Jefferson Davis County Criminal Court

Jefferson Davis County Criminal Court hears all criminal cases in Jefferson Davis County. Below you will find specific information about criminal cases and how they are handled in Jefferson Davis County.

Plea Agreements

A Plea Agreement, sometimes known as a Plea Bargain is an agreement between the prosecution and the defendant, where the defendant pleads guilty or no contest often in exchange for a lesser charge or lighter recommended sentence. A large majority of criminal cases end in a plea agreement. In Jefferson Davis County you can inform your attorney to negotiate with the prosecution to attempt to come to a plea agreement, but this is dependent upon the charge severity and also the prosecutors willingness to accept a plea deal.

Jefferson Davis County Prosecutor

For criminal cases in Jefferson Davis County, the prosecutor will be a representative of Jefferson Davis County. The Jefferson Davis County prosecutor reviews all evidence and ultimately decides whether to file or dismiss charges in the case. Most of the time, the prosecutor has leeway in plea negotiations and determines how the case will be prosecuted.

Jefferson Davis County Criminal Court

Jefferson Davis County Criminal Court

Defendant Sentencing

At a sentence hearing the judge will inform the defendant of the sentence that will be imposed. This sometimes occurs at the same hearing in which the defendant is found guilty (either by trial or plea agreement). In can also occur at a later date, most often this is due to the complexity of the case where more time is needed to determine the appropriate sentence.

Burden of Proof

The burden of proof is always on the prosecution in a criminal trial. In other words, the prosecution has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. The defense must only prove that there is a reasonable possibility that the defendant did NOT commit the crime. If the prosecution cannot prove that the defendant committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, the jury will be instructed to find the defendant not-guilty.

Jefferson Davis County Criminal Court hearings

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

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.

Required Court Appearances in Jefferson Davis County

Any required court appearances in Jefferson Davis County Criminal Court must be attended by the defendant. Failure to appear in court at your required date and time may result in the judge issuing an arrest warrant.

I need help for my Jefferson Davis 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 Jefferson Davis 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 Jefferson Davis 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.

What happens in Jefferson Davis County at an arraignment?

In Jefferson Davis 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.

Jury Deliberations in Jefferson Davis County

In Jefferson Davis County, jury deliberations will take place in a jury trial after the prosecution and defense have presented their cases and rested. At this point, the judge will provide a list of instructions to the jury about what they are allowed and not allowed to do and what verdict options are available for them to decide. The jury will be sent to a private room to discuss the evidence presented in the case and attempt to reach a unaminous decision. When a unaminous decision is reached, the jury will inform the judge that they have reached a verdict and will return to the courtroom for the verdict to be read allowed. In the event that the jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict, the jury results in a deadlock and a mistrial is declared.

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.

Right to Jury Trial

For “Serious Crimes”, those that can have a potential penalty of 6 months in jail OR a minimum $500 penalty, the US Constitution guarantees a right to trial by jury. This is guaranteed by Article III of the Constitution and the 6th Amendment. The accused has the ability to waive their right to trial by jury.

Jefferson Davis County Criminal Court Locations

  • Jefferson Davis County Circuit Court

    Address: 1025 3rd St, PO Box 1090, Prentiss MS 39474
    Phone: 601-792-4231 Fax: 601-792-4957

  • Jefferson Davis County Chancery Court

    Address: 2426 Pearl Ave, PO Box 1137, Prentiss MS 39474
    Phone: 601-792-4204 Fax: 601-792-2894

  • Jefferson Davis County Youth Court

    Address: 1025 3rd St, PO Box 1444, Prentiss MS 39474
    Phone: 601-792-2065 Fax: 601-792-2894

  • Jefferson Davis County Justice Court

    Address: 2535 Columbia Ave, PO Box 1407, Prentiss MS 39474
    Phone: 601-792-5129 Fax: 601-792-5980

  • Bassfield Municipal Court

    Address: PO Box 100, Bassfield MS 39421
    Phone: 601-943-5424 Fax: 601-943-6243

  • Prentiss Municipal Court

    Address: 911 3rd St, PO Box 1344, Prentiss MS 39474
    Phone: 601-792-5196 Fax: 601-792-5190

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