YOUTH COURT
Youth Court Representation
in South Mississippi
Compassionate and strategic advocacy for children and families in delinquency, CHINS, and abuse/neglect proceedings.
Compassionate and strategic advocacy for children and families in delinquency, CHINS, and abuse/neglect proceedings.
Mississippi youth court handles most cases involving children under 18, with a focus on rehabilitation instead of punishment, and its records are confidential. But state law sends certain violent charges and felonies involving deadly weapons straight to adult circuit court. If your child has been detained, the first hearings happen fast.
Aggressive defense for children and teens facing criminal charges in Youth Court across Forrest, Lamar, and surrounding counties.
Representation for children alleged to be in need of supervision and their families in protective and rehabilitative proceedings.
Strong advocacy for parents and guardians facing allegations of abuse or neglect in Youth Court.
Under Mississippi Code § 43-21-151, Youth Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over most matters involving children under 18, including delinquency, children in need of supervision (CHINS), and abuse/neglect cases. Certain serious charges, such as offenses punishable by life imprisonment and some felonies involving a deadly weapon, begin in adult circuit court instead.
Delinquency involves a minor who has committed an act that would be a crime if committed by an adult. CHINS involves behavior such as truancy, running away, or being beyond parental control.
Yes. Under certain circumstances and for serious offenses, a juvenile can be transferred to adult court for prosecution.
Children have many of the same constitutional rights as adults, including the right to an attorney, the right to remain silent, and the right to a fair hearing.
In some cases, parents may be ordered to participate in counseling, pay restitution, or attend parenting classes as part of the disposition.
The court determines whether the allegations against the child are true. If proven, the court moves to a disposition hearing to decide the appropriate outcome.
Yes. Under certain conditions and after a period of time, many Youth Court records can be expunged or sealed.
A guardian ad litem is appointed to represent the best interests of the child, especially in abuse and neglect cases.
Detention is meant to be temporary. Under Mississippi Code § 43-21-307, a child generally may be held in temporary custody no longer than 48 hours, excluding weekends and statutory state holidays, unless a petition is filed and the youth court orders continued custody after a detention hearing under § 43-21-309.
Yes. Decisions from Youth Court can be appealed to the Mississippi Court of Appeals or Supreme Court under certain circumstances.
Contact an experienced Youth Court attorney immediately. Do not allow your child to be interviewed without legal representation present.
No. Custody and visitation matters are generally handled in Chancery Court, not Youth Court.
The primary goal is rehabilitation and the best interest of the child, rather than punishment.
An experienced attorney can protect your child’s rights, challenge evidence, negotiate dispositions, and help achieve the best possible outcome.
Yes. Youth Court proceedings and records are generally confidential to protect the privacy of the minor involved.
If your child is involved in Youth Court, contact us immediately for experienced representation.
Call (601) 582-5015
