09/04/2025
Ladies and Gentlemen: the best, most professional, and fair minded County Prosecutor in the State of Mississippi!!
The Rankin County Justice Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases — things like DUIs, simple assaults, domestic violence, shoplifting, careless driving, and other misdemeanor offenses.
Here’s how our court is structured:
Judges: Richard Redfern, Whitney Adams, Bo Agnew, and Don Leland.
Constables: Robert Hancock, Barry Bean, Glen Dixon, and Gary Windham (they serve papers and warrants throughout the county).
Prosecutors: Trey Spillman (County Prosecuting Attorney) and Assistant Prosecutor Blake Cauthen.
Public Defender: Dan Sorrick, assigned to represent defendants who qualify.
Clerk’s Office: Led by Jessica Massey, ensuring the smooth daily operation of the court.
How does a misdemeanor case move through Justice Court?
First, every Tuesday is Initial Appearance Day. Defendants enter a plea of **guilty** or **not guilty**.
1. If guilty, the judge sentences them right then and there based on the sentencing guidelines (misdemeanors carry fines and/or a maximum of up to 1 year jail).
2. If not guilty, two more dates are set: a pre-trial conference and, if needed, a trial date.
Before the pre-trial conference, my office reviews the case by:
1. Gathering reports and evidence.
2. Interviewing witnesses and/or victims.
3. Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the case.
At or before the pre-trial conference, we make a plea offer to the Defendant or their attorney.
If accepted, the case is finished. If not, the case stays on the trial docket.
If a case goes to trial and the defendant is found guilty, they have the right to appeal.
Appeals move through:
1. County Court (de novo trial before Judge David Morrow).
2. Circuit Court (via a written brief).
3. Court of Appeals.
4. Supreme Court of Mississippi, in some cases.
In fact, the last Rankin County Justice Court case to reach the Court of Appeals was a DUI case - State v. Borsi (2021).
👉 Justice Court is where accountability and fairness meet. We work every week to ensure that victims are heard, defendants are treated fairly, and the law is applied consistently.
