Pass Christian Municipal Court

Mississippi became a state in 1817, then steamboat service was begun between New Orleans and Mobile a decade later. After lighthouses were constructed at Cat Island and the Pass in 1831, the majority of the Pass Christian peninsula was sold to John Henderson in 1836. Pass Christian eventually evolved into a thriving community, due in part to its proximity to New Orleans. Pass Christian developed as a small port for local fishermen as well as boats passing through to other port communities. The community of Pass Christian was an established summer retreat for those who planted cotton and cane in the state of Mississippi as well as Alabama and Louisiana. These early visitors built private cottages and second homes along the shell roadway fronting Pass Christian’s beach area.

A cattle and dairy farm were owned and operated by a widow who lived at Pass Christian in the early 1740s. Upon the widow’s death in 1800, a Spanish Captain received the lands in a Spanish grant. When political turmoil found Pass Christian, Captain Bartholemeu Pellerin sold the entire peninsula to Edward Livingston for $7,000. Captain Pellerin then moved his family away from Pass Christian, to New Orleans. During the early 1830s, Pass Christian began to grow, and the first hotel, the Pass Christian was constructed. Soon after the construction of the hotel came the Napoleon Hotel, the Mansion House, the Sans Souci, and, a hotel exclusively for bachelors, the St. Nicholas House. Additionally, there were several boarding houses built to accommodate guests. Inexpensive steamboat connections between Pass Christian and New Orleans encouraged many from New Orleans to build vacation homes in the Pass Christian area.

By the time Pass Christian was incorporated in 1848, it was well-known for its charm and courteous service to its residents as well as to summer guests. In the mid-1850s Pass Christian made a name as the largest trading center in Harrison County. Mississippi pine and cypress woods were readily available, and the town also began developing as a sheep and wool center. Pass Christian’s commerce was disrupted during the Civil War, although after the war was over, construction of the L & N Railroad and the New Orleans, Mobile and Chattanooga Railroad Companies began. Instead of returning to its commercial roots, as it was rebuilt, Pass Christian became a residential resort and tourist spa.

Unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina almost completely destroyed Pass Christian, damaging or destroying all but 500 of the 8000 homes in the community. Like other Gulf towns, Pass Christian began the arduous process of rebuilding. Despite its popularity, Pass Christian has remained a small community, with fewer than 7000 residents. Today, the Pass Christian Municipal Harbor is a busy area, and the Pass Christian Yacht Club promotes regional and annual Regattas. Visitors to Pass Christian enjoy the refreshing waters, the sophisticated elegance, and the cool Gulf breezes, returning time and time again.

Pass Christian Municipal Court

The Pass Christian Municipal Court is located at 105 Hiem Avenue. Hours of the Pass Christian Municipal Court are every Friday at 9:00 a.m. except when there is a fifth Friday in the month—there is no court on the fifth Friday of the month. The Pass Christian Municipal Court Judge is Judge F. Philip Wittmann IV. The City Prosecutor for Pass Christian Municipal Court is L. Skip Negrotto, and the Court Clerk is Tina Dupree. Deputy Court Clerk is Bridgett Daniels, and the Bailiff is Chris McKay. Appropriate attire is required in the courtroom. Weapons, recording devices, hats, sunglass, purses, bags, food or drink are not allowed in the Pass Christian Municipal Court, and all cell phones must be turned off. Those who fail to appear in court could have their driver’s license suspended and a warrant issued for his or her arrest.

Felony Offenses in the State of Mississippi

Criminal felony offenses are much more serious than criminal misdemeanor offenses. Being charged with a criminal offense can be a very frightening, confusing experience which can have a lasting effect on your future if the charges are not handled correctly. There are many different felony offenses in the state of Mississippi—while many felony offenses are violent crimes, others are not (Some white-collar crimes and drug crimes are not considered violent crimes but are felony offenses. Some felony offenses include assault and battery, assault with a deadly weapon, drug possession, sex crimes, child molestation, and murder. Murder can be a capital offense, depending on the circumstances. Capital crimes are punishable by life in prison or the death penalty. Felonies are punishable by life in prison or more than a year in prison, depending on the offense.

The consequences of a felony conviction can last much longer than the prison sentence in some instances. Even when a person convicted of a felony has done his or her time, paid the required fines and essentially paid the debt to society, they can continue to pay for the crime for a very long time. It can be difficult to obtain employment once there is a felony conviction on your record, and for some felony offenses, you may no longer own a firearm or vote. You may find it difficult to rent a home or apartment and will be ineligible for a government student loan to return to college. You may even find that you are ineligible for a professional license you have worked very hard to receive.

Misdemeanors in Mississippi

Misdemeanors are less serious than felony offenses but can nonetheless have long-term repercussions. One big difference between a misdemeanor and a felony conviction is that a misdemeanor conviction can potentially be expunged after you have served your sentence. Once a criminal record is expunged, potential employers can no longer see the offense on your criminal record, making it easier for you to obtain employment you are otherwise well-qualified for. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor criminal offense or a felony criminal offense, it is important to speak to a knowledgeable Mississippi criminal defense attorney who will ensure your rights and your future are properly protected.

Contact Our Pass Christian Criminal Defense Lawyers

If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Pass Christian, it is important to contact an experienced Pass Christian criminal defense attorney who will ensure your rights and your future are properly protected. At Coxwell & Associates, PLLC, our attorneys believe in fighting aggressively for our clients, and we can build a defense that is designed to expose the holes in the prosecution’s case against you. Contact Coxwell & Associates today at (601) 265-7766.