Quick Answer
If arrested by Hattiesburg PD, you have the right to an attorney. Your initial appearance generally must occur within 48 hours of arrest under the Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure. We represent clients throughout the Hattiesburg Municipal Court process for misdemeanors and through Forrest County Circuit Court for felonies, protecting your rights from arrest to sentencing or acquittal.
- Immediate legal protection from the moment of arrest
- Bond and bail advocacy at first appearance in Hattiesburg Municipal Court
- Preliminary hearing defense to challenge probable cause
- Grand jury representation and felony charge negotiation
- Trial-ready defense in Forrest County Circuit Court
Your Hattiesburg Criminal Defense Team
An arrest by Hattiesburg Police changes everything in an instant. From that moment, your rights matter, and so does having experienced counsel in your corner. Lowrey, Fortner, & Miri P.A. represents clients arrested in Hattiesburg with aggressive, intelligent defense across Hattiesburg Municipal Court and Forrest County Circuit Court.
Whether you face a misdemeanor charge handled at 701 James Street (Hattiesburg Municipal Court) or a felony requiring representation before the grand jury and in Forrest County Circuit Court at 630 Main Street, early counsel makes the difference. We protect your constitutional rights, challenge the evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome, whether through negotiation or trial.
The Path of a Hattiesburg Arrest
Understanding the local criminal process helps you make informed decisions. Here's what happens after a Hattiesburg PD arrest and how we protect you at every stage.
You are arrested by Hattiesburg Police and taken into custody. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Contact us immediately so we can protect your rights during interrogation and police procedures.
Within 48 hours of arrest under the Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure, you appear before a judge in Hattiesburg Municipal Court (701 James Street). We advocate for reasonable bail or bond, address charges, and ensure your rights are protected.
Misdemeanor charges are handled in Hattiesburg Municipal Court. Felony charges require grand jury indictment and prosecution in Forrest County Circuit Court. We guide you through the appropriate process.
For felony cases, we appear in Hattiesburg Municipal Court to challenge whether probable cause exists. This hearing is critical, suppression of evidence or case dismissal is possible if the prosecution's evidence is weak.
If felony charges survive preliminary hearing, the District Attorney seeks grand jury indictment. We investigate, negotiate, and prepare for the possibility of jury trial or favorable plea resolution.
Cases resolve through plea agreement or jury trial in Forrest County Circuit Court (630 Main Street). We are trial-ready and will fight for acquittal or the most favorable sentence possible.
Local Hattiesburg & Forrest County Courts
701 James Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39403, Handles city misdemeanors, traffic violations, first-appearance hearings, and preliminary hearings. Most Hattiesburg PD arrests begin here.
630 Main Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, The 12th Circuit Court District. Prosecutes all state felonies and conducts felony jury trials. Sentencing occurs here after conviction or guilty plea.
700 Main Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, Handles small civil claims and some misdemeanor appeals. Less common for new criminal cases but important for appeals of municipal court convictions.
Your Criminal Defense Team
Related Criminal Defense Services
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Defense against DUI, OUI, and chemical test challenges.
Representation for drug possession, distribution, and trafficking charges.
Clear your criminal record after dismissal or conviction.
Regional criminal defense across all Forrest County courts.
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. 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.”
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
Reviews are from actual clients on Google and Avvo. Every case is different, prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Hattiesburg Criminal Defense FAQs
What happens immediately after a Hattiesburg PD arrest?
You will be taken into custody and transported to Hattiesburg Municipal Court or Forrest County jail for processing. You have the right to an attorney. Contact us immediately so we can protect your rights from the start and arrange bond hearings promptly.
Where is Hattiesburg Municipal Court located?
Hattiesburg Municipal Court is located at 701 James Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39403. This court handles city misdemeanors, traffic violations, first-appearance hearings, and preliminary hearings for charges originating from Hattiesburg Police Department arrests.
What is a first appearance hearing in Hattiesburg?
Your initial appearance generally must occur within 48 hours of arrest under the Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays). At this hearing, the judge will inform you of charges, advise you of your rights, set bail or bond, and appoint counsel if you cannot afford an attorney. Early representation is critical.
How do I get bail or bond for a Hattiesburg arrest?
At your first appearance hearing in Hattiesburg Municipal Court at 701 James Street, the judge will set bail or bond. The amount depends on the charges, your criminal history, ties to the community, and employment. An experienced attorney can advocate for lower bond.
What is the difference between a Hattiesburg misdemeanor and a felony?
Misdemeanor charges are heard in Hattiesburg Municipal Court (701 James Street) and carry sentences up to 12 months in jail. Felony charges are prosecuted in Forrest County Circuit Court (630 Main Street) and carry sentences over 1 year. Grand jury indictment is required for felonies.
Where is Forrest County Circuit Court?
Forrest County Circuit Court (12th Circuit District) is located at 630 Main Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. This court handles all felony criminal trials, sentencing, and appeal proceedings for charges prosecuted in Forrest County.
What is a preliminary hearing in Hattiesburg Municipal Court?
A preliminary hearing before a municipal judge determines whether probable cause exists to bind you over to the grand jury for a felony charge. This hearing, held in Hattiesburg Municipal Court at 701 James Street, is a critical opportunity to challenge the evidence against you.
Why should I hire counsel for a Hattiesburg arrest right away?
Early legal representation protects your constitutional rights during interrogation, ensures proper bail consideration at your first appearance, and allows your attorney to investigate facts, interview witnesses, and develop your defense strategy from day one.
What special protections apply to USM students arrested in Hattiesburg?
University of Southern Mississippi students arrested by Hattiesburg PD should immediately notify their university conduct office while also securing criminal counsel. A conviction can result in university discipline separate from criminal penalties. We address both impacts.
Can charges be resolved before grand jury indictment in Forrest County?
Yes. Many felony cases are resolved through negotiated plea agreements before or after grand jury indictment. Skilled negotiation with the District Attorney's office can result in charge reduction, dismissal of counts, or favorable sentencing recommendations.
Can a Hattiesburg misdemeanor arrest be expunged from my record?
Yes. Dismissals and acquittals can be expunged immediately under Mississippi Code § 99-19-71. Convictions of misdemeanors may be expunged after the waiting period (typically 5 years for Hattiesburg municipal convictions). Contact us to evaluate your eligibility.
What are my options if charged with a Hattiesburg drug offense?
Drug charges can be misdemeanor or felony depending on substance and quantity. Options include challenging search and seizure legality, negotiating diversion programs, plea agreements, or trial. We evaluate each case for the best possible outcome.
How long does a Hattiesburg criminal case typically take?
Timelines vary. Municipal court cases may resolve in weeks to months. Felony cases in Forrest County Circuit Court typically take 6 months to over a year depending on complexity, discovery disputes, plea negotiations, and trial demand.
What should I do if stopped by Hattiesburg Police?
Remain calm, keep your hands visible, and politely decline to answer questions except to provide identification. Say: "I wish to speak with an attorney." Do not consent to searches. Contact us immediately. Everything you say can be used against you, but an attorney can protect your rights.