Simpson County Public Records / Simpson County Arrest Records

Simpson County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Simpson County in 2026

SimpsonRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Simpson County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories may include arrest logs, mugshots, bond information, criminal case filings, and inmate records. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the source and the date of the arrest.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following sections outline the primary methods available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Simpson County.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Simpson County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed at the county detention facility. Members of the public may access current inmate information by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly or visiting the facility in person. The jail roster reflects individuals currently in custody and is updated on a regular basis. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and bond status.

Simpson County Sheriff's Office
75 Court Square
Mendenhall, MS 39114
Phone: (601) 847-2626
Simpson County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Mendenhall Police Department serves the county seat and maintains arrest logs for incidents occurring within city limits. Press releases and public arrest information may be issued through the department's public information function. Members of the public seeking arrest records from municipal jurisdictions within Simpson County should contact the relevant city police department directly.

Mendenhall Police Department
100 E. Main Street
Mendenhall, MS 39114
Phone: (601) 847-1212

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Simpson County Circuit Clerk maintains criminal court case records that are linked to arrests processed through the county. Members of the public may search case records by the defendant's name to identify court filings associated with a specific arrest. The Mississippi Courts case search portal provides online access to circuit and county court case information statewide.

Simpson County Circuit Clerk
75 Court Square, Suite 1
Mendenhall, MS 39114
Phone: (601) 847-2626
Mississippi Courts

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains a statewide criminal history repository accessible to authorized requesters. Members of the public may submit a request for a criminal history record check through the Mississippi Criminal Information Center (MCIC). A fee applies for non-law-enforcement requests. The repository includes arrest and disposition data submitted by law enforcement agencies across the state.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Address: 75 Court Square, Mendenhall, MS 39114
Records division is located within the main Sheriff's Office building
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Phone: (601) 847-2626
What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known arrest details
Fees for copies: $0.25 per page for standard paper copies

Police Departments:

Mendenhall Police Department, 100 E. Main Street, Mendenhall, MS 39114, (601) 847-1212
Records requests are submitted in person or in writing during regular business hours
Fees: $0.25 per page for copies

Clerk of Court:

Address: 75 Court Square, Suite 1, Mendenhall, MS 39114
Criminal records division handles case file requests
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Phone: (601) 847-2626
Case files are available for inspection during business hours
Copy fees: $0.50 per page for certified copies; $0.25 per page for uncertified copies

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Simpson County Sheriff's Office at 75 Court Square, Mendenhall, MS 39114. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requester's full contact information. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time is typically 5–10 business days from receipt of a complete request.

By Phone:

The Sheriff's Office may be reached at (601) 847-2626 during regular business hours. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information is not released by phone; callers are directed to submit a written request or visit in person.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest and booking records through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas directed to the custodian of records compel production of documents in legal proceedings. Defense counsel and prosecutors access arrest records as part of the standard discovery process governed by the Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Location of arrest (which jurisdiction)

Are Arrest Records Public in Simpson County

Arrest records in Simpson County are public records under Mississippi law. The Mississippi Public Records Act, codified at § 25-61-1 et seq. of the Mississippi Code, establishes the right of any person to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies. Arrest records fall within the definition of public records because they document official government action taken by law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity.

The public availability of arrest records serves several recognized governmental interests:

Government transparency and accountability for law enforcement conduct
Public safety awareness within the community
Support for journalism and academic research
Use in background screening by employers and licensing agencies
Access by parties in legal proceedings

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Mississippi law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is not disclosed
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain offense categories
Participants in witness protection programs are excluded

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Mississippi Constitution and the Public Records Act together establish the framework for public access to government documents. Courts have recognized that the First Amendment supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the outcome of proceedings, including dismissals and acquittals.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which governs the use of consumer reports including criminal background checks. Mississippi does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, but federal contractors are subject to applicable federal guidance. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest does not establish guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions carries legal risk under applicable anti-discrimination frameworks.

What's in Simpson County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and race/ethnicity
Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Mississippi Highway Patrol, or other)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed at time of booking
Mississippi statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation if applicable
Gang-related designation if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public record releases

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Release date and time if the individual has been released
Release conditions if made part of the public court record

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction (Circuit Court, County Court, or Justice Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location and judge assignment if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques or confidential methods
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed by courts
Background checks compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and credit databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Simpson County?

