This Hinds County District Attorney’s Office is committed to transparency and
accessibility. This page answers the most common questions from victims,
witnesses, defendants, and the public. If your question is not listed, please
contact our office at (601) 968-6865 or Email: kayli.hankins@co.hinds.ms.us for assistance.
General/ About Us FAQs
1. What is the difference between the District Attorney’s Office and the City
or County Attorney?
a. The District Attorney prosecutes felony crimes under state law. City and
county attorneys generally handle civil matters or misdemeanor cases
that occur within their jurisdictions.
2. What is the District Attorney’s jurisdiction?
a. The Hinds County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes felony crimes
within Hinds County. We represent the State (or people) of Mississippi in
criminal prosecutions. We do not represent private individuals in civil
matters, nor do we provide personal legal advice.
3. How do I report a crime?
a. All crimes should be reported to the police department in the area
where the crime occurred. If you need to report an emergency, call 911.
4. What should I do if I believe a crime has been committed but no one has
been arrested?
a. You should report all information to the appropriate law enforcement
agency. They will investigate and, if evidence supports it, submit the
case to our office for review.
5. Who decides what charges to file, and how do they make that decision?
a. The decision to file criminal charges is made by prosecutors in the
District Attorney’s Office after reviewing evidence submitted by law
enforcement. Charges are based on the strength of the evidence,
applicable laws, and the interests of justice.
6. How long will it take for a case to go to trial?
a. Each case is different and many factors affect when it will go to trial. The
complexity of the case, crowded dockets, motions filed, court
scheduling, and other circumstances can all cause delays. Victims are
encouraged to stay in contact with the Victim Assistance Coordinator,
who works closely with the prosecuting attorney to provide updates.
7. What happens at arraignment, preliminary hearing, and pre-trial court
dates?
a. Arraignment: The defendant is made aware of pending charges,
receives a copy of the complaint, is appointed an attorney if he/she
cannot afford one, and enters a plea of guilty or not guilty.
b. Preliminary Hearing: Witnesses may testify, and the judge decides if
there is enough evidence for the defendant to stand trial. There is no
jury at this stage.
c. Pre-trial: The attorneys and judge discuss possible case resolutions,
hears motions, plea continuance or announce ready for trial.
8. How can I find out where someone is incarcerated?
a. You can contact the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) or
the local jail for information about an individual’s custody status.
9. I want to file a complaint about a police officer or sheriff’s deputy. What do
I do?
a. Report the matter directly to the officer’s employing agency. Law
enforcement agencies are required by law to receive and investigate
complaints, and they will provide a response after review.
10. Someone claiming to be from the District Attorney’s Office wants to ask
me some questions. How do I know they are really from your office?
a. Every employee in the office is issued official identification. Always ask
to see their ID before speaking with them.
11. How may I apply for job opportunities in your office?
a. Job openings are posted on our website. Please visit Jobs to
view current opportunities. We also welcome internship inquiries and
resume submission. You may email resumes to dajobs@co.hinds.ms.us.
Court & Process
1. What is the difference between a Grand Jury and trial?
a. A Grand Jury determines whether there is enough evidence to formally
charge a person with a felony. Neither the defendant nor his attorney
testifies at this level, only the DA Office and law enforcement. A trial
determines whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty of those
charges based on evidence presented.
2. What happens if charges are not filed after a police report?
a. Not every report leads to prosecution. If there isn’t enough evidence to
prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt, the prosecutor may decline
to file charges.
3. How do I get a copy of a police report?
a. Contact the law enforcement agency that created the report. The
District Attorney’s Office does not issue police reports.
4. What should I expect in court as a witness or victim?
a. You may be asked to wait, take an oath, testify, and answer questions
from both the prosecutor and the defense attorney.
5. If I receive a subpoena, do I have to go to court?
a. Yes. A subpoena is a legal court order requiring your appearance.
Contact the Assistant District Attorney listed on your subpoena for
instructions and scheduling details.
6. What is bail/bond and how is it set?
a. Bail ensures the defendant’s appearance in court. A judge considers
factors like severity of crime, flight risk, criminal record, community ties,
etc. to set bond conditions.
7. How can I get my property back that was held as evidence?
a. After resolution of the case (conviction, dismissal, or appeal period
passed), you may contact the law enforcement agency holding the
property. The DA’s office may review the request to ensure it doesn’t
compromise case integrity.
8. How can I request accommodations, such as disability or language
interpretation, for court?
a. Contact the Hinds County Circuit Court Administrator’s Office as soon as
you receive your subpoena or court notice. They can arrange for ADA
accommodations or interpreter services.
9. What should I wear to court?
a. Dress respectfully, business or business-casual attire is appropriate.
Avoid hats, shorts, tank tops, or clothing with offensive language or
images.
Defendants/Cases FAQS
1. What happens if the defendant appeals the verdict?
a. If the defendant is convicted and appeals, the case moves to a higher
court for review.
2. Can I speak directly to the judge about my case?
a. No. All communications with the court must go through your attorney
or be made formally during court proceedings.
3. Why was my family member’s case assigned to a different attorney?
a. The DA’s office periodically reorganizes courtroom and case
assignments to balance workloads and staffing. Additionally, cases may
be transferred to other courtrooms by the judge due to conflicts.
4. Why does a defendant’s court date change so much?
a. Judges have full discretion to adjust schedules due to court congestion,
conflicts, or other logistical issues. You may contact the court
administrator for more detailed scheduling information.
5. Why is my family member’s murderer out of jail?
a. The judge sets bond, not the DA’s Office. The DA’s Office is not always
notified of arrests, bond postings, or releases. For custody information,
contact the Hinds County Detention Center.
6. When can I communicate with the prosecuting attorney?
a. If you are a defendant represented by an attorney, the DA’s office
cannot communicate with you directly. All communication must go
through your attorney.
7. I am a defendant in a case and I can’t reach my lawyer. Can I speak to your
office?
a. All attorneys are governed by a code of ethics that prevents them from
directly speaking to a person who is represented by an attorney.
Therefore, any questions you have about your case must be answered
by your own lawyer.
8. I have been charged with a crime and would like an attorney to represent
me, but I cannot afford one. What can I do?
a. You may go to the Home | Office of State Public Defender. They can
guide you through the process of obtaining a public defender.
9. What happens if a defendant violates bond conditions?
a. If the defendant violates any court-ordered bond conditions, the
prosecutor may file a motion to revoke bond, and the judge can order
the defendant back into custody. You will need documentation of the
alleged violation.
10. How can I have my criminal record expunged?
a. Visit our Expungement Information Page Expungements – Office of
Hinds County District Attorney or contact our office for guidance on the
process.
How do I?
1. Contact Media Relations
a. Please contact Director of Communications, Kayli Hankins for:
i. Media inquiries
ii. Request to be added to the office email distribution list
iii. Archive press releases
iv. Additional information about announcements
2. Report Fraud
a. Visit Report Fraud to learn how to report fraud or contact the
appropriate agencies.
Victims & Witnesses FAQs
1. Why hasn’t anyone called me with updates about my case?
a. Due to the high number of cases in Hinds County, our staff cannot
provide regular updates to every victim or family member. We prefer
that one family member be designated as the point of contact. Please
contact our Victim Assistance Coordinator for the latest information.
2. I was the victim of a crime. What services are available to me?
a. You may contact us by phone at (601) 968-6568 to inquire about what
services may be available to you as a crime victim.
3. I was the victim of a crime. Can you tell me the name of the defendant and
the defendant’s next court date?
a. If the case has been filed by our office, we can provide that information.
Please call (601) 968-6568.
4. I am the victim of a crime and I want to drop charges. Can I do that?
a. Criminal cases are prosecuted on behalf of the State of Mississippi. Only
the prosecutor can dismiss charges. However, your opinion is valued
and will be considered in the prosecutor’s decision-making process.
5. I am the victim of domestic violence. How do I make a report?
a. Report domestic violence to your local law enforcement agency
immediately. For emergencies, call 911. Once charges are filed, contact
us for guidance.
