Attorney Damon R. Stevenson for Hinds County

09/26/2026

There are a lot of great family events occurring in Jackson. Today, our family hung out at the Mississippi Book Festival. I had the opportunity to listen to a panel that discussed second chance alternatives. I was reminded of the importance of ensuring alternatives to imprisonment is considered, when it can be done without jeopardizing the safety of the community. I also had the opportunity to purchase a book by Dr Jerry Ward, who was one of my professors at Tougaloo. My wife and girls had the opportunity to meet Tisha Martin Campbell and get her book. Growing up is doing boring things with you family and enjoying every minute of it. Hope you enjoying your weekend!

09/22/2026

Let’s teach our young people they need real friends, not codefendants. A real friend will say “Let’s go home before we get in trouble.” A codefendant will watch you do something stupid, then make a deal to testify against you so they get probation while you go to prison.

09/17/2026

Prayers for the family of Judge Thomas. His courtroom was a great place to practice law. Most cases could be settled with a conference in his office. Over twenty years dedicated to the citizens of Hinds County.

BREAKING NEWS: Hinds County Chancery Judge Dewayne Thomas died tonight. Below is the news release from the Hinds County Board of Supervisors:

JACKSON, MS. - The Hinds County Board of Supervisors extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Chancellor J. Dewayne Thomas following his sudden and unexpected passing.

The news of Chancellor Thomas’s death comes as a profound shock, not only to the Board of Supervisors, but to people throughout Hinds County who knew him through his many years of public service.

Chancellor Thomas served Hinds County as a member of the Fifth Chancery District Court and dedicated many years to serving the people of this community.

“Chancellor Thomas was a hardworking, dedicated public servant who cared deeply about Hinds County and its people,” said Board President and District 1 Supervisor Robert Graham. “His sudden passing is a tremendous loss, and his commitment to this community will not be forgotten.”

The Hinds County Board of Supervisors joins the entire Hinds County community in extending heartfelt condolences to the Thomas family during this difficult time. We ask that the community keep his family, loved ones, colleagues and court family in their thoughts and prayers.

09/01/2026

If you fail to appear for a civil case, a monetary judgment could be entered against you. If you don’t appear for a criminal case, a warrant will be issued for you. You are not Chris Brown….go to court!!!

🚨 Chris Brown claims he is not able to take time off from his tour with Usher to deal with the ongoing legal matters with his ex-housekeeper

07/26/2026

It took jail for this young man to focus on education. It’s not that some of these young people don’t have the potential, it’s often their time and energy is being directed in the wrong place. If we can help our young people stay on the right path early on, we can change the state of our communities.

Tylik Thomas shows that education can change lives, even in the hardest places.

While serving time at Rikers Island for a non-violent charge, Tylik graduated as valedictorian from the East River Academy in New York. Among 63 graduates, he earned the top honor by staying focused, working hard, and refusing to let his past define him.

His valedictory speech inspired classmates, staff, and family, showing that resilience and determination can spark hope. Tylik’s achievement proves that even behind bars, it’s possible to reclaim your future, earn respect, and use education to build a better path for yourself once freedom is regained.

07/03/2026

From a prison sentence to a Ph.d…this is a reminder that a person can turn this life around for the better!

Dr. Stanley Andrisse’s journey took him from a maximum security prison to becoming a tenured professor at Howard University. Before his academic success, he served a 10-year sentence and had to rebuild his life with purpose.

Instead of letting prison define him, Andrisse chose education, discipline, and transformation. He went on to earn a Ph.D. and become a respected voice in higher education.

Now at Howard University, the country’s only R1-designated HBCU, he is part of research work in areas like health, national defense, and global studies.

His story proves that a mistake can be part of someone’s story without becoming their whole identity.

07/03/2026

The judges are enjoying their families like most others. So if you go to jail this weekend, no one will be around to set bond. Govern yourselves accordingly!

Well, these two let the cat out of the bag!!! Its the holiday weekend and Byram PD will be out in full force. So, if you are not in good standings, (insurance, update tag, driver’s license, working headlights/taillights, etc.) be careful this weekend in the city of Byram.

🎆🎇🧨Have a safe & joyful 4th of July. 🎆🎇🧨

06/27/2026

My little brother was going through things recently at my mother’s house (I have no idea why) and located my paycheck from 1999. I was in 10th grade. I have been working since I was 16. I sincerely appreciate my mother for instilling in all of her children a strong work ethic. About a week ago in Court I asked a young man in his 20’s about his employment and he said, I don’t do the work thing. He had never had a job. My honest opinion is that when you work at a legal occupation, regardless of the job, you are making a meaningful contribution to society and are less likely to engage in criminal conduct. I tell every defendant in my courtroom, if you are working, you are less likely to be in my house while I’m at work, and that’s best for everyone.

06/23/2026

If we could get every young person to understand this message, before they commit a crime

05/18/2026

I enjoy walking into the Courthouse on a Monday morning and seeing potential jurors everywhere. Lots of jurors means your Hinds County judges are ensuring that courtrooms are open for trials. What I have discovered as a a Judge is that just the presence of jurors can greatly incentivize cases to resolve. Sometimes once individuals know that they are about to face a jury of their peers, they will plea in a criminal case or the parties will settle the matter in a civil case. So to the jurors who show up every Monday to help move cases, thank you. And even if you don’t get to actually sit on a jury to decide the outcome of a case, know that in just showing up for jury duty, you have greatly helped move cases in Hinds County. Thank you for your time and your service.