Felony charges in Hinds County are heard in the 7th Circuit Court District, which has TWO courthouses: 407 East Pascagoula Street in Jackson (for Jackson, Clinton, Byram, Terry cases) and a courthouse in Raymond (for Raymond, Edwards, Bolton, Utica cases). Within 48 hours of arrest, you must have an initial appearance where the judge informs you of your charges and rights. We appear at first appearance hearings, bond hearings, and all proceedings in the 7th Circuit, Mississippi's busiest criminal docket with ~4,000 cases per year.
- Felonies are tried in the 7th Circuit Court District (Hinds County alone, four circuit judges)
- The 1st District courthouse is at 407 East Pascagoula Street, Jackson
- The 2nd District courthouse is in Raymond for cases from Raymond, Edwards, Bolton, Utica
- First appearance must occur within 48 hours under Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure
- Jackson Municipal Court handles city misdemeanors; county court handles other misdemeanors
- Our attorneys appear regularly in the 7th Circuit from our Hattiesburg office, 90 minutes via Highway 49
Experienced Criminal Defense in Mississippi's Busiest Docket
The 7th Circuit Court District is the hub of Mississippi's criminal justice system. Located in Jackson, the state capital, the district handles approximately 4,000 criminal cases per year across two courthouses. Four circuit judges manage felony trials, grand jury proceedings, and serious criminal matters. Whether you face charges in Jackson, Clinton, Raymond, or surrounding cities, the stakes are high and the courts are busy.
For nearly 50 years, Lowrey, Fortner, & Miri P.A. has appeared regularly in Hinds County courtrooms. Our criminal defense team, led by Tom Fortner and supported by Arman Miri and Valorie Cochran, brings the experience and aggressiveness required in the 7th Circuit. We have handled high-profile matters covered by the Associated Press and Mississippi Today. We are available for your first appearance, bond hearing, grand jury proceedings, and trial.
How Criminal Defense Works in the 7th Circuit
Facing criminal charges in Hinds County requires quick action and experienced counsel. Here is the typical timeline for a felony case in the 7th Circuit Court District.
Within 48 hours of arrest, you appear before a judge. The judge informs you of charges, advises of rights, and may address bond. An experienced attorney at this hearing protects your rights and advocates for release or reasonable bond.
If bond is not set at first appearance, a separate bond hearing may be held at the 7th Circuit courthouse (Jackson or Raymond). We present evidence of your community ties, family, employment, and lack of flight risk to secure your release pending trial.
For felony charges, the grand jury meets to hear evidence and vote on whether to indict. The 7th District grand jury handles a significant backlog. We work to ensure your case receives proper attention and timely resolution.
After indictment, you appear for arraignment where you enter a plea. We advise you on your options and pursue favorable plea negotiations with prosecutors when appropriate.
We obtain police reports, statements, physical evidence, and other discovery materials. We file suppression motions, demand specifications, and other pre-trial motions protecting your rights and challenging weak evidence.
If settlement is reached, we negotiate the best possible plea agreement. If the case goes to trial, we present a vigorous defense before one of the four circuit judges in the 7th Circuit, challenging the state's evidence at every step.
The Courts of the 7th Circuit District
407 East Pascagoula Street, Jackson, MS. Handles felony trials and criminal proceedings for Jackson, Clinton, Byram, and Terry. Four circuit judges preside. This is the principal courthouse for the 7th Circuit District.
Raymond Courthouse. Handles felony trials and criminal proceedings for Raymond, Edwards, Bolton, and Utica. The same four circuit judges rotate. Jurisdiction depends on where the offense occurred.
Handles city ordinance violations and misdemeanors committed within Jackson city limits. First-offense DUI in the city, city traffic violations, and city ordinance charges proceed through Jackson Municipal Court, not the 7th Circuit.
Your Hinds County Criminal Defense Team
Related Criminal Defense Services
Comprehensive criminal defense for felonies, misdemeanors, DUI, and all state charges.
Defense in federal court for federal charges including drug trafficking, fraud, and firearms.
Expert DUI defense for first offense and repeat DUI charges in Hinds County and statewide.
Post-conviction relief and appellate representation for convictions in the 7th Circuit and beyond.
Defense in the 20th Circuit Court District for Brandon, Pearl, Flowood, and nearby areas.
Criminal defense in the 20th Circuit District for Madison, Ridgeland, and Canton.
What Our Criminal Clients Say
Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 21 Google reviews
“Tom Fortner is an exceptional criminal defense attorney. He was thoroughly prepared, strategically sharp, and fought hard for my rights. I felt confident knowing he was advocating for me.”
Google Review
“Arman Miri went above and beyond for our case. He explained everything clearly, was always responsive, and his aggressive strategy paid off. Highly recommend for anyone facing criminal charges.”
Google Review
“Valorie Cochran handled our case with professionalism and care. She was knowledgeable, communicative, and genuinely invested in the best outcome. I would trust her with any criminal defense matter.”
