DeSoto Public Records / DeSoto County Arrest Records

DeSoto County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in DeSoto County

Arrest records in DeSoto County, Mississippi are considered public records under the Mississippi Public Records Act (§ 25-61-1). This statute establishes that records created, used, received, maintained, or possessed by public bodies are generally accessible to the public, with certain exceptions for confidential information.

The Mississippi Public Records Act defines public records as "all books, records, papers, accounts, letters, maps, photographs, films, cards, tapes, recordings or reproductions thereof, and any other documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, having been used, being in use, or prepared, possessed or retained for use in the conduct, transaction or performance of any business, transaction, work, duty or function of any public body."

It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:

Arrest Records: Document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. These records exist regardless of whether charges were filed or the person was convicted.
Conviction Records: Document that an individual was found guilty of a crime, either through a trial verdict or by pleading guilty.

Under Mississippi law, both arrest and conviction records are generally public, though certain exceptions apply for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and records that have been expunged or sealed by court order.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains the state's criminal history information through the Criminal Information Center, which operates pursuant to Mississippi Code § 45-27-7. This statute governs the collection, storage, and dissemination of criminal history information throughout the state.

What's in DeSoto County Arrest Records

DeSoto County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (first, middle, last)
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Hair and eye color
Home address
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (e.g., DeSoto County Sheriff's Department, local police department)
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Circumstances of arrest (e.g., traffic stop, warrant service, etc.)

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance numbers for each charge
Classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony)
Description of alleged criminal activity
Incident report number

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date issued
Judge who signed the warrant
Probable cause statement

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking number/case number
Processing officer information
Property inventory (items in possession at time of arrest)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount set
Bond type (cash, surety, property, etc.)
Whether bond was posted
Bond conditions (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction (Justice Court, Circuit Court, etc.)
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned to case

Custody Status:

Current detention status (in custody, released on bond, etc.)
Expected release date (if applicable)
Housing location within DeSoto County Adult Detention Facility

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history in DeSoto County
Known aliases
Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
Probation/parole status
Immigration status (if applicable)
Medical alerts or special needs while in custody

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Records maintained by the DeSoto County Sheriff's Department may contain different or additional information compared to those maintained by municipal police departments within the county.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in DeSoto County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in DeSoto County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains a structured process for public records requests pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act. Individuals may obtain arrest records through the following procedures:

In-Person Requests:

Visit the appropriate agency that maintains the desired records. For most arrest records, this is the DeSoto County Sheriff's Department.

DeSoto County Sheriff's Department
419 E. Commerce Street
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8027
DeSoto County Sheriff's Department

Complete a public records request form available at the agency's office.
Provide specific information about the record being sought, including:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Date or approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if known)
Present valid government-issued photo identification.
Pay any applicable fees for record retrieval and copying.

Written Requests:

Submit a written request to the records custodian of the appropriate agency.
Include all relevant identifying information as noted above.
Specify the format in which you wish to receive the records (paper copies, electronic files, etc.).
Include contact information for follow-up questions.
Enclose payment for applicable fees or request a fee estimate.

Electronic Requests:

Visit the DeSoto County Public Records Request Policy webpage.
Follow the instructions for submitting an electronic request.
Complete all required fields in the online form.
Submit payment for applicable fees through the county's online payment system.

Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-61-7, agencies have seven working days to respond to public records requests. The response may include providing the requested records, denying the request with a written explanation, or requesting additional time to fulfill the request.

Requestors should note that certain records may be exempt from disclosure under state law, including records pertaining to ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and records that have been sealed or expunged by court order.

How To Find DeSoto County Arrest Records Online

DeSoto County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records and related information. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests, allowing members of the public to search for arrest information from any location with internet access.

The primary online resources for DeSoto County arrest records include:

DeSoto County Online Records Portal
- Navigate to the DeSoto County Online Records webpage.
- Select the appropriate database based on the type of record being sought.
- For arrest records, select the "DeSoto County Adult Detention Facility Jail Docket" option.
- Enter search criteria such as the individual's name, booking date, or case number.
- Review the search results, which typically include basic arrest information and current custody status.
DeSoto County Sheriff's Department Inmate Search
- Visit the Sheriff's Department website section for the Adult Detention Facility.
- Access the inmate search function to locate currently incarcerated individuals.
- Enter the individual's name or booking number.
- View information including charges, booking date, and bond amount.
Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) System
- Access the Public Record Inquiries page on the DeSoto County website.
- Follow the link to the Mississippi Electronic Courts system.
- Create a user account if you do not already have one.
- Search for court cases by name, case number, or filing date.
- Review case information, which may include arrest details if relevant to the court proceedings.
Mississippi Department of Corrections Offender Search
- For individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to state custody, visit the Mississippi Department of Corrections website.
- Use the offender search function to locate individuals currently under MDOC supervision.
- Enter the individual's name or MDOC number.
- View information about current custody status, location, and scheduled release date.

