Marion County felony charges are prosecuted in the 15th Circuit Court District at the courthouse in Columbia. Misdemeanors are heard in justice court or Columbia Municipal Court. A first appearance must occur within 48 hours of arrest under Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure. We defend Columbia PD arrests, Marion County Sheriff charges, Hwy 98 drug stops, and all other criminal matters at every stage.
- Felonies are tried in the 15th Circuit Court at the courthouse in Columbia
- Misdemeanors go to justice court or Columbia Municipal Court
- First appearance required within 48 hours of arrest
- Hwy 98 corridor arrests for drug interdiction are common
- We serve Columbia, Foxworth, Kokomo, and Marion County
Aggressive Marion County Criminal Defense
Being arrested or facing criminal charges in Marion County is frightening. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands the 15th Circuit Court District, knows the judges and prosecutors in Columbia, and will fight for your freedom. For over 45 years, Lowrey, Fortner, & Miri P.A. has defended residents of Marion County, Columbia, Foxworth, Kokomo, and surrounding areas against felony charges, misdemeanor arrests, and drug interdiction stops on Hwy 98.
Our Hattiesburg-based office is 40 minutes from Columbia and routinely appears in the 15th Circuit courthouse. We investigate every case, challenge illegal searches and stops, negotiate with the District Attorney, and prepare for trial. Your first appearance must happen within 48 hours of arrest, we are here immediately to protect your rights and secure the best bond possible.
How Criminal Cases Work in the 15th District
Understanding the Marion County criminal process helps you prepare for what lies ahead. Here is the typical timeline for a felony charge in the 15th Circuit Court District.
Within 48 hours of arrest by Columbia PD or Marion County Sheriff, you appear in the 15th Circuit courthouse in Columbia. You are informed of charges and the judge sets bond. We advocate for release or reasonable bond terms immediately.
If bail is an issue, we present evidence at a bond hearing at the Columbia courthouse to demonstrate you are not a flight risk and request reduction. We work to secure your release on recognizance when possible.
For felonies, a preliminary hearing occurs at the courthouse in Columbia where the District Attorney must present probable cause. We cross-examine witnesses and may move to suppress illegal evidence obtained in violation of your rights.
We obtain the police reports, witness statements, and evidence from the District Attorney. We file motions to suppress illegal searches and stops, critical in drug interdiction cases on Hwy 98.
We negotiate with the District Attorney for favorable plea agreements when possible. If your case proceeds to trial, we prepare vigorously and appear with you in the 15th Circuit courthouse.
Your case is tried before a judge and jury at the courthouse in Columbia. If convicted or you accept a plea, we advocate for the best possible sentence and discuss expungement opportunities.
Marion County Courts & the 15th District
Covers Marion, Lamar, Pearl River, Jefferson Davis, and Lawrence counties. Marion County felony cases are prosecuted and tried at the courthouse in Columbia. This is where all serious charges are litigated.
Handles misdemeanors and traffic violations throughout Marion County. Cases are heard at the courthouse in Columbia. Justice court misdemeanors are less serious than felonies but still require skilled defense.
Handles city ordinance violations and misdemeanor arrests by Columbia Police Department. Municipal court is a step below justice court. We defend Columbia PD arrests at both courts.
Your Marion County Criminal Defense Team
Related Criminal Defense Services
Comprehensive state criminal defense for felonies, misdemeanors, and appeals.
Aggressive defense against DUI and impaired driving charges.
Clear your Marion County record when eligible for expungement.
Experience in federal court for drug trafficking and other federal charges.
Challenge convictions and sentences through direct appeal or PCR.
Defending the Hattiesburg community against all criminal charges.
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
“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
“Mr. Miri represented me in a felony criminal matter and was able to get the case dismissed.”
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 Marion County Criminal Defense
Which court hears Marion County criminal charges?
Marion County is part of the 15th Circuit Court District. Felony charges are prosecuted in the Circuit Court at the courthouse in Columbia. Misdemeanors and traffic violations are heard in justice court or Columbia Municipal Court, depending on the offense and arresting agency.
Where are Marion County criminal cases heard in Columbia?
All Marion County felony cases are filed and heard at the courthouse in Columbia. This is where charges prosecuted by the District Attorney's office are litigated, bond hearings held, preliminary hearings conducted, and trials tried before a judge and jury in the 15th Circuit Court District.
What happens if I am arrested on Hwy 98 for drug charges?
The Hwy 98 corridor between Hattiesburg and McComb is a frequent site of drug interdiction stops by law enforcement. If arrested for drug possession, trafficking, or distribution, you have the right to legal representation. We can challenge the legality of the stop, search, and seizure at the courthouse in Columbia and may move to suppress evidence.
What is the felony timeline in the 15th District?
A first appearance must occur within 48 hours of arrest under Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure. Your initial hearing at the courthouse in Columbia sets bond and informs you of charges. Felony cases then progress through discovery, preliminary hearings, pretrial motions, and trial.
How is bond determined in Marion County cases?
At your first appearance at the courthouse in Columbia, the judge considers your criminal history, ties to the community, employment, family, and the charges when setting bond. We advocate for reasonable bond or release on recognizance. We may request a bond reduction if the initial bond is excessive.
What is the difference between justice court and Columbia Municipal Court?
Justice court handles misdemeanors and traffic violations throughout Marion County, including arrests by the Marion County Sheriff. Columbia Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations and misdemeanor arrests by Columbia Police Department. Both courts are below the felony level; felonies proceed to the 15th Circuit Court at the courthouse in Columbia.
Can Marion County criminal records be expunged?
Yes, under Mississippi Code § 99-19-71, certain Marion County criminal records may be expunged. Acquittals, dismissals, and charges that were not prosecuted can be expunged. Some felony convictions may be eligible for expungement. We guide you through the expungement process at the courthouse in Columbia.
When must my first appearance happen after arrest in Marion County?
Under the Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure, your first appearance must occur within 48 hours of arrest at the courthouse in Columbia. At this hearing, you are informed of charges, advised of your rights, and the judge sets bond. It is critical to have legal representation immediately.
Do you travel to Columbia for Marion County criminal defense?
Yes. Our office is based in Hattiesburg, approximately 40 minutes west of Columbia. We regularly represent clients in Marion County at the courthouse in Columbia for felony charges, bond hearings, pretrial motions, preliminary hearings, and trials.
What areas near Columbia do you serve?
We serve Columbia, Foxworth, Kokomo, and throughout Marion County. Whether you are charged with a felony at the courthouse in Columbia, arrested by the Marion County Sheriff, arrested by Columbia Police, or stopped on Hwy 98, we provide experienced criminal defense counsel.
What if I was arrested by the Marion County Sheriff?
Marion County Sheriff arrests are prosecuted in the 15th Circuit Court District at the courthouse in Columbia. We defend against felony and misdemeanor charges from Sheriff arrests. Our attorneys appear in court with you at every stage and investigate the circumstances of your arrest.
What if I was arrested by Columbia Police?
Columbia Police arrests for misdemeanors go to Columbia Municipal Court; felony arrests go to the 15th Circuit Court at the courthouse in Columbia. We defend against Columbia PD charges at both courts, challenge the legality of stops and searches, and protect your constitutional rights.
Do I have to plead guilty to the charges I face in Marion County?
No. You have the right to contest the charges and proceed to trial before the 15th Circuit Court if charged with a felony. We investigate every case, file pretrial motions to suppress evidence, negotiate with the District Attorney, and prepare a vigorous trial defense at the courthouse in Columbia.