Hattiesburg Mental Health Diversion Programs
If you or a loved one was arrested in Hattiesburg during a mental health crisis, Mississippi law may allow the case to be diverted into treatment instead of traditional prosecution. Hattiesburg cases are generally handled in Forrest County courts — this guide explains how diversion works there, who qualifies, and what happens after.
Mississippi law that applies in Hattiesburg
Miss. Code § 9-25-1 et seq. — Intervention courts.
- Miss. Code § 99-15-26 (nonadjudication)
Citations pending attorney review.
How a Hattiesburg case moves into diversion
- 1. Arrest & booking. After a Hattiesburg arrest, the case is filed with Forrest County prosecutors. Jail mental health staff may flag a condition at intake.
- 2. Defense request. Your attorney gathers treatment records and asks the court or prosecutor for diversion or mental health court referral.
- 3. Evaluation & plan. A clinician confirms the diagnosis and proposes a treatment plan for the court to review.
- 4. Supervision. You follow the plan with regular check-ins with the Forrest County court or program staff.
- 5. Dismissal. Successful completion can lead to dismissed charges and possible record sealing.
Who may qualify in Hattiesburg
Courts commonly consider a diagnosed condition such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, or major depression; whether it contributed to the alleged offense; whether treatment is likely to help; and public safety. Veterans may also be eligible for veterans treatment court where available. For the full Mississippi breakdown, see the Mississippi diversion guide.
Hattiesburg diversion FAQs
Does Hattiesburg have a mental health diversion program?
Criminal cases from Hattiesburg are typically heard in Forrest County courts, where diversion is governed by Miss. Code § 9-25-1 et seq. (Intervention courts) and local court and prosecutor policy. Availability depends on the charge and program capacity — a local defense attorney can confirm current options.
Where are Hattiesburg criminal cases heard?
Most Hattiesburg arrests are prosecuted in the Forrest County criminal courts. Some minor offenses may go through municipal court. Mental health court dockets, where available, are usually run at the county level.
Who qualifies for mental health diversion in Hattiesburg?
Courts commonly look for a diagnosed mental health condition (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, major depression, and others) that played a role in the offense, a treatment plan likely to help, and no unreasonable public safety risk. Some serious or violent charges may be excluded under Mississippi law.
Can felony charges in Hattiesburg be diverted?
It depends on Mississippi law and the specific charge. Some Mississippi programs accept certain felonies; others are limited to misdemeanors. A Hattiesburg diversion lawyer can review whether your charge is eligible.
What happens if I complete diversion in Hattiesburg?
Successful completion of a Mississippi diversion program often leads to dismissal of the charges, and may open the door to sealing or expungement of the arrest record.
How do I find a mental health diversion lawyer in Hattiesburg?
Look for a criminal defense attorney who regularly practices in Forrest County courts and has handled diversion or mental health court cases. You can request a match through this site at no cost.