Lamar County misdemeanor charges go to Lamar County Justice Court or municipal courts in Purvis, Sumrall, and Lumberton. Felonies are indicted in the 15th Circuit Court District sitting at 203 Main Street, Purvis, MS 39475. We handle bond reduction, preliminary hearings, grand jury advocacy, and aggressive trial defense at every stage.
- Misdemeanor charges are heard in Lamar County Justice Court in Purvis or municipal courts
- Felony cases are prosecuted in the 15th Circuit Court District at 203 Main Street, Purvis
- Initial appearance must occur within 48 hours under Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure
- Preliminary hearing in Justice Court determines if felony probable cause exists
- We handle bond reduction, grand jury proceedings, and trial defense in the 15th Circuit
Experienced Lamar County Criminal Defense Representation
Arrests in Lamar County carry serious consequences, jail, fines, probation, loss of employment, and a permanent criminal record. Whether you face a misdemeanor in Lamar County Justice Court or a felony indicted in the 15th Circuit Court District, you need immediate, skilled criminal defense. For over 45 years, Lowrey, Fortner, & Miri P.A. has defended Lamar County residents and citizens arrested by the Lamar County Sheriff's Department, Purvis, Sumrall, and Lumberton police.
Our office is located at 525 Corinne Street in Hattiesburg, about 20 minutes from the 15th Circuit courthouse at 203 Main Street, Purvis. We know the judges, prosecutors, and court procedures in Lamar County. We fight aggressively to protect your rights from arrest through trial, challenge illegal searches and stops, and negotiate the strongest possible outcome, or take your case to trial if the evidence does not support the charges.
How Lamar County Criminal Defense Works
Understanding the path from arrest to trial helps you know what to expect. Here is the typical timeline for a criminal case in Lamar County and the 15th Circuit.
You are arrested by Lamar County Sheriff's Department or municipal police. You must appear before a judge within 48 hours for an initial appearance. We secure your release on bond or work for bond reduction.
For felony charges, a preliminary hearing is held in Lamar County Justice Court in Purvis. The prosecutor must show probable cause. We cross-examine witnesses and challenge weak evidence to suppress admissions or challenge the state's case.
After probable cause is found, your felony case goes to a grand jury in the 15th Circuit Court District. The grand jury decides whether to indict. We monitor grand jury timing and prepare pre-indictment mitigation if appropriate.
The prosecutor must disclose all evidence under Brady and Giglio rules. We conduct independent investigation, obtain police reports, video, witness statements, and challenge searches that may be illegal under the Fourth Amendment.
We evaluate plea offers against trial risk. Many cases resolve through negotiation of reduced charges or sentencing agreements. We protect your rights and ensure any plea is knowing and voluntary.
If the case does not settle, we try it before a judge or jury in the 15th Circuit. We impeach witnesses, challenge evidence, and present a vigorous defense. If convicted, we advocate for reasonable sentencing.
The Courts That Serve Lamar County Criminal Cases
203 Main Street, Purvis, MS 39475. Handles all state felony prosecutions and trials in Lamar County (also covers Marion, Pearl River, Jefferson Davis, and Lawrence counties). Preliminary hearings, indictments, trial, and sentencing occur here.
Purvis. Handles misdemeanor charges and preliminary hearings for felonies. Cases with sentences up to one year are tried here. Preliminary hearings determine if felony probable cause exists and bind cases over to the 15th Circuit.
City ordinance and traffic violations in these municipalities are tried in municipal court. We handle first-offense DUIs, traffic, and city-level misdemeanor charges in these courts.
Your Lamar County Criminal Defense Team
Related Criminal Law Services
Comprehensive state and federal criminal defense representation across the Pine Belt.
Specialized DUI defense for arrests in Lamar County Justice Court and municipal courts.
Family law representation for divorce and custody matters in Lamar County Chancery Court.
Criminal defense for Hattiesburg residents in Forrest and Lamar County courts.
Seal and expunge arrests and convictions under Mississippi Code § 99-19-71.
Representation for federal charges including drug trafficking and serious felonies.
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.”
Avvo Review
“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
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 Lamar County Criminal Defense
Which court hears Lamar County criminal charges?
Misdemeanors in Lamar County go to Lamar County Justice Court in Purvis or municipal courts in Purvis, Sumrall, and Lumberton. Felonies are indicted in the 15th Circuit Court District, which sits at 203 Main Street, Purvis, MS 39475. The 15th Circuit also covers Marion, Pearl River, Jefferson Davis, and Lawrence counties.
