Khalaf & Nguyen has extensive experience representing clients charged with a felony and misdemeanor
Khalaf & Nguyen has represented hundreds of clients throughout the State of Mississippi at preliminary hearings, bond reduction hearings, plea hearings, parole board hearings, misdemeanor and felony trials, and Habeas Corpus hearings.
Circuit Court
Circuit Courts hear felony criminal cases and civil lawsuits. Additionally, Circuit Courts hear appeals from County, Justice, and Municipal Courts and from administrative boards and commissions. There are 22 Circuit Court Districts in Mississippi and 53 Circuit Court judges.
County Court
County Courts share jurisdiction with Circuit and Chancery Courts in some civil matters, with the jurisdictional limit up to $200,000. County Courts may also handle non-capital felony cases that have been transferred from Circuit Court. In Mississippi, there are 21 County Courts with 30 County Court judges.
Municipal Court
A Municipal Court is a city court that oversees charges and cases that arise from within a particular municipality. The Municipal Court administers the judicial procedures according to the State Statute and City Ordinances for misdemeanor crimes and traffic offenses as well as for collection of fines and traffic offenses arising within a particular city. In Mississippi, there are 226 Municipal Courts.
Justice Court
Juste Court can hear civil cases involving amounts of $3,500 or less, misdemeanor criminal cases, and any traffic offenses that occur outside of a municipality. In Mississippi, there are 82 Justice Courts.
Youth Court
Youth Courts handle matters involving juveniles, whether the case involves abuse and neglect of juveniles or criminal offenses committed by juveniles. Young people who have not reached the age of 18 are subject to appear in Youth Court, but there are some exceptions. Some offenses which would be treated as crimes if committed by adults are known as delinquent acts when they involve juven
Misdemeanors & Felonies
Khalaf & Nguyen has represented clients who have been charged with all types of misdemeanors, such as simple assault, domestic violence, possession of paraphernalia, simple possession, and DUI.
Khalaf & Nguyen has represented clients who have been charged with all types of felonies in the State of Mississippi and in Federal Court, such as murder, embezzlement, possession with intent, DUI-felony, aggravated assault, and possession of stolen property.
In every case, our attorneys will obtain the discovery, review the discovery with our client, and explain the options. Call Khalaf & Nguyen to discuss your case.
PRE-LIMINARY HEARING ON A FELONY
In Mississippi, a preliminary hearing serves the same basic purpose as in other states: to determine whether there is probable cause to believe the defendant committed the crime and whether the case should proceed to a grand jury or trial. However, Mississippi has some specific procedures and rules. Here's what you need to know:
🔹 When Is a Preliminary Hearing Held in Mississippi?
- A preliminary hearing is only held if the defendant has not yet been indicted by a grand jury.
- If a defendant is arrested on a felony charge before indictment, they are entitled to a preliminary hearing upon request.
🔹 Legal Basis
- The right to a preliminary hearing is governed by Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure, specifically Rule 6.
- If the case has already been presented to and indicted by a grand jury, no preliminary hearing is held.
🔹 What Happens at the Hearing?
- A justice court, municipal court, or county court judge presides over the hearing.
- The prosecution presents evidence to establish probable cause.
- The defense can:
- Cross-examine witnesses,
- Present evidence (though often they don’t),
- Challenge the sufficiency of the state’s case.
- The judge does not decide guilt or innocence, only whether the case should be bound over to a grand jury.
🔹 Possible Outcomes
- Probable cause found → The case is "bound over" to the grand jury for possible indictment.
- No probable cause → The charges may be dismissed, though the prosecution can still present the case to a grand jury later.
🔹 Additional Notes
- Preliminary hearings are open to the public unless closed for specific legal reasons.
- The defendant’s attorney can use the hearing to gather information (like witness testimony) for future defense strategies.
- Statements made by witnesses can be used for impeachment at trial if their stories change.
HABITUAL STATUS
Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers
Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers
Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers
Our team has over 20 years of experience in handling personal injury cases. We have a proven track record of success and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients.
No Fee Unless We Win
Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers
Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers
We understand that dealing with a personal injury can be costly. That's why we work on a contingency fee basis. You don't pay us anything unless we win your case!