When using online search tools, users should be aware that:

Information may be updated at different intervals depending on the system.
Not all arrest records may be available online, particularly for older cases.
Some information may be redacted or limited compared to complete records available through formal requests.
Online records should be verified through official channels for legal or employment purposes.

How To Search DeSoto County Arrest Records for Free?

DeSoto County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest records without incurring fees through several free public resources. These no-cost options provide basic information about arrests and criminal proceedings within the county.

Free Online Resources:

DeSoto County Jail Docket
- The DeSoto County Adult Detention Facility maintains a publicly accessible jail docket.
- This resource provides information about currently incarcerated individuals, including names, charges, booking dates, and bond amounts.
- No user account or payment is required to access this basic information.
DeSoto County Justice Court Records
- The Justice Court maintains public access terminals at their facility.
- Visitors may use these terminals free of charge to search for case information related to arrests and criminal proceedings.
- This resource is particularly useful for misdemeanor cases, which are typically handled by the Justice Court.
Public Access Computers at Government Facilities
- The DeSoto County Circuit Clerk's office provides public access computers for searching court records.
- These terminals are available during regular business hours at no cost.
- Staff members are available to assist with basic search functions.

In-Person Free Access Options:

DeSoto County Circuit Clerk's Office
2535 Highway 51 South
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8007
DeSoto County Circuit Clerk
- Visit during public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Request to view publicly available arrest records and court files
- While viewing is free, copying fees may apply if printed copies are requested
DeSoto County Justice Court
2535 Highway 51 South
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8186
DeSoto County Justice Court
- Visit during public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Request assistance with searching public records related to arrests and criminal cases
- Staff can help locate basic case information at no charge
DeSoto County Sheriff's Department Records Division
419 E. Commerce Street
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8027
DeSoto County Sheriff's Department
- Visit during business hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Request to view arrest reports and booking information
- Basic information may be provided verbally at no cost

When utilizing free resources, requestors should note that:

While viewing records may be free, fees typically apply for copies or certified documents
Some detailed information may only be available through formal records requests
Records related to ongoing investigations or sealed by court order will not be accessible
Staff assistance may be limited during busy periods
Bringing specific identifying information (full name, date of birth, case number) will facilitate more efficient searches

How To Delete Arrest Records in DeSoto County

In DeSoto County, as in the rest of Mississippi, arrest records generally remain permanent public records unless specific legal procedures are followed to limit their accessibility. Mississippi law provides two primary mechanisms for addressing arrest records: expungement and sealing.

Expungement vs. Sealing:

Expungement: The legal process that removes an arrest or conviction from public records. When a record is expunged, it is as if the arrest or conviction never occurred from a legal perspective.
Sealing: The process of restricting public access to records while maintaining them for certain governmental or law enforcement purposes. Sealed records are not destroyed but are no longer accessible to the general public.

Eligibility for Expungement in DeSoto County:

Under Mississippi Code § 99-19-71, expungement may be available in the following circumstances:

Arrests Without Conviction
- Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal
- Cases where prosecution was declined
- Cases where the grand jury failed to indict
First-Time Offender Convictions
- Certain misdemeanor convictions (after a waiting period)
- Specific non-violent felony convictions (after a waiting period)
- Traffic violations (excluding DUI)
Juvenile Records
- Most juvenile records may be eligible for expungement when the individual reaches adulthood

Expungement Process in DeSoto County:

Petition Preparation
- Obtain a petition for expungement form from the DeSoto County Circuit Clerk's office
- Complete the petition with accurate case information
- Include certified copies of relevant court documents
Filing the Petition
- File the completed petition with the DeSoto County Circuit Clerk
- Pay the required filing fee (approximately $150, though fees may vary)
- Serve copies of the petition to the District Attorney's office and any law enforcement agencies involved
Court Hearing
- Attend the scheduled court hearing
- Present arguments supporting the expungement request
- Respond to any objections from the prosecutor
Order of Expungement
- If granted, the judge will issue an order of expungement
- Provide copies of the order to all agencies holding records
- Follow up to ensure compliance with the expungement order

Limitations and Considerations:

Expungement in Mississippi is not automatic and requires proactive legal action
Certain serious offenses are ineligible for expungement under state law
Even expunged records may remain accessible to law enforcement agencies
Multiple offenses may limit eligibility for expungement
Private databases may continue to display expunged information until notified

Individuals seeking expungement in DeSoto County are strongly advised to consult with an attorney experienced in Mississippi expungement law, as the process can be complex and requirements change periodically through legislative updates.

