DeSoto County Public Records /DeSoto County Court Records

DeSoto County Court Records

What Is DeSoto County Court Records

Court records in DeSoto County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of case-related information maintained by various courts operating within DeSoto County, Mississippi. Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-61-3, court records are classified as public records subject to specific access provisions.

DeSoto County court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and petitions
Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status
Judicial orders and final judgments
Transcripts of court proceedings
Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
Settlement agreements in civil cases

These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax assessments, which are maintained by separate county departments. The DeSoto County Chancery Clerk's office serves as the primary custodian for many court records, with its operations divided into three departments: Land Records, Court Records, and Taxes.

The following courts maintain records within DeSoto County:

Circuit Court (felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $200,000)
Chancery Court (equity matters, divorces, property disputes)
County Court (misdemeanors, civil matters under $200,000)
Justice Court (small claims, misdemeanors, traffic violations)
Municipal Courts (city ordinance violations, misdemeanors)
Youth Court (juvenile matters)

Court records encompass documentation from civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law proceedings, probate matters, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. The maintenance and accessibility of these records are governed by the Mississippi Public Records Act and court administrative rules.

Are Court Records Public In DeSoto County

Court records in DeSoto County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Mississippi Public Records Act § 25-61-1 et seq., which establishes the presumption that government records, including court documents, shall be available for public inspection. Additionally, the principle of open courts is enshrined in Article 3, Section 24 of the Mississippi Constitution, which states that "all courts shall be open."

The following court records are typically available for public access:

Civil case files (complaints, answers, motions, orders)
Criminal case files (post-charging, including indictments and informations)
Final judgments and court orders
Docket sheets showing case progression
Hearing and trial schedules
Property records related to judgments and liens

However, certain categories of court records may be restricted or sealed pursuant to statutory provisions or judicial discretion. Under Mississippi Code § 25-61-9, records containing trade secrets, confidential commercial information, or sensitive personal information may be exempt from public disclosure.

Records that are commonly restricted include:

Juvenile court proceedings (except as provided in § 43-21-261)
Adoption records
Mental health commitment proceedings
Records sealed by court order
Certain domestic violence and abuse cases
Grand jury proceedings
Pre-sentence investigation reports

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi (which includes DeSoto County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system.

The Mississippi Supreme Court has established rules regarding public access to court records, which are implemented by local courts including those in DeSoto County. These rules balance the presumption of openness with privacy concerns and the administration of justice.

How To Find Court Records in DeSoto County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in DeSoto County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county maintains multiple systems for record retrieval, depending on the court and record type.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

DeSoto County Chancery Clerk's Office
365 Losher Street, Suite 100
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8000
DeSoto County Chancery Clerk

Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

The process for obtaining court records involves:

Determining which court holds the records of interest (Circuit, Chancery, County, Justice, or Municipal)
Preparing specific case information if available (case number, party names, filing date)
Submitting a public records request form to the appropriate clerk's office
Paying applicable search and copy fees as established by Mississippi Code § 25-7-9
Allowing processing time, which varies based on record age and complexity

For Circuit Court records, requestors should contact:

DeSoto County Circuit Clerk's Office
2535 Highway 51 South
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8007
DeSoto County Circuit Court

For Justice Court records, inquiries should be directed to:

DeSoto County Justice Court
365 Losher Street
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8097
DeSoto County Justice Court

Written requests may be submitted by mail with the following information:

Requestor's contact information
Specific case details (names, dates, case numbers if known)
Description of records sought
Preferred delivery method (mail, email, in-person pickup)

Fees for court records typically include:

Search fees: $5-10 per name/case
Copy fees: $1.00 per page
Certification fees: $1.00-5.00 per document

Payment methods accepted include cash, check, money order, and credit cards (in person only).

How To Look Up Court Records in DeSoto County Online?

DeSoto County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These online resources allow for remote searches of various court documents without requiring physical visits to courthouse facilities.