Members of the public may inspect arrest records at the Simpson County Sheriff's Office or Circuit Clerk's office at no charge during regular business hours. Fees apply when copies are requested. Under § 25-61-7 of the Mississippi Code, public bodies may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public records, provided those fees do not exceed the actual cost of reproduction.

Current standard fees are as follows:

Record Type	Fee
Uncertified paper copy	$0.25 per page
Certified copy (Circuit Clerk)	$0.50 per page
Certification seal	$1.00 per document
Electronic copy (where available)	Varies by agency
Search fee	No charge for routine requests

Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Circuit Clerk include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective office. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters upon written application, at the discretion of the custodian of records. Members of the media and academic researchers are not automatically exempt from copy fees under current Mississippi law.

State-level criminal history record checks through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety carry a separate fee established by the agency. Members of the public requesting a personal criminal history record review should contact MDPS directly for the current fee schedule.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Simpson County

Mississippi law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the physical destruction or sealing of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Under § 99-19-71 of the Mississippi Code, certain individuals who have been arrested but not convicted, or who have completed specific diversion programs, may petition the court for expungement of their arrest record.

Expungement is available in the following circumstances:

Charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted
The prosecutor declined to file charges (no information filed)
The individual successfully completed a pretrial diversion or drug court program
First-time offenders convicted of certain non-violent misdemeanors who have completed their sentence
First-time offenders convicted of certain non-violent felonies who meet statutory eligibility criteria

The expungement process requires the following steps:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case number from the Simpson County Circuit Clerk
Prepare and file a Petition for Expungement in the Simpson County Circuit Court
Pay the applicable filing fee to the Circuit Clerk
Serve the petition on the District Attorney's Office for the 13th Circuit Court District
Attend the scheduled hearing before the Circuit Court judge
If the petition is granted, the court issues an Order of Expungement directing all relevant agencies to seal or destroy the record

Following entry of an expungement order, the Simpson County Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk, and the Mississippi Criminal Information Center are directed to update their records accordingly. Third-party commercial databases are not bound by state expungement orders and may retain records independently.

Simpson County Circuit Court
75 Court Square
Mendenhall, MS 39114
Phone: (601) 847-2626
Mississippi Courts

13th Circuit Court District Attorney's Office
P.O. Box 1008
Mendenhall, MS 39114
Phone: (601) 847-1333

What Happens After Arrest in Simpson County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Simpson County, the arrested individual is transported to the Simpson County Detention Center located at 75 Court Square, Mendenhall, MS 39114. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion before transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention facility, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to the state repository
Criminal history and outstanding warrant checks conducted
Personal property inventoried and secured
Issuance of jail clothing
Medical and brief mental health screening
Housing classification determination

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Mississippi law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge for an initial appearance within 48 hours of arrest. At the initial appearance:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are explained

The initial appearance may be conducted via video conference in some circumstances. Court schedules are available through the Mississippi Courts website.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the detention facility. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.

Surety Bond: The defendant or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman. The bondsman charges a non-refundable premium, which is set at 10% of the bond amount under Mississippi law, and posts the full bond with the court.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The court may order that no bond be set in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release:

Regular check-in with pretrial supervision
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders as applicable
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring in certain cases

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes one to eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.

If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules including commissary, phone, and visitation procedures.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Indigent defendants are entitled to appointed counsel under the Sixth Amendment. The Mississippi Office of State Public Defender coordinates public defense services. Eligibility is determined based on financial affidavit submitted to the court.

Mississippi Office of State Public Defender
239 N. Lamar Street, Suite 604
Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: (601) 576-4290
Mississippi Office of State Public Defender

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Mississippi Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation. Attorney-client consultations at the detention facility are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The District Attorney's Office for the 13th Circuit Court District reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The prosecutor may file an information, present the case to a grand jury, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different charges than those listed at booking. This review typically occurs within days to a few weeks of arrest.

Grand Jury (Felonies):

Felony charges in Mississippi are presented to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed. Grand jury proceedings are conducted without defense counsel present. An indictment is returned if the grand jury finds probable cause.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial proceedings include discovery, pretrial motions, and pretrial conferences. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may address suppression of evidence, dismissal of charges, or other legal issues. Plea negotiations may result in a resolution prior to trial.

Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion program completion, plea agreement, or trial. If the defendant is convicted at trial or by plea, a sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Circuit Court judge.

Sentencing options include:

Incarceration in the Mississippi Department of Corrections system
Probation
Fines and court costs
Restitution to victims
Community service
Substance abuse treatment
A combination of the above

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
Felonies: Resolved within several months to over a year depending on complexity
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Mississippi Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Important Contacts:

Simpson County Detention Center
75 Court Square
Mendenhall, MS 39114
Phone: (601) 847-2626
Simpson County Sheriff's Office

Simpson County Circuit Clerk
75 Court Square, Suite 1
Mendenhall, MS 39114
Phone: (601) 847-2626
Mississippi Courts

13th Circuit Court District Attorney's Office
P.O. Box 1008
Mendenhall, MS 39114
Phone: (601) 847-1333

Mississippi Office of State Public Defender
239 N. Lamar Street, Suite 604
Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: (601) 576-4290
Mississippi Office of State Public Defender

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive that right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than retained or appointed counsel
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Simpson County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Simpson County is governed by Mississippi law and the records retention schedules established by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Public agencies are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules and may not destroy records outside of those schedules without authorization.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, and the Mississippi Criminal Information Center
Maintained in the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) indefinitely
No statutory provision for destruction of felony conviction records

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Circuit Clerk and state repository
Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five years under standard retention schedules
Court records are maintained permanently in electronic form

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of three to five years
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged by court order
State repository retains the record unless an expungement order is received

Acquittals:

Court records are retained permanently absent an expungement order
Local law enforcement records retained per standard schedule
Individuals acquitted at trial may petition for expungement under applicable Mississippi statutes

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum of three years
Individuals whose charges were not filed are among those most readily eligible for expungement

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Minimum three to five years
Fingerprint cards: Retained per state repository policy
Booking photographs: Retained for the duration of the associated record

Digital Records:

Records management system entries: Often retained permanently
Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum three years
Court electronic records: Permanent retention for most case types

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to state expungement orders. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the consumer reporting framework are not bound by the same obligations. Individuals who have obtained expungement orders may need to contact third-party websites separately to request removal.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum five years
Arrest reports: Minimum five years
Investigative files: Varies by case type and outcome
Contact: (601) 847-2626

Circuit Clerk:

Felony case files: Permanent
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum five years; electronic records permanent
Traffic cases: Minimum three years

State Repository:

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains the Mississippi Criminal Information Center, which retains arrest and disposition data submitted by all law enforcement agencies in the state
Retention is permanent for conviction records; non-conviction records are updated upon receipt of expungement orders

FBI Database:

NCIC and III records are maintained at the federal level and are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
Federal retention is permanent for most record types
Expungement orders issued by state courts are transmitted to the FBI for notation, but federal records are not destroyed

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Disposition	Local Retention	State Repository	FBI Database
Felony conviction	Permanent	Permanent	Permanent
Misdemeanor conviction	Permanent	Permanent	Permanent
Dismissal	3–5 years minimum	Until expunged	Permanent with notation
Acquittal	3–5 years minimum	Until expunged	Permanent with notation
No charges filed	3 years minimum	Until expunged	Permanent with notation
Expunged	Sealed/destroyed per order	Updated per order	Notation added

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrest records are available online or through direct contact with the Sheriff's Office. Arrests from more than five years ago may require an in-person request and may involve retrieval from archived storage. Records from more than ten years ago may not be digitized and may require additional processing time. A retrieval fee may apply for archived records.

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of arrest records occurs after the applicable retention period has expired, following a court-ordered expungement, or pursuant to an approved records disposition authorization from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention requirements, including felony conviction records, records of serious violent offenses, sex offense records, and records in cases with pending appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Mississippi does not currently impose a statewide restriction on the reporting period for conviction records beyond the FCRA framework. Arrests without conviction are not reportable as convictions, and employers are cautioned against treating arrest records as evidence of criminal conduct.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Simpson County Sheriff's Records Division at (601) 847-2626 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request may be required, and applicable copy fees may apply.