, traffic violations, and small civil claims. Operates independently of the courthouse. Handles simple assault, misdemeanor drug possession, DUI refusal, and other county misdemeanors.
Hear city ordinance violations and city misdemeanor charges in Collins and Mount Olive. Jurisdiction limited to city boundaries. Handle traffic, disorderly conduct, and other municipal code violations with fines and possible jail time.
Your Covington County Criminal Defense Team
Related Criminal Defense Services
Comprehensive criminal defense for felonies, misdemeanors, and appeals across South Mississippi.
Expert defense of DUI and DWI charges in all South Mississippi courts.
Clear your Covington County criminal record through expungement under Mississippi law.
Criminal defense in the 18th Circuit Court District at Ellisville and Laurel courthouses.
Defense representation in Pearl River County and the 15th Circuit Court District.
Criminal defense for Hattiesburg residents and those arrested in Forrest County.
What Clients Say About Our Defense Team
Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 21 Google reviews • Avvo 5.0 for our lead criminal defense partner
“Mr. Arman helped me with a serious felony case and was able to work out a favorable outcome for me and my family. I am grateful to him for his help and I think he is the best criminal defense attorney in Hattiesburg, MS.”
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“Mr. Miri represented me in a felony criminal matter and was able to get the case dismissed.”
Avvo Review
“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.”
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Reviews are from actual clients on Google and Avvo. Every case is different, prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About Covington County Criminal Defense
Which court hears Covington County felony charges?
Covington County felonies are prosecuted in the 13th Circuit Court District at the courthouse in Collins. The Circuit Court judge or jury decides guilt and sentencing. Justice Court handles misdemeanors; municipal courts in Collins and Mount Olive handle city violations.
Where is the Covington County Courthouse located?
The Covington County Courthouse is in Collins, the county seat. This is where the 13th Circuit Court District hears felony trials, pretrial motions, arraignments, and bond hearings. We serve Covington County residents and regularly travel to Collins for court appearances.
What happens if I am arrested on Highway 49?
Highway 49 between Hattiesburg and Jackson is a major state police and federal enforcement corridor for drug and gun interdiction. If you are pulled over and charged with drug possession, distribution, or a weapon violation, you have the right to refuse consent searches, remain silent, and request an attorney. Contact us immediately. We challenge illegal stops and searches.
How long does a Covington County felony case take?
A felony case in the 13th Circuit Court District typically takes 6 to 12 months from arrest to trial, depending on plea negotiations, discovery disputes, trial scheduling, and the complexity of evidence. Misdemeanor cases in Justice Court move faster. Early attorney involvement helps manage the timeline.
What is bond and how is it set in Covington County?
Bond is money required to secure your release from jail pending trial. At your initial appearance within 48 hours at the Covington County Courthouse, the judge sets bond based on charge severity, criminal history, community ties, employment, and flight risk. Your attorney argues for lower or no-cost bond.
What is the difference between Justice Court and Municipal Court in Covington County?
Justice Court hears county-wide misdemeanor charges including traffic violations, simple assault, misdemeanor drug possession, and DUI refusal. Municipal courts in Collins and Mount Olive hear city ordinance violations and city misdemeanor charges. Felonies go to Circuit Court at the Covington County Courthouse.
Can I get my Covington County criminal record expunged?
Yes. Under Mississippi Code § 99-19-71, you can petition to expunge dismissed charges, acquittals, and certain misdemeanors and felonies. Expungement removes charges from your public record, helping restore employment and housing opportunities. We file expungement petitions at the Covington County Courthouse in Collins.
How do I challenge an illegal traffic stop on Highway 49?
We file a motion to suppress evidence, arguing that police lacked reasonable suspicion for the stop or probable cause for the search. We examine the officer's dash cam, challenge inconsistent statements, and protect your Fourth Amendment rights. Many drug and gun cases are dismissed due to illegal stops or searches.
What is an initial appearance and what happens at mine?
Your initial appearance at the Covington County Courthouse in Collins must occur within 48 hours of arrest under the Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure. The judge informs you of charges, your rights, and whether you have counsel. Bond is set. Your attorney advocates for release and begins challenging any illegal arrest procedures.
Do you travel to Collins for Covington County cases?
Yes. Our office is at 525 Corinne Street in Hattiesburg, approximately 30 minutes south of Collins on Highway 49. We regularly appear at the Covington County Courthouse to represent clients in all criminal matters from initial appearance through trial.
What areas near Covington County do you serve?
We serve Collins, Mount Olive, and all of Covington County in the 13th Circuit Court District. We also serve Jones County, Pearl River County, Forrest County, and all of South Mississippi. We handle Highway 49 corridor arrests and federal cases.
How much does a Covington County criminal defense case cost?
The cost depends on charge severity and whether your case goes to trial. We offer transparent fees and payment plans. Felony defense typically requires more hours than misdemeanor cases. We discuss all costs upfront and work with your budget to provide vigorous representation.