The primary online portals for DeSoto County court records include:

Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) - This system contains civil and criminal cases from Circuit and County Courts, including judgment rolls. All users must register through the MEC site to access these records. Registration requires creating an account and paying applicable fees for document downloads. The system allows searches by party name, case number, or filing date.
DeSoto County Public Records Search - This portal provides access to land records, deeds, mortgages, and property-related court documents maintained by the Chancery Clerk's office. The system offers search options including:
- Deed searches
- Lien verification
- Property records
- Marriage licenses
- Military discharge records (DD-214)
Justice Court Public Portal - This dedicated system allows searches of Justice Court cases, including:
- Criminal misdemeanor cases
- Civil disputes under $3,500
- Traffic violations
- Small claims matters
DeSoto County Online Records - This comprehensive portal provides access to various records maintained by the Chancery Clerk, including:
- Land records dating back to county formation
- Court filings
- Tax records
- Board of Supervisors minutes

To conduct an effective online search:

Select the appropriate portal based on the record type needed
Create an account if required (particularly for MEC access)
Enter search criteria (case number is most precise, but party names can be used)
Review search results to identify relevant records
Pay any applicable fees for viewing or downloading documents
Save or print records as needed for future reference

Online access is available 24 hours per day, though system maintenance may occasionally limit availability. Technical support for these systems is available during regular business hours through the respective clerk's offices.

How To Search DeSoto County Court Records for Free?

Mississippi law provides for public inspection of court records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-61-7, public bodies may charge only the actual cost of searching, reviewing, and duplicating records.

Free access options in DeSoto County include:

In-Person Inspection - Members of the public may visit the appropriate clerk's office during regular business hours to view court records without charge. Public access terminals are available at:

DeSoto County Courthouse
365 Losher Street
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8000

Visitors may take notes from records but must pay for any copies requested.
Justice Court Public Portal - This online system provides free basic case information for Justice Court matters, including:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names
- Charge information (criminal cases)
- Hearing dates
- Case status and disposition
DeSoto County Online Records Search - This portal offers free index searches of Chancery Court records, though document viewing may require fees.
Public Library Access - The following libraries provide free public computer access that can be used to search court records:

M.R. Davis Public Library
8554 Northwest Drive
Southaven, MS 38671
(662) 342-0102

Hernando Public Library
370 West Commerce Street
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 429-4439

When utilizing free search options, researchers should note:

Basic case information is generally available without charge
Document viewing and printing typically incur fees
Older records may not be available through free online systems
Complex searches may require staff assistance and associated fees
Certified copies always require payment of statutory fees

For comprehensive searches spanning multiple courts or case types, the Public Record Inquiries page on the DeSoto County website provides guidance on accessing various record systems.

What's Included in a DeSoto County Court Record?

DeSoto County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with content varying by case type and court jurisdiction. These records typically include several standard components as well as case-specific documentation.

Standard components found in most court records include:

Case Initiation Documents - Complaints, petitions, indictments, or informations that commence legal proceedings
Docket Sheets - Chronological listings of all filings, hearings, and actions in a case
Party Information - Names and contact details for plaintiffs, defendants, attorneys, and other involved parties
Judicial Orders - Written directives from judges regarding motions, evidence, or procedural matters
Final Judgments - Court decisions resolving the case and specifying relief granted
Financial Records - Documentation of filing fees, fines, restitution, and other monetary transactions

Specific case types contain additional specialized documents:

Civil Case Records:

Summonses and returns of service
Answers and counterclaims
Discovery materials (if filed with the court)
Motions for summary judgment
Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
Jury verdicts
Appeals documentation

Criminal Case Records:

Arrest warrants and affidavits
Bail and bond information
Preliminary hearing transcripts
Plea agreements
Pre-sentence investigation reports (often restricted)
Sentencing orders
Probation/parole conditions

Family Court Records:

