Simpson County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Simpson County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Simpson County may access publicly available information through SimpsonRecords.us, which aggregates data from official sources to assist with record searches. Criminal records in Simpson County may include arrest logs, court case filings, booking records, conviction histories, and related court dispositions. The information available through public channels may reflect charges filed, case outcomes, sentencing details, and warrant status, though completeness varies depending on the source and the age of the record.
Relevant record categories that may be found through official and aggregated sources include:
- Arrest and booking records
- Felony and misdemeanor court case filings
- Conviction and sentencing records
- Active and recalled warrants
- Jail roster and inmate information
- Sex offender registration records
- Protective orders and restraining orders
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public:
1. County Court Records
The Simpson County Circuit Court maintains court case files, including criminal filings, dispositions, and sentencing records. Members of the public may inspect records in person at the courthouse during business hours.
Simpson County Circuit Court
109 W College Ave
Mendenhall, MS 39114
Phone: (601) 847-2626
Mississippi Courts
Visitors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the full name or case number of the subject. Public access terminals are available in the clerk's office for on-site record searches.
2. Sheriff's Office
The Simpson County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and jail roster information. Members of the public may submit records requests in person or by mail.
Simpson County Sheriff's Office
109 W College Ave
Mendenhall, MS 39114
Phone: (601) 847-3321
Simpson County Sheriff
Arrest and booking records are available upon written request. Fees may apply for copies of records.
3. Online Court Search
The Mississippi Electronic Courts portal allows members of the public to search court case records statewide, including Simpson County. Users may search by full name, case number, or filing date. Not all historical records are available online, and some case types may be restricted from public view.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains the state criminal history repository. Formal background check requests require submission of identifying information and, for certain request types, fingerprints.
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
1900 E Woodrow Wilson Ave
Jackson, MS 39216
Phone: (601) 987-1212
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Processing times and fees vary by request type. The standard fee for a name-based criminal history check is currently $25.
5. Written/Mail Requests
Written requests for criminal records may be submitted by mail to the Simpson County Circuit Court Clerk or the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and the specific records sought. Under Mississippi Code § 25-61-5, agencies are required to respond to public records requests within a reasonable timeframe.
What Is Simpson County Criminal Record
A criminal record in Simpson County is an official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system, encompassing arrests, charges, court proceedings, and outcomes. Under Mississippi law, criminal records are created and maintained by multiple agencies throughout the criminal justice process, from initial arrest through final disposition.
Key distinctions within criminal records include:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody; a conviction record reflects a finding of guilt by a court. An arrest without a subsequent conviction does not constitute a criminal conviction.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felonies are more serious offenses carrying potential sentences of one year or more in state prison. Misdemeanors carry lesser penalties and are adjudicated at the county level.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Adult criminal records are subject to public access under state law. Juvenile records are confidential under Mississippi Code § 43-21-261 and are sealed from public view.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect current outstanding orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice involvement.
The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Simpson County include:
- Simpson County Sheriff's Office — arrest records, jail records, booking information
- Simpson County Circuit Court — court case files, dispositions, sentencing records
- Mississippi Department of Public Safety — statewide criminal history repository
- Local police departments — incident and arrest reports within their jurisdiction
Records are created at the point of arrest and updated as cases progress through arraignment, plea proceedings, trial, sentencing, and any subsequent appeals or supervision. Records may reflect charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing details, probation or parole status, and related court orders. The Mississippi Courts system serves as the primary repository for court-based criminal records in the state.
Are Criminal Records Public In Simpson County
Criminal records in Simpson County are subject to public access under the Mississippi Public Records Act, § 25-61-1 et seq., which establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies. As stated in the statute, "all public records are hereby declared to be public property, and any person shall have the right to inspect, copy or mechanically reproduce or obtain a reproduction of any public record."
Adult conviction records, court proceedings, and case dispositions are accessible to the public under this framework. Records that are subject to restriction or exemption include:
- Juvenile records, which are sealed pursuant to § 43-21-261
- Expunged records, which are removed from public access by court order
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Ongoing criminal investigations where disclosure would impede law enforcement
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain case types
- Records subject to federal privacy protections
The Mississippi Attorney General's office provides guidance on the application of the Public Records Act, clarifying that agencies may not withhold records unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Federal records maintained by agencies such as the FBI operate under separate federal privacy statutes and are not subject to state open records law.
How To Find Criminal Records in Simpson County Online
Official County Resources
The Simpson County Circuit Court Clerk's office participates in the Mississippi Electronic Courts statewide portal, which provides online access to court case records. Users may search by party name, case number, or attorney. The portal contains civil and criminal case information, including filing dates, charges, and dispositions. Some older records may not be digitized and require in-person access.
The Simpson County Sheriff's Office may publish a current jail roster on its official website, reflecting individuals currently in custody. Members of the public should verify availability directly with the office.