6. I want a restraining order to keep someone away from me. How can I get
one?
a. If a case is presented and filed, the assigned prosecutor can request a
criminal protective order in court. You may call our office to determine if
these orders may be appropriate in your matter.
7. What if the defense attorney contacts me about the case? Do I have to
talk to them?
a. Always ask to see identification before speaking with anyone about the
case. You are not required to speak to anyone. You may refuse to speak
with the defense attorney or agree to do so only in the presence of the
District Attorney or Assistant District Attorney. You are only required to
speak to a defense attorney under oath in court. Report any such
contact to the DA’s Office.
8. The judge ordered the defendant to pay restitution to me but I have not
received anything. Who can help me?
a. Contact us for help tracking restitution payments and understanding
the process. You may also contact the Circuit Clerk’s Office as they
receive restitution payments and will notify you when payments are
made by the defendant.
9. Do I have to talk to the media?
a. No. You are not required to speak with reporters. While the media has
the right to be in or near the courtroom, you can decline by saying “no
comment.” Be aware that you may still be photographed or filmed in
public areas. If this concerns you, contact our office for support.
10. I received a subpoena. Who do I call to get more information about why I
am a witness?
a. Witnesses are not limited to those who actually saw the crime take
place. You may be called to testify because you have information about
the incident, a piece of evidence, or details that clarify or challenge
another person’s statement. If you’re unsure why you were asked to
testify, reach out to the Assistant District Attorney named on your
subpoena for more information. Please remember that successful
prosecutions require witnesses and evidence.
11. What should I do if I can’t appear on the date listed in my subpoena?
a. A subpoena is a legal court order that requires your appearance. If you
have a scheduling conflict, you must contact the Assistant District
Attorney listed on your subpoena before your appearance date to
discuss the issue. Failing to appear without prior approval may result in
a warrant being issued for your arrest.
12. Will I have to testify in front of the defendant?
a. Yes. The defendant has the legal right to be present in the courtroom
and hear all witness testimony. While this can be uncomfortable, it’s an
essential part of the court process. Both the prosecutor and the defense
attorney will ask you questions during your testimony.
13. I’m nervous about testifying and don’t know what to expect. Who can I
talk to?
a. It’s completely normal to feel nervous before testifying. Our office, is
here to help. You can contact our office so that we may explain the
process, help ease your concerns, and answer your questions.
14. Will I be compensated for travel or lost wages for coming to court?
a. Some witnesses may be eligible for mileage or small attendance
reimbursements, depending on the case. Please contact us to learn
more.
Communications/Contact
1. How can I contact the DA’s office or talk to someone about my case?
a. Address: 407 E Pascagoula Street, Jackson, MS 39201
b. Phone: (601) 968-6865
c. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
2. Can your office give me legal advice?
a. No. The DA’s office is prohibited from providing legal advice to private
individuals. If you need legal counsel, please consult a private attorney
or public defender.
3. What if I have a question that is not in your FAQ?
a. You can contact our office at (601) 968-6865 Monday through Friday
from 8-5 pm for assistance.
Other/Miscellaneous
1. Will you help me clear up an outstanding warrant?
a. The DA’s office cannot give legal help to a defendant in that way. You
should speak with your attorney or contact the appropriate court or law
enforcement agency?
2. Does the District Attorney’s Office provide speakers for schools or
community groups?
a. Yes. We can arrange for prosecutors, investigators, or victim advocates
to speak about topics such as crime prevention, victims’ rights, or the
justice process. Contact our Director of Communications, Kayli Hankins,
kayli.hankins@co.hinds.ms.us or (769) 218 – 6895, to request a speaker.
3. How can I volunteer or support community programs hosted by the DA’s
office?
a. We welcome community partnerships and volunteers for outreach
events. Please email kayli.hankins@co.hinds.ms.us for more information.
4. How can I stay informed about the office’s news and announcements?
a. Follow us on social media and visit the News & Media section of our
website for recent press releases, community programs, case updates,
and more.