Divorce petitions and decrees
Child custody and support orders
Parenting plans
Financial disclosure statements
Qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs)
Adoption proceedings (often sealed)

Probate Records:

Wills and codicils
Letters testamentary or administration
Inventories of estate assets
Claims against estates
Distribution orders
Guardianship appointments

Land Records:

Property dispute filings
Quiet title actions
Foreclosure proceedings
Partition actions
Easement disputes
Boundary determination cases

Court records may also include transcripts of hearings and trials, though these are typically produced only upon specific request and payment of transcription fees. Exhibits entered into evidence during proceedings may be referenced in the record but are not always maintained permanently with the case file.

How Long Does DeSoto County Keep Court Records?

DeSoto County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-59-1 et seq., the Local Government Records Act. These schedules vary by record type and significance, with certain records designated for permanent preservation.

The standard retention periods for major court record categories include:

Permanent Retention Records:

Circuit Court judgment rolls and minute books
Chancery Court case files involving real property
Wills and estate administration records
Adoption proceedings
Marriage licenses and records
Land records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
Civil judgments affecting title to real property
Criminal case files for felony convictions

Extended Retention Records:

Felony case files (non-capital): 25 years after final disposition
Divorce proceedings: 75 years
Child custody matters: Until youngest child reaches age 25
Civil judgments: 7 years after satisfaction or 20 years after entry
Misdemeanor convictions: 10 years after completion of sentence
Domestic violence cases: 20 years

Limited Retention Records:

Traffic violations: 5 years after disposition
Small claims cases: 7 years after judgment
Civil cases not involving real property: 10 years after final disposition
Dismissed criminal charges: 3 years after dismissal
Administrative appeals: 5 years after final decision

The DeSoto County Chancery Clerk's Office has undertaken extensive digitization efforts to preserve historical records, with some documents dating back to the county's formation in 1836. These digital archives ensure the preservation of historically significant records beyond their physical retention periods.

Records scheduled for destruction are reviewed by the county records committee before disposal, with notice provided to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Records with historical significance may be transferred to state archives rather than destroyed.

Researchers seeking older records should note that storage location varies based on age:

Current records (less than 5 years old): Maintained in active files at respective clerk's offices
Intermediate records (5-20 years old): May be in off-site storage requiring retrieval time
Historical records (over 20 years old): May be archived, microfilmed, or digitized

Types of Courts In DeSoto County

DeSoto County's judicial system comprises several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority. Each court handles specific case types and maintains its own records.

DeSoto County Circuit Court
2535 Highway 51 South
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8007
DeSoto County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

The Circuit Court is DeSoto County's court of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal prosecutions, civil matters exceeding $200,000, and appeals from lower courts. The court operates in the 3rd Circuit Court District of Mississippi.

DeSoto County Chancery Court
365 Losher Street, Suite 100
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8000
DeSoto County Chancery Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

The Chancery Court handles equity matters including divorces, child custody, property disputes, estates, guardianships, and mental commitments. DeSoto County is in the 3rd Chancery Court District.

DeSoto County Court
2535 Highway 51 South
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8347
DeSoto County Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

The County Court has jurisdiction over civil matters up to $200,000, misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings in felony cases, and youth court proceedings.

DeSoto County Justice Court
365 Losher Street
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8097
DeSoto County Justice Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Justice Court handles small claims civil cases up to $3,500, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and preliminary matters in felony cases.

Hernando Municipal Court
475 West Commerce Street
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 429-9096
Hernando Municipal Court
Court Sessions: Tuesdays, 8:30 AM

Southaven Municipal Court
8710 Northwest Drive
Southaven, MS 38671
(662) 393-5631
Southaven Municipal Court
Court Sessions: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 AM

Olive Branch Municipal Court
6900 Highland Street
Olive Branch, MS 38654
(662) 892-9500
Olive Branch Municipal Court
Court Sessions: Wednesdays, 8:30 AM

Horn Lake Municipal Court
3101 Goodman Road West
Horn Lake, MS 38637
(662) 393-6174
Horn Lake Municipal Court
Court Sessions: Mondays, 8:30 AM

The court hierarchy in Mississippi proceeds from Municipal and Justice Courts (limited jurisdiction) to County and Circuit/Chancery Courts (general jurisdiction), with appeals advancing to the Mississippi Court of Appeals and ultimately to the Mississippi Supreme Court.