State-Level Resources
The Mississippi Courts case search portal provides statewide access to court records across all counties. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety administers the state criminal history background check system for formal record requests.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name and any known aliases
- Case number searches yield the most precise results
- Cross-reference multiple databases to obtain a complete picture
- Note that records sealed or expunged by court order will not appear in public searches
- Older records predating digital systems may require in-person requests
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks. Historical records predating electronic filing systems are not available online and must be requested in person or by mail. Online searches do not substitute for official certified background checks required for employment, licensing, or legal proceedings.
Can You Search Simpson County Criminal Records for Free
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection
Mississippi law mandates that members of the public have the right to inspect public records at no charge. Under § 25-61-5, agencies must make records available for inspection during regular business hours. Copying fees may apply for reproductions of records.
Locations for free in-person inspection:
- Simpson County Circuit Court Clerk's Office, 109 W College Ave, Mendenhall, MS 39114
- Simpson County Sheriff's Office, 109 W College Ave, Mendenhall, MS 39114
2. Free Online Databases
The Mississippi Electronic Courts portal provides free online access to court case records, including criminal case filings and dispositions. No registration is required for basic case searches.
3. Sheriff's Logs
Daily arrest and booking reports may be available through the Simpson County Sheriff's Office at no charge, subject to applicable exemptions.
What Costs Money
| Service | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of court record | $1.00 per page (varies) |
| Official state background check | $25.00 |
| Staff-assisted record search | Varies by agency |
| Expedited processing | Additional fee may apply |
Fee schedules are established under state law and agency policy. Agencies may waive fees in certain circumstances as provided by statute.
What's Included in a Simpson County Criminal Record
Identifying Information
A Simpson County criminal record may include the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description, photograph (mugshot), last known address, state identification number (SID), and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information
Arrest records reflect the date and time of arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond information, and the jail facility where the individual was held.
Court Case Information
Court records include the case number, court and jurisdiction, filing date, charges and applicable statutes (including felony or misdemeanor classification), plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition
Disposition records reflect the verdict or outcome, conviction date where applicable, sentencing details including type and length of sentence, fines, restitution, conditions of supervision, any appeals filed, and probation or parole status.
Additional Record Types
- Active or recalled warrants
- Protective orders and restraining orders
- Sex offender registration status (searchable through the Mississippi Sex Offender Registry)
- DUI and DWI records
- Pending charges
NOT Included in Public Records
- Juvenile records (sealed under § 43-21-261)
- Expunged or sealed records
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Completed diversion program records where expungement has been granted
Accuracy Note
Members of the public who identify errors in their criminal records may seek correction through the originating agency or the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Accurate and complete records are essential for employment, licensing, and legal proceedings.
How Long Does Simpson County Keep Criminal Records
Legal Requirements
Mississippi law and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History establish retention schedules for public records, including criminal records. Agencies are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules.
Retention by Record Type
- Felony convictions: Retained permanently by courts and the state repository
- Misdemeanor convictions: Retained permanently by courts; state repository retention varies
- Arrest records without conviction: Retained for a minimum period; subject to expungement eligibility
- Dismissed or acquitted cases: Retained permanently to reflect the disposition, though the record shows no conviction
- Juvenile records: Sealed at age 18 or upon case closure; subject to destruction after a specified period under § 43-21-261
- Pending cases: Retained until final resolution
Agency Differences
- County courts: Court records are retained permanently under Mississippi court rules
- Sheriff and jail records: Booking and arrest records are retained per agency policy and state retention schedules
- State repository: The Mississippi Department of Public Safety retains conviction records permanently; the Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains the authoritative statewide criminal history database
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records. Paper records may be destroyed after scanning and digitization, with the electronic version serving as the official record.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement
- Destruction refers to the physical or electronic elimination of a record at the end of its retention period.
- Sealing restricts public access to a record while preserving it for law enforcement use.
- Expungement is a court-ordered process that removes a record from public access. Under Mississippi law, certain first-time offenders may petition for expungement of eligible charges. Even if county records are destroyed or expunged, electronic copies may exist in state or federal databases unless legally expunged through proper court process.
Expungement
Mississippi law provides for expungement of certain criminal records, including some first-offense misdemeanors and felonies. Eligibility requirements and procedures are governed by state statute. Expunged records are not accessible to the public but may remain available to law enforcement agencies. Members of the public seeking expungement should consult the Mississippi Courts for applicable forms and procedures.
Federal Records
Records maintained by the FBI through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) are subject to federal retention rules and are maintained separately from state and county records.
Practical Implications
Convictions retained in state and county databases appear on background checks conducted for employment and licensing purposes. Employment background checks under the Fair Credit Reporting Act at present cover criminal history for seven to ten years for most positions, though professional licensing boards may require full disclosure regardless of the age of the record.