Justice Court Statute of Limitations in Mississippi

There are time limits on suits in Mississippi's Justice Court.

Mississippi's Justice Court is responsible for misdemeanor criminal offenses and traffic cases in addition to civil lawsuits for amounts less than $3,500. The court also handles preliminary felony matters such as bond hearings.

Criminal Limitations

The statute of limitations for a misdemeanor is two years in Mississippi. Most felony prosecutions are subject to a two-year time limitation. Certain felonies such as murder, robbery and rape have no statute of limitations.

Civil Cases

The statute of limitations for contract, product liability and personal injury cases based on negligence, is three years. Cases involving defamation, slander, liable and intentional personal injury have a one-year time limitation. Cases involving professional malpractice must be filed within two years from time of occurrence.

Tolling

The statute of limitations can be tolled, or stopped from running, if one of the parties is a minor or suffering from a mental disability. The statute of limitations can also be tolled if the defendant files for bankruptcy.

References

• State of Mississippi Judiciary: Justice Court.
• Find Law: Mississippi Criminal Statute of Limitations.
• Expert Law: Mississippi Statute of Limitations for Civil and Personal Injury Accidents.

Resources

• Court Reference: The Guide to Mississippi Courts.