In Forrest County, criminal cases are prosecuted in the 12th Circuit Court District (630 Main Street for felonies), Forrest County Justice Court (700 Main Street for misdemeanors), and Forrest County Youth Court (110 Alcorn Ave. for juveniles). We provide aggressive defense through grand jury indictment, arraignment, plea negotiations, and trial across all three courts serving Hattiesburg, Petal, and rural Forrest County.
- Felony charges heard in Forrest County Circuit Court (12th Circuit)
- Misdemeanors and violations in Justice Court (700 Main Street)
- Juvenile delinquency cases in Youth Court (110 Alcorn Ave.)
- Grand jury indictment required for most felonies in the 12th District
- Bond reduction hearings available at arraignment
Defending Your Rights in Forrest County
Criminal charges in Forrest County, whether felony, misdemeanor, or juvenile, demand immediate, aggressive legal representation. You have constitutional rights: the right to counsel, the right to confront evidence, and the right to a fair trial. We protect those rights from the moment of arrest through trial and appeal.
Lowrey, Fortner, & Miri has been serving Forrest County and the Pine Belt for over 45 years. We understand the local court system, the judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement agencies. We know the landscape of Hattiesburg, Petal, and rural Forrest County. Our lead criminal counsel brings partner-level experience to every case, whether it's a misdemeanor in Justice Court or a serious felony in the 12th Circuit.
How Criminal Cases Work in Forrest County
Sheriff's arrest and county jail booking. Bail/bond set within 48 hours. We demand immediate access and advise on your rights.
Initial court appearance in Circuit or Justice Court. Charges read, rights advised, bail/bond set or adjusted. We request bond reduction.
Felony cases require grand jury indictment in the 12th Circuit District. We challenge evidence and the state's presentation to the grand jury.
Formal reading of charges and entry of plea. We pursue early motions (discovery, suppression) and evaluate plea negotiation opportunities.
Review of state's evidence, witness statements, reports. We negotiate with the District Attorney for reduced charges or favorable plea agreements.
If negotiation fails, we take your case to trial before judge or jury in the appropriate Forrest County court. We fight for acquittal or the best possible outcome.
The Courts of Forrest County
Address: 630 Main Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. Jurisdiction: All felony prosecutions in the 12th Circuit Court District, civil suits exceeding small claims, and felony sentencing. Grand jury indictment required for most felonies.
Address: 700 Main Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. Jurisdiction: Misdemeanor charges, traffic violations, and small civil claims. Misdemeanor convictions carry up to 1 year jail and fines.
Address: 110 Alcorn Avenue, Hattiesburg. Jurisdiction: Delinquency charges, status offenses, and dependency matters for juveniles under 18. Focuses on rehabilitation and family involvement.
Your Forrest County Criminal Defense Team
Related Criminal Defense Services
Comprehensive guide to criminal defense across Mississippi, from arrest through trial and appeal.
Defense in federal court. Specializing in white-collar crimes, drug charges, and federal prosecutions.
Aggressive DUI defense in Hattiesburg. Challenging breathalyzers, blood tests, and DUI arrests.
Clear your Forrest County criminal record. Misdemeanors and qualifying felonies can be expunged under Mississippi law.
Defending allegations of probation violation in Forrest County courts. Aggressive representation at revocation hearings.
Criminal defense in Hattiesburg city and county courts. Serving Hattiesburg residents and surrounding areas.
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
“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.”
Google Review
“Armand Miri was my attorney and he was open, honest and straight to the point. He worked so hard for me. I was looking at life and I got 2yrs time served.”
Google Review
“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.”
Avvo Review
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 Criminal Defense in Forrest County
Where is the Forrest County Circuit Court located?
The Forrest County Circuit Court is located at 630 Main Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. This court handles all felony prosecutions in the 12th Circuit Court District and is where serious criminal charges are tried.
What is the difference between Forrest County Circuit Court and Justice Court?
Forrest County Circuit Court (630 Main Street) handles felony cases and serious crimes. Forrest County Justice Court (700 Main Street) handles misdemeanor charges and small civil claims. Justice Court misdemeanor convictions can result in up to one year in jail and fines.
Where is Forrest County Justice Court?
Forrest County Justice Court is located at 700 Main Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. This court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor crimes, traffic violations, and small civil disputes within Forrest County.
Where do juveniles go to court in Forrest County?
Forrest County Youth Court is located at 110 Alcorn Avenue, Hattiesburg. This court handles all delinquency, status offense, and dependency cases involving juveniles under 18 in Forrest County.
What is the grand jury indictment process in Forrest County?
In the 12th Circuit Court District (Forrest County), felony charges typically require a grand jury indictment before proceeding to trial. The grand jury meets periodically to review evidence and vote whether probable cause exists to indict. This process is critical and requires aggressive representation to challenge the state's case early.
How long does a felony case take in Forrest County Circuit Court?
Felony timelines in Forrest County Circuit Court vary significantly depending on complexity, discovery disputes, plea negotiations, and court docket. Misdemeanor cases typically resolve within 3-6 months, while felonies can take 6-18 months or longer if contested to trial.
What happens after a Forrest County sheriff arrest?
After a sheriff's arrest in Forrest County, you are taken to the county jail for booking. Bail or bond is typically set within 48 hours, and you have the right to counsel. We can represent you at bond hearings and argue for reduced bond or release on recognizance.
Can I get my bond reduced at the Forrest County Circuit Court?
Yes. You have the right to request a bond reduction hearing in Forrest County Circuit Court (or Justice Court for misdemeanor charges). We present evidence of ties to the community, employment, family, and lack of flight risk to persuade the judge to lower bond or release you pending trial.
What courts serve Hattiesburg and Petal in Forrest County?
Hattiesburg and Petal are both in Forrest County. Most felonies and serious crimes are prosecuted in Forrest County Circuit Court (630 Main Street). Misdemeanors and traffic violations go to Forrest County Justice Court (700 Main Street) or Hattiesburg Municipal Court (701 James Street) for city crimes.
What is an arraignment in Forrest County Circuit Court?
Arraignment is your first appearance in Forrest County Circuit Court where you are informed of the charges, advised of your rights, appointed counsel if needed, and bond is set. This is a critical stage where we can raise early motions and begin building your defense.
Can I negotiate a plea in Forrest County?
Yes. Plea negotiations are common in Forrest County. We work with the District Attorney's office to explore favorable resolutions, including reduced charges, dismissals, or sentencing agreements. We only recommend plea agreements when they serve your best interests.
How do I expunge a Forrest County criminal conviction?
Expungement of Forrest County records is available under Mississippi law for certain crimes and after waiting periods. Misdemeanors may be expunged after 1 year, some felonies after 5 years. We handle the entire petition and court process to clear your record.
What is a probation violation charge in Forrest County?
A probation violation in Forrest County occurs when you breach a condition of probation. These hearings are heard in the court that imposed probation (circuit or justice court). Violations can result in revocation and jail time. We defend vigorously against allegations of violation.