Felony charges in Stone County are heard in the 2nd Circuit Court District at the courthouse in Wiggins, Mississippi. The 2nd Circuit also covers Harrison and Hancock counties. First appearance must occur within 48 hours of arrest under Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure. We represent defendants at preliminary hearings, bond hearings, and trials at the Wiggins courthouse.
- All Stone County felonies go to the 2nd Circuit Court at the Wiggins courthouse
- First appearance must be within 48 hours, where bond is typically set
- Highway 49 between Hattiesburg and Gulfport is heavily patrolled for drugs and weapons
- Wiggins Municipal Court handles city misdemeanors; Justice Court handles county misdemeanors
- We serve Wiggins, Perkinston, McHenry, and all of Stone County from our Hattiesburg office
Experienced Stone County Criminal Defense
Facing felony charges in Stone County can be overwhelming. The 2nd Circuit Court District handles some of Mississippi's most heavily policed areas, especially along Highway 49 between Hattiesburg and Gulfport. If you have been arrested on a drug interdiction stop, weapons charge, DUI, or any felony at the Wiggins courthouse, you need immediate, skilled legal representation.
Lowrey, Fortner, & Miri P.A. has over 45 years of criminal defense experience. Our team, led by Tom Fortner and Arman Miri, understands the 2nd Circuit system and regularly appears at the Wiggins courthouse. We aggressively challenge improper police conduct, search violations, and protect your rights from first appearance through trial. Our office in Hattiesburg is about 30 minutes from Wiggins, allowing us to serve Stone County clients efficiently.
How Criminal Cases Work in the 2nd Circuit
Understanding the Stone County felony process helps you prepare. Here is the typical timeline for a criminal case at the Wiggins courthouse in the 2nd Circuit Court District.
You are arrested and brought before a judge within 48 hours at the Wiggins courthouse for first appearance. You are informed of charges, your rights, and bond is set or you are released on your own recognizance. A criminal defense attorney can argue for reasonable bond.
At a preliminary hearing at the Wiggins courthouse, the State must present probable cause to believe you committed the crime. Your attorney can cross-examine witnesses and challenge the evidence. If probable cause exists, your case is bound over to the 2nd Circuit Court.
Your attorney obtains police reports, witness statements, and evidence from the prosecution. We investigate the stop, arrest, and search procedures. We file motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, especially for improper Highway 49 stops or vehicle searches.
We negotiate with the District Attorney's office. Many cases resolve with favorable plea agreements that reduce charges, sentences, or potential jail time. We evaluate every offer and advise you on the best strategy at the Wiggins courthouse.
If no plea agreement is reached, your case proceeds to trial at the 2nd Circuit Court in Wiggins. We present the defense, cross-examine the State's witnesses, and argue for acquittal. Trials may be before a judge or jury depending on your case.
After conviction or guilty plea, we argue for mitigation at sentencing at the Wiggins courthouse. We file motions for new trials and work on appeals or post-conviction relief. We explore expungement options if your case is dismissed or you are acquitted.
Courts in the Stone County System
Stone County Courthouse, Wiggins, MS. Handles all felony trials, sentencing, and appeals. The 2nd Circuit also covers Harrison and Hancock counties. Circuit judges preside over jury trials and bench trials for serious crimes.
Courthouse in Wiggins. Handles misdemeanor charges, traffic violations, and small claims across the county. Justice Court judges can also conduct preliminary hearings on felony charges to determine probable cause.
City of Wiggins. Handles city ordinance violations, municipal misdemeanors (DUI, speeding), and traffic citations issued by Wiggins police. Misdemeanor convictions here can be appealed to 2nd Circuit Court.
Your Stone County Criminal Defense Team
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Expert representation in the 13th Circuit at the Collins courthouse.
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Local defense at the Forrest County Circuit Court and Hattiesburg Municipal Court.
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 Stone County Criminal Defense
Which court hears felony charges in Stone County?
Felony charges in Stone County are heard in the 2nd Circuit Court District at the courthouse in Wiggins, Mississippi. The 2nd Circuit also covers Harrison and Hancock counties. Felony trials and hearings take place at the Wiggins courthouse, where our firm regularly represents defendants.