What Types of Cases Do DeSoto County Courts Hear?

DeSoto County's various courts adjudicate distinct categories of cases according to their statutory jurisdiction. Each court is authorized to hear specific matter types as established by Mississippi law.

Circuit Court Case Types:

Felony criminal prosecutions
Civil lawsuits exceeding $200,000 in damages
Appeals from County, Justice, and Municipal Courts
Civil rights actions
Complex commercial litigation
Medical malpractice claims
Product liability lawsuits
Wrongful death actions
Post-conviction relief petitions
Habeas corpus proceedings

Chancery Court Case Types:

Divorce and annulment proceedings
Child custody and support determinations
Property division in domestic relations
Estate administration and probate
Will contests and inheritance disputes
Guardianships and conservatorships
Land title disputes
Property boundary determinations
Foreclosure proceedings
Mental commitment hearings
Adoption cases
Name change petitions
Business partnership disputes

County Court Case Types:

Civil matters with damages between $0 and $200,000
Misdemeanor criminal prosecutions
Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Youth Court proceedings (juvenile delinquency)
Child abuse and neglect cases
Emancipation of minors
Appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts
Drug Court program administration

Justice Court Case Types:

Civil disputes up to $3,500
Landlord-tenant evictions
Small claims proceedings
Misdemeanor criminal cases
Traffic violations
DUI cases (first offense)
Preliminary hearings in felony matters
Peace bond issuances
Search warrant applications

Municipal Court Case Types:

City ordinance violations
Misdemeanor offenses occurring within city limits
Traffic infractions within municipal boundaries
Public intoxication cases
Shoplifting (petty)
Disturbing the peace
Simple assault and domestic violence (first offense)
DUI cases (first offense)

Case assignment follows jurisdictional rules established in Mississippi Code § 9-7-81 (Circuit Court), § 9-5-81 (Chancery Court), § 9-9-21 (County Court), and § 9-11-9 (Justice Court). These statutes define the subject matter jurisdiction of each court within the county's judicial system.

How To Find a Court Docket In DeSoto County

Court dockets in DeSoto County provide chronological listings of scheduled court proceedings, including hearings, trials, and other judicial events. These schedules are accessible through multiple channels depending on the specific court.

To access Circuit and County Court dockets:

Visit the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) portal
Create a user account if you don't already have one
Select "DeSoto County" from the jurisdiction menu
Choose "Calendar" or "Docket" from the search options
Specify date range and case type parameters
Review results showing scheduled proceedings

For Justice Court dockets:

Access the DeSoto County Justice Court Public Portal
Select "Search Criminal Cases" or "Search Civil Cases"
Enter search criteria (date range preferred)
View upcoming court dates and scheduled hearings

Municipal Court dockets can be accessed by:

Contacting the specific municipal court clerk's office directly
Visiting the municipal court in person during business hours
Checking the city's official website for published court calendars

For in-person docket inquiries, visit:

DeSoto County Circuit Clerk's Office
2535 Highway 51 South
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8007

DeSoto County Justice Court Clerk's Office
365 Losher Street
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8097

Docket information typically includes:

Case numbers and styles (party names)
Presiding judge assignment
Hearing type (arraignment, motion, trial, etc.)
Scheduled date, time, and courtroom
Attorney information when applicable

For specialized dockets such as grand jury proceedings or drug court sessions, inquiries should be directed to the Circuit Clerk's office, as these schