An arrest record in Mississippi is an official document that details someone’s arrest. It includes information like the charges, the date of the arrest, and the law enforcement agency that made the arrest.
These records can have a real impact on a person’s life, affecting their ability to get a job, find housing, or even secure certain licenses. Because of this, understanding how these records work is important.
This guide aims to give you a complete overview of Mississippi arrest records. We’ll cover who can see them, what information they contain, how to access them, and what options exist for expungement (or sealing) of the record. We’ll also touch on any costs associated with accessing this information.
Are Mississippi Arrest Records Public?
Generally, yes. Under the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. §§ 25-61-1 et seq.), arrest records are usually considered public information. This means that, in theory, anyone can request to view them.
However, there are exceptions. Certain types of records may be restricted from public access. These often include things like:
- Juvenile records
- Records containing private medical details
- Information related to ongoing police investigations
Even if a record falls under one of these restricted categories, there may still be a way to access it. A subpoena can sometimes be used to compel the release of records that would otherwise be kept private.
What’s in a Mississippi arrest record?
Mississippi arrest records contain quite a bit of information about the arrestee and the circumstances surrounding the arrest. You can typically expect to find the following:
- Basic arrestee information: This includes the arrestee’s full name, date of birth, and address.
- Arrest details: This section details the date and time of the arrest, the precise location where the arrest occurred, and the name of the law enforcement agency that made the arrest.
- Offense information: Here, you’ll find the specific charges filed against the arrestee, along with references to the relevant Mississippi statutes.
- Officer information: The record will also include the name and badge number of the arresting officer.
Finding Arrest Records in Mississippi
If you need to find information about an arrest in Mississippi, you have several options, both online and offline.
Online Resources
Here are a few ways to search for arrest records online:
- Mississippi Electronic Courts System (MEC): This is a statewide online portal where you can find court records. Keep in mind that you’ll need to register and pay a fee to use it. The MEC charges an annual registration fee, and you’ll also have to pay for each page you view.
- County Inmate Search Tools: Many county sheriff’s departments have online tools that you can use to search for current inmates. For example, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department offers an inmate search tool, and the Jones County Sheriff’s Office has an online inmate roster.
- Third-Party Websites: There are lots of websites that offer arrest record searches, but it’s important to be careful when using them. The accuracy of the information on these sites can vary, so always double-check the information you find against official sources.
Offline Resources
If you prefer to search for arrest records offline, here are a couple of options:
- Law Enforcement Agencies: You can contact the police department or sheriff’s office that made the arrest. First, you’ll need to figure out which agency was responsible for the arrest. Then, you can contact them to find out if the records are available and what the procedures are for getting them.
- Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Information Center (CIC): The CIC may have statewide arrest records. You can contact them to inquire about obtaining these records.
How to Find Mississippi Arrest Records Online
There are a few ways to search for arrest records in Mississippi. Here’s what you should know:
Mississippi Electronic Courts System (MEC)
The MEC allows you to search court records online. To use it:
- Register for an account and pay the annual fee.
- Search by name, case number, or other details.
- Pay a fee for each page you view or download.
County Inmate Searches
Many county sheriff’s departments have online inmate search tools. To use these:
- Go to the county sheriff’s website.
- Search for inmates by name or booking number.
- Keep in mind that the information available varies by county.
A Word About Third-Party Websites
You might find websites that claim to offer arrest records. Be careful! Verify that the information is correct. Watch out for sites that demand high fees or too much personal information.
How much does it cost to get an arrest record?
The costs for getting arrest records in Mississippi can vary depending on where you get them and what kind of information you need. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Arrest Reports: If you want a copy of an arrest report from a police department like the Moss Point PD or Pascagoula Police Department, it’ll probably run you around $10.
- MEC System: The Mississippi Electronic Courts system (MEC) charges fees for annual registration, plus additional costs for viewing and downloading documents on a per-page basis.
- Background Checks: A background check through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) will cost $32.
- Free Copies: Some places, like the City of Byram, offer free police reports to victims of a crime.
How long do arrests stay on your record in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, arrest records stick around until you get them expunged. This means an arrest will show up on background checks indefinitely unless you take action.
Expungement is important because it removes the arrest from public view. This can improve your chances of getting a job, renting an apartment, or even getting a loan. Without expungement, that arrest record could hold you back for years to come.
Expunging an Arrest Record in Mississippi
Having an arrest record, even without a conviction, can be a real drag. It can affect your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, or even volunteer at your kid’s school. Fortunately, Mississippi law allows for expungement in some cases, which means the record of your arrest can be sealed.
Who’s eligible for expungement?
You may be able to get your record expunged if:
- The charges against you were dismissed.
- You successfully completed an intervention program.
- You were convicted of certain misdemeanor offenses.
Limitations on expungement
Keep in mind that expungement isn’t always an option. It’s more difficult to expunge a felony conviction than a misdemeanor. Also, there may be a waiting period before you can even apply for expungement, and some offenses are simply not eligible, no matter what.
The expungement process
If you think you might be eligible for expungement, here’s what you’ll need to do:
- File a formal petition with the court.
- Notify the prosecutor that you’ve filed a petition.
- Attend a court hearing, if one is scheduled, so the court can determine whether you meet the requirements for expungement.
Expungement law can be complex, so it’s always a good idea to consult with an attorney who’s familiar with Mississippi law. They can help you determine whether you’re eligible and guide you through the process.
Common reasons for arrest in Mississippi
Here’s a look at some common offenses that led to arrests in Mississippi, based on recent data.
2022 Arrest Data:
- Drug abuse violations: 8,069
- DUI: 7,125
- Simple assault: 4,478
- Larceny: 4,075
2021 Arrest Data:
- Drug abuse violations: 8,816
- DUIs: 7,200
- Simple assault: 4,681
- Disorderly conduct: 3,686
Demographic Data (2022):
- Arrests by age (30-34): 2,306 females, 5,455 males
- Total arrests: 36,853 males, 13,613 females
Summary
In Mississippi, arrest records are usually available to the public, but there are some exceptions. You can find these records through online portals or by contacting law enforcement agencies directly, though you may have to pay a fee.
It’s important to understand the process for getting this information and what your rights are when it comes to your own arrest record.
If you’re eligible, expungement can be a valuable way to clear your record and open up new opportunities. If you think you might qualify, it’s worth looking into the process and seeing if it’s right for you.