What Happens After Arrest in DeSoto County?

Following an arrest in DeSoto County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Mississippi state law and local procedures. This process includes several key stages from initial custody through case disposition.

Initial Custody and Booking:

When a person is arrested in DeSoto County, they are typically transported to the DeSoto County Adult Detention Facility for processing. The booking procedure includes:

Photographing and fingerprinting
Collection of personal information
Medical screening
Property inventory
Criminal history check
Assignment to appropriate housing within the facility

Initial Appearance:

Within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees must appear before a judge, typically in DeSoto County Justice Court. During this hearing:

The judge informs the defendant of the charges
Bail is set or denied based on factors including the nature of the charges, criminal history, and flight risk
The right to counsel is explained, and a public defender may be appointed if the defendant qualifies
A preliminary hearing date may be scheduled for felony cases

Bail/Bond Determination:

The court determines whether the defendant may be released pending trial and under what conditions. Options include:

Release on personal recognizance (no monetary payment required)
Cash bail (full amount paid to the court)
Surety bond (percentage paid to a bail bondsman)
Property bond (property used as collateral)
Conditional release (supervision, electronic monitoring, etc.)

Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases):

For felony charges, a preliminary hearing may be held to determine if probable cause exists to believe the defendant committed the crime. This hearing:

Must occur within a reasonable time after the initial appearance
Allows the prosecution to present evidence supporting the charges
Permits the defense to challenge the sufficiency of evidence
Results in either dismissal of charges or advancement to grand jury review

Grand Jury Proceedings (Felony Cases):

Felony cases in DeSoto County proceed to a grand jury, which:

Reviews evidence presented by the prosecutor
Determines whether sufficient evidence exists to issue an indictment
Conducts proceedings in secret, without defense participation
Issues either an indictment (true bill) or no indictment (no bill)

Arraignment:

Following indictment or formal charging, defendants appear for arraignment in the appropriate court:

Misdemeanors are typically handled in Justice Court or Municipal Court
Felonies proceed to DeSoto County Circuit Court
The charges are formally read
The defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
Trial dates and other procedural deadlines are established

Pre-Trial Proceedings:

Before trial, several legal procedures may occur:

Discovery (exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense)
Filing and hearing of motions (e.g., to suppress evidence, dismiss charges)
Plea negotiations
Pre-trial conferences to resolve administrative matters

Trial or Plea Resolution:

Cases conclude through either:

Plea agreement (defendant pleads guilty, often to reduced charges)
Bench trial (judge determines guilt or innocence)
Jury trial (jury of peers determines guilt or innocence)

Sentencing:

If convicted, sentencing follows according to Mississippi law and may include:

Incarceration in county jail or state prison
Probation
Fines and court costs
Restitution to victims
Community service
Treatment programs

Post-Conviction Proceedings:

After conviction, defendants may pursue:

Direct appeal to higher courts
Post-conviction relief petitions
Expungement (in eligible cases)

Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to a fair and speedy trial as guaranteed by both the U.S. Constitution and Mississippi law.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in DeSoto County?

Arrest records in DeSoto County are maintained according to Mississippi's records retention requirements, which establish minimum timeframes for preserving various categories of law enforcement and court documents. These retention periods are governed by Mississippi Code § 25-59-1 through § 25-59-31, known as the Mississippi Archives and Records Management Law.

Standard Retention Periods:

Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Generally maintained permanently by the arresting agency and the DeSoto County Sheriff's Department. Digital versions of these records are increasingly being preserved indefinitely.
Fingerprint Cards and Photographs: Submitted to the Mississippi Criminal Information Center and maintained permanently unless expunged by court order.
Incident Reports: Typically retained for a minimum of 10 years, though many agencies maintain these records permanently, especially for serious offenses.
Investigation Files: Retention periods vary based on case status:
- Unsolved felony cases: Retained permanently
- Solved felony cases: Minimum 25 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor cases: Minimum 5 years after case closure
Court Records Related to Arrests:
- Justice Court records: Minimum 10 years
- Circuit Court records: Maintained permanently
- Municipal Court records: Minimum 10 years

Agency-Specific Retention Practices:

Different agencies within DeSoto County may maintain arrest records for varying periods:

DeSoto County Sheriff's Department
- Maintains comprehensive arrest records in both physical and digital formats
- Generally preserves records permanently, with older physical records eventually transferred to microfilm or digital storage
- Booking photos and fingerprints are retained indefinitely
Municipal Police Departments
- Each city police department within DeSoto County (Hernando, Southaven, Olive Branch, Horn Lake) maintains its own records
- Retention periods may vary slightly but must meet state minimum requirements
- Records may be transferred to county-level storage after a certain period
DeSoto County Circuit Clerk
- Maintains court records related to criminal cases
- Felony case files are preserved permanently
- Misdemeanor case files are typically retained for at least 10 years after case disposition
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
- Maintains centralized criminal history information through the Criminal Information Center
- Records are retained permanently unless expunged by court order
- Provides background check services using these permanent records

Factors Affecting Retention:

Several factors may influence how long specific arrest records are maintained:

Severity of Offense: Records for serious felonies are typically maintained longer than those for minor offenses.
Case Disposition: Records for cases resulting in conviction are generally maintained longer than those for dismissed cases.
Court Orders: Expungement orders may result in the destruction or sealing of records before the standard retention period expires.
Technological Capabilities: As agencies transition to digital record-keeping, retention periods often increase due to reduced storage constraints.

The preservation of arrest records serves several important public functions, including maintaining accurate criminal histories, supporting law enforcement investigations, and providing information for background checks authorized by law. However, these retention practices must be balanced against individual privacy interests, particularly in cases where charges were dismissed or the person was acquitted.

How to Find Mugshots in DeSoto County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement agencies during the booking process following an arrest. In DeSoto County, these photographs serve as visual identification records of individuals processed through the criminal justice system. Mugshots typically show the arrestee's face from the front and side (profile) views and may include a booking information board displaying the date of arrest and a unique booking number.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In DeSoto County, mugshots are primarily maintained by the following agencies:

DeSoto County Sheriff's Department
419 E. Commerce Street
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8027
DeSoto County Sheriff's Department

As the operator of the Adult Detention Facility, the Sheriff's Department maintains booking photographs for all individuals processed through the county jail.
Municipal Police Departments
- Photographs taken during arrests by city police departments may be maintained in their respective records systems before being transferred to the county.
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
1900 E. Woodrow Wilson Avenue
Jackson, MS 39216
(601) 987-1212
Mississippi Department of Public Safety

The state maintains a centralized repository of criminal history information, including mugshots, through the Criminal Information Center.

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking mugshots in DeSoto County have several options:

Submit a Public Records Request
- File a formal request with the DeSoto County Sheriff's Department Records Division
- Complete the public records request form
- Provide specific identifying information about the individual (full name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
- Pay any applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
Visit the Sheriff's Department in Person
- Request assistance from the Records Division during regular business hours
- Present identification and complete necessary request forms
- Specify the exact mugshot being sought
Contact the Arresting Agency
- If the arrest was made by a municipal police department, contact that agency directly
- Follow their specific procedures for records requests
- Provide as much identifying information as possible

Can Mugshots Be Found Online?

DeSoto County currently provides limited online access to mugshots:

The DeSoto County Adult Detention Facility Jail Docket may include booking photos of currently incarcerated individuals
These images are typically removed once the person is released from custody
Historical mugshots generally require a formal records request

Unlike some jurisdictions, DeSoto County does not maintain a comprehensive public online database of all booking photographs. This approach balances public information access with privacy considerations.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To obtain official copies of mugshots:

Submit a written request specifying:
- The full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case or booking number (if available)
- Your contact information
- Purpose of the request
Pay the required fees:
- Standard photograph reproduction fees apply
- Additional research fees may be charged for older records
- Payment methods include cash, check, or money order

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots in DeSoto County is subject to certain limitations:

Photographs related to ongoing investigations may be withheld
Juvenile mugshots (under age 18) are generally not public records
Expunged records, including associated mugshots, are not accessible to the public
Records sealed by court order are restricted from public view

Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-61-12, law enforcement agencies may deny access to certain records if disclosure would:

Impede an ongoing investigation
Reveal the identity of a confidential informant
Endanger the life or safety of a law enforcement officer
Compromise law enforcement techniques

Lookup Arrest Records in DeSoto County

Adult Detention Facility information

Public Records Request Policy

Public Record Inquiries

Justice Court records

Online Records access

Mississippi Department of Corrections public records

Mississippi Department of Public Safety

Criminal Information Center resources

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