Humphreys County Criminal Court

Humphreys County Criminal Court handles all criminal cases that are filed in Humphreys County. See below for more information about criminal cases in Humphreys County.

I need help for my Humphreys County criminal case

The best place to get information about your criminal case is from an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one to represent you which will assist in your case. For general information about your case the Humphreys County court clerk is able to provide general information about your specific case (e.g. date/time hearings, mandatory appearance, what will take place and what you will be required to do). The court clerk for Humphreys County will NOT be able to provide legal advice for your case, only an attorney can provide legal advice. The court clerk can provide legal information (like the information found on this website) about your case but cannot provide advice about what you should do in your legal manner.

Jury Deliberation

In a jury trial in Humphreys County, after both the prosecution and defense have rested, the judge will give instructions to the jury and jury deliberations will begin. The jury will convence in a private room to discuss and deliberate the innocence or guilt of the defendant. Once the jury arrives at a unimanous decision, they will inform the judge that they have reached a decision. They will return to the court and the verdict will be read aloud. If the jury cannot reach a unaminous decision, the jury is said to be deadlocked and a mistrial will be declared in the case.

Humphreys County Criminal Court

Humphreys County Criminal Court

Appealing a guilty verdict

A defendant may appeal a guilty verdict to an appellate court. This is not a request to have another trial, but a request for an appellate court to review the case and determine that it was handled in a correct legal manner. There are a number of outcomes in an appeal including an upholding of the conviction, a finding that errors were made resulting in a retrial or resentencing or possibly a complete disimissal of all charges.

What is the Burden of Proof?

The term “Burden of Proof” means that the prosecutor is required to prove the guilt of the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecutor cannot provide proof of the defendants guilt, then the judge or jury in a trial must find the defendant not guilty. In the United States the principle innocent until proven guilty derives from this that the defendant is assumed innocent and the prosecution has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty.

Can I request a Plea Agreement?

In Humphreys County you may be able to enter into a plea agreement depending upon the severity of the charges. It is also dependant upon the prosecution willing to accept a plea agreement. You can ask your attorney to attempt to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecution to avoid having a jury trial along with the potential for a more serious sentence. Approximately 9 out of 10 criminal cases usually end in a plea agreement.

If guilty, who sentences the defendant?

If the defendant is found guilty after the trial, the defendent will be sentenced. In some cases, this can occur at the same hearing the defendant is found guilty in court, in other cases a separate hearing will be required. Often the prosecution will request a particular sentence for the defendant and the judge will determine whether to enforce this sentence or impose a different sentence for the defendant.

Humphreys County Criminal Court hearings

Criminal hearings in Humphreys County will take place at the Humphreys County Criminal Courts. Please see here for a list of the Humphreys County Criminal Court Locations.

Who is the prosecutor for Humphreys County?

Depending upon the case, the prosecutor for Humphreys County criminal cases will either be a representative of Humphreys County or a representative from Mississippi. After reviewing evidence it is the prosecutor’s decision whether to file charges or drop a case. Most prosecutors have the ability to negotiate plea bargains, and determine how the case will be prosecuted.

What happens in Humphreys County at an arraignment?

In Humphreys County the defendant is brought into court and informed by the judge of the charges that have been filed against them along with informing them of their rights. At this time, the defendant can plead guilty, not guilty or no contest. If the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, there will be no trial and the defendant may be sentenced immediately or at a later date. If the defendant pleads not guilty a trial date is set.

The Right to Trial by Jury

The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right to a trial by a jury. This is applicable for when the crime can carry a sentence of 6 months in jail OR a $500 fine, these are known as “Serious Crimes”. The defendant can also waive their right to a speedy and public trial.

What if I can’t afford an attorney?

The 6th Amendment guarantees you the right to an attorney whether or not you can afford one. If you cannot afford one, a public defender will be appointed by the court to represent you.

Mandatory Appearances in Humphreys County Criminal Court

At a mandatory or required court appearance in Humphreys County, the defendant must appear before the court. In the event of a “Failure to Appear” the judge may issue a warrant for the arrest of the defendant. Note: not all criminal hearings are mandatory, in a non-mandatory hearing an attorney may appear on your behalf without you being in court.

Humphreys County Criminal Court Locations

  • Humphreys County Circuit Court

    Address: 102 Castleman St, PO Box 696, Belzoni MS 39038
    Phone: 662-247-3065 Fax: 662-247-3906

  • Humphreys County Chancery Court

    Address: 102 Castleman St, PO Box 547, Belzoni MS 39038
    Phone: 662-247-1740 Fax: 662-247-0101

  • Humphreys County Youth Court

    Address: 102 Castleman St, PO Box 144, Belzoni MS 39038
    Phone: 662-247-5662 Fax: 247-2110

  • Humphreys County Justice Court

    Address: 102 Castleman St, Belzoni MS 39038
    Phone: 662-247-4337 Fax: 662-247-1095

  • Belzoni Municipal Court

    Address: 314 N Hayden St, Belzoni MS 39038
    Phone: 662-247-2181 Fax: 662-247-2284

  • Isola Municipal Court

    Address: PO Box 194, Isola MS 38754
    Phone: 662-962-7725 Fax: 662-962-6133

  • Louise Municipal Court

    Address: PO Box 224, Louise MS 39097
    Phone: 662-836-5121

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