Where is the Stone County courthouse located?
The Stone County courthouse is located in Wiggins, Mississippi. This is where circuit court felony proceedings, justice court misdemeanor cases, and first appearance hearings are held. Our office in Hattiesburg is about 30 minutes north, allowing us to serve Stone County defendants efficiently.
What happens during first appearance in Stone County?
Following arrest in Stone County, you must be brought before a judge for first appearance within 48 hours under the Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure. At first appearance at the Wiggins courthouse, the judge will inform you of charges, your rights, and may set bond. Having a criminal defense attorney present at first appearance is critical to protecting your interests.
How is bond set in Stone County criminal cases?
Bond is typically set during your first appearance hearing within 48 hours of arrest in Stone County. The judge considers the severity of charges, your ties to the community, prior criminal history, and risk of flight. An experienced criminal defense attorney can argue for reasonable bond or release on your own recognizance at the Wiggins courthouse.
Why are Highway 49 drug and weapons stops so common in Stone County?
Highway 49 between Hattiesburg and Gulfport is one of Mississippi's most heavily patrolled corridors for drug and weapons interdiction. Law enforcement targets traffic between the Coast casinos and the Pine Belt. Thousands of drivers travel this route daily, making it a focus for felony drug, weapons, and DUI arrests. If you were arrested on Hwy 49 in Stone County, we investigate the stop's legality and challenge improper searches.
What is the difference between Stone County Justice Court and Wiggins Municipal Court?
Stone County Justice Court handles misdemeanor charges across the county. Wiggins Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations and misdemeanors committed within Wiggins city limits by Wiggins Police. Felony cases go to the 2nd Circuit Court at the Wiggins courthouse regardless of which court handles the initial arrest.
How long does a felony case take in the 2nd Circuit District?
A felony case in the 2nd Circuit Court District (Stone, Harrison, Hancock) typically takes 6-18 months from arrest to resolution, depending on complexity, discovery disputes, and trial schedule. Plea negotiations may resolve cases faster. Our attorneys work to move cases efficiently while protecting your rights at every stage in the Wiggins courthouse.
Can felony charges in Stone County be expunged?
Under Mississippi Code § 99-19-71, certain dismissed or acquitted charges can be expunged from your criminal record. Successful completion of diversion programs may also result in expungement. After conviction, expungement is harder but possible in limited circumstances. We evaluate expungement options for all Stone County clients at the Wiggins courthouse.
Do you travel to Wiggins for court appearances?
Yes. Our firm regularly appears at the Stone County courthouse in Wiggins for preliminary hearings, bond hearings, trials, and all criminal proceedings. We are located in Hattiesburg about 30 minutes north of Wiggins, making regular courthouse appearances convenient for our Stone County clients.
What areas do you serve for Stone County criminal defense?
We serve Wiggins, Perkinston, McHenry, and all of Stone County. Whether you were arrested on Highway 49, at the Wiggins courthouse, or anywhere in the 2nd Circuit District, our office in Hattiesburg provides experienced felony defense representation for Stone County residents.
What should I do if arrested on Highway 49 in Stone County?
If arrested on Highway 49 in Stone County, assert your rights: remain silent and do not consent to searches. Contact our office immediately. We investigate the stop, vehicle search, and officer conduct for Fourth Amendment violations. Many Highway 49 arrests involve improper stops or searches that we can challenge at the Wiggins courthouse.
What charges do you handle in Stone County?
We handle all felony charges in Stone County including drug trafficking, weapons offenses, DUI, assault, theft, fraud, and more. Highway 49 interdiction arrests often involve drug or firearms charges. We represent clients in the 2nd Circuit Court at the Wiggins courthouse with skilled, aggressive defense.
How much does Stone County criminal defense cost?
Criminal defense fees depend on charge severity, case complexity, and whether your case goes to trial. We offer flat-fee representation for straightforward matters and hourly rates for complex cases. We can discuss payment plans and fee arrangements during your initial consultation about Stone County representation.