Where is the Purvis courthouse for Lamar County criminal cases?
The 15th Circuit Court District courthouse is located at 203 Main Street, Purvis, MS 39475. This is where felony charges in Lamar County are prosecuted, bonds are set, preliminary hearings are held, and felony trials take place. Lamar County Justice Court and municipal courts also sit in or near Purvis.
What is the difference between Justice Court and Circuit Court in Lamar County?
Justice Court in Lamar County handles misdemeanors with sentences up to one year. Circuit Court (the 15th District) handles felonies, crimes with sentences exceeding one year and capital offenses. Felony cases are first presented in Justice Court for preliminary hearings, then indicted and tried in Circuit Court.
How can I get bond reduced in a Lamar County criminal case?
Bond reduction motions are argued before the judge in the 15th Circuit Court District (or Justice Court for misdemeanors) at 203 Main Street, Purvis. Your attorney presents evidence of ties to the community, employment, family, and prior record to show you are not a flight risk and will return to court. Emergency reduction requests can be made immediately after arrest or at preliminary hearing.
How long do felony cases take in the 15th Circuit Court District?
Felony cases in the 15th Circuit typically take 6 to 18 months from indictment to trial, depending on discovery complexity, preliminary hearing scheduling, grand jury timing, and trial docket availability. Initial appearance is within 48 hours of arrest under Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure. Many cases resolve through plea negotiation.
What happens if I am arrested for drug charges on I-59 or Hwy 98 in Lamar County?
Drug arrests on I-59 or Hwy 98 in Lamar County are prosecuted in the 15th Circuit Court District at 203 Main Street, Purvis. Charges depend on quantity and type: possession, possession with intent to distribute, or trafficking. Your attorney may challenge the traffic stop, search legality, and evidence handling to suppress illegally obtained drugs.
Can I get Lamar County criminal records expunged?
Yes. Under Mississippi Code § 99-19-71, you may petition to expunge arrest records if charges are dismissed, you are acquitted, or you complete a non-adjudication (diversion) program. Some felony convictions become eligible for expungement after 10 years. Expungement petitions are filed in the court where the case was handled, Justice Court for misdemeanors, 15th Circuit for felonies.
If I was arrested in Oak Grove, is my case in Lamar or Forrest County?
Oak Grove straddles the Lamar-Forrest County line. If your arrest location is west of the county line, your case is in Lamar County (15th Circuit at Purvis). If east of the line, it is in Forrest County (12th Circuit in Hattiesburg). Your attorney and arresting agency records will confirm the correct jurisdiction.
What happens at a preliminary hearing in Lamar County Justice Court?
At a preliminary hearing in Lamar County Justice Court in Purvis, the prosecutor must show probable cause that you committed a felony. Your attorney can cross-examine witnesses and challenge the government's evidence. If probable cause is found, the case is bound over to the 15th Circuit Court District for grand jury indictment and trial.
How does the grand jury process work in the 15th Circuit Court District?
After a preliminary hearing in Lamar County Justice Court, your felony case goes to a grand jury in the 15th Circuit Court District (sitting in Purvis). The grand jury hears prosecutor evidence and decides whether to indict. Grand jury indictment timing depends on jury scheduling, typically 30 to 90 days after preliminary hearing.
What areas near Purvis and Sumrall do you serve for criminal defense?
We serve Purvis, Sumrall, Lumberton, Oak Grove, and all of Lamar County. Our office is located at 525 Corinne Street in Hattiesburg, about 20 minutes from the 15th Circuit Court courthouse at 203 Main Street, Purvis, making it convenient for all your criminal defense needs.
What should I do immediately after arrest in Lamar County?
Remain silent and do not answer questions without an attorney present. You have the right to an attorney and the right to an initial appearance within 48 hours. Contact Lowrey, Fortner, & Miri P.A. immediately at (601) 582-5015. We will represent you at all preliminary hearings, bond hearings, and grand jury proceedings.
Do I need an attorney for a Lamar County criminal case?
Yes. Criminal charges in Lamar County, whether in Justice Court or the 15th Circuit, carry serious consequences: jail, fines, probation, and a permanent record. An experienced criminal defense attorney protects your rights at every stage: arrest, preliminary hearing, grand jury, bond reduction, and trial.