Google 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 Hinds County Criminal Defense
Which courthouse handles Hinds County felonies?
Felony cases in Hinds County are heard in the 7th Circuit Court District, which includes only Hinds County. The 1st District courthouse is located at 407 East Pascagoula Street in Jackson and handles cases from Jackson, Clinton, Byram, and Terry. The 2nd District courthouse in Raymond handles cases from Raymond, Edwards, Bolton, and Utica. Which courthouse has jurisdiction depends on where the offense occurred.
What is a 48-hour first appearance in Hinds County?
Under the Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure, a defendant arrested in Hinds County must have an initial appearance before a judge within 48 hours. At this first appearance, the judge informs you of your rights, the charges against you, advises you of potential penalties, and determines whether you are entitled to a public defender. Bond may be addressed at this hearing or at a later bond hearing.
Does Jackson Municipal Court handle felonies?
No. Jackson Municipal Court handles only city ordinance violations and misdemeanors committed within Jackson city limits. Felonies and more serious crimes go to the 7th Circuit Court District at 407 East Pascagoula Street in Jackson or the Raymond courthouse. If you are charged with a felony, your case belongs in the 7th Circuit, not municipal court.
What is the grand jury backlog in the 7th Circuit District?
The 7th Circuit Court District handles approximately 4,000 criminal cases per year, making it Mississippi's busiest docket. This high volume means grand jury calendars can have significant backlog. Grand juries meet regularly to hear evidence and vote on whether probable cause exists to indict. Our attorneys work to ensure your case receives proper attention and progresses through the system as efficiently as possible despite the docket's demands.
What happens at a bond hearing in Hinds County?
At a bond hearing held at the 7th Circuit courthouse (Jackson or Raymond), a judge listens to arguments about your ties to the community, prior criminal record, employment, family, and the offense charged. We present evidence showing you are not a flight risk and are likely to appear for all court hearings. The judge then sets or modifies your bond. Skilled advocacy at the bond hearing can result in your release on your own recognizance or affordable bond while your case proceeds.
Why would I hire a Hattiesburg law firm for a Jackson Hinds County case?
Our Hattiesburg office is 90 minutes from Jackson via Highway 49. We regularly appear in the 7th Circuit Court District and know the judges, prosecutors, court staff, and procedures intimately. We offer clients the advantage of a firm with deep Mississippi trial experience and established relationships in the courthouse, combined with the convenience of a nearby office for consultation, strategy sessions, and client meetings. You receive experienced representation without the premium costs of larger Jackson-based firms.
What is the difference between Jackson Municipal Court and County Court?
Jackson Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations and misdemeanors committed within the City of Jackson limits. County Court (the lower-level court in Hinds County) hears misdemeanors and small civil claims under jurisdiction amounts. The 7th Circuit Court District handles all felonies. Our attorneys can advise which court has jurisdiction over your charge and what procedures and penalties apply in each court.
How long does a felony case take in the 7th Circuit?
Felony cases in the 7th Circuit Court District vary widely in duration. Simple cases may resolve in weeks through plea negotiations; contested cases often take months or over a year from arrest to trial. The 7th Circuit's high volume means judges and prosecutors have busy calendars. Our attorneys aggressively pursue discovery, negotiate with prosecutors, and work toward swift resolution or trial preparation, keeping your case moving forward despite the docket's pace.
What areas near Hinds County do you serve?
From our Hattiesburg office, we serve Hinds County (Jackson, Clinton, Byram, Terry, Raymond, Edwards, Bolton, Utica), and we regularly defend cases in neighboring counties including Rankin County, Madison County, Forrest County, Lamar County, and throughout Mississippi. Our attorneys travel to any courthouse in the state and have significant experience in federal court as well.
Can your attorneys represent me at my first appearance in Jackson?
Yes. Your first appearance, which must occur within 48 hours of arrest under Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure, is critical. Our attorneys can appear with you at the initial appearance at 407 East Pascagoula Street or Raymond to protect your constitutional rights, request reasonable bond, help you understand the charges and your options, and set the foundation for your defense. Quick legal representation at this stage can significantly impact the trajectory of your case.
Have your attorneys handled high-profile cases in the Jackson area?
Yes. Our attorneys have handled high-profile Jackson-metro matters covered by the Associated Press and Mississippi Today, including cases involving serious felonies and complex defense strategies. We bring the experience and calm judgment required in high-stakes criminal cases. While we do not promise outcomes, we are committed to thorough preparation, aggressive advocacy, and protecting your constitutional rights in the 7th Circuit Court District and beyond. See our in the news page for details.
What should I do if I am arrested in Hinds County?
If arrested, exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not answer questions or sign anything without legal counsel present. You have a right to a public defender if you cannot afford a private attorney. Your first appearance will occur within 48 hours. Call our office at (601) 582-5015 as soon as possible so we can represent you at your initial appearance, advocate for your rights, and begin building your defense. Early legal intervention is crucial.