Court Services
501 BEECH STREET
MCCOMB MS 39648
OFFICE 601.684.3216
The McComb Municipal Court is located in the McComb Police Department, 501 Beech Street, McComb, MS. The Court Services Department is where you will go to pay fines, tickets, schedule court appearances, and acquire Police accident\crash reports, incident reports and criminal history checks. The Police Department is open 24 hours a day, however the Court Services Department is open from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday thru Friday. Our telephone number is (601)684-3216.
Court
The McComb Municipal Court sessions are: Monday at 11:00 AM and Friday at 9:00 AM for arraignments. Wednesday at 1:00 PM for trials.
When a defendant is arrested, the first court appearance is called an arraignment. This is where the defendant pleas guilty or not guilty. If the defendant pleas guilty, the Judge will sentence him. If he pleas not guilty, the defendant is given a new court date for a trial with the plaintiff.
In most cases, the defendant represents himself, or hires an attorney. In some cases that involve jail time, the defendant is given a choice of hiring his own attorney, or waiving his right to an attorney. If, because of poverty, the defendant cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one to represent him.
When the defendant appears in court, the City Prosecutor will call the plaintiff and the plaintiff's witnesses and ask questions pertaining to the incident. Then, when he is finished, the defendant has the opportunity to ask questions. The City Prosecutor and the plaintiff have to prove to the Judge, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant is guilty as charged. It is the Judge's decision on guilt or innocence. If the person is found not guilty, he is free to go. If he is found guilty, the Judge will sentence him, taking into consideration the defendants prior records. If the defendant is not satisfied with his trial, he can appeal the case to the County Court. If the defendant wishes to file an appeal, he must do so within 30 days from the date of conviction.
Records
Accident\Crash Reports and Police Incident Reports may be obtained Monday thru Friday, 8:00 AM thru 5:00 PM at the Court Services Department, for a $5.00 fee. Criminal History Checks can be processed for a $7.50 fee. To obtain a Criminal History Check, you must provide us with picture identification.
If you have any questions regarding records, please call (601)684-3216.
Warrants
Anyone can file charges. When someone files charges, they essentially "swear out" an affidavit against another person. The affidavit is accompanied by a warrant. The warrant is not valid unless it is signed by the Judge. After the judge reviews the report and affidavit, he makes a "probable cause" determination. If he chooses, he will sign the warrant. If he has a question, as to the validity of the charge, he may wait to find out more information. The affidavit or warrant must have identifying information, such as a date of birth, social security number or address, or a place of employment. This is to ensure that when an arrest is made, it is the right person.
After the Judge signs the warrant, the warrant is put in an active warrant file and the person charged is subject to being arrested. After an arrest is made, the person must post a bond to get out of jail. A bond is is an amount of money that is put up, either by cash or by a bail bondsman, to ensure that the defendant is in court on his court date.
If a person does not show up for court, a Bench Warrant is issued. In some cases, the defendant's drivers license may be suspended. If a person doesn't pay a fine or comply with the orders of the Court, a Contempt Warrant is issued. When a subject is arrested by a Bench Warrant or a Contempt Warrant, he must pay cash to get out of jail. In the event a warrant is issued because a Court Order is violated, The defendant may not be able to bond until after his initial appearance with the Judge.
Fines
Fines assessed by the Court are paid at the McComb Police Department. Payments can be made 7 days a week, however, to receive a receipt with the current balance, you must pay during the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday thru Friday. It is a good idea to pay during this time to ensure you receive important papers regarding your drivers license, or to have any questions answered concerning your fine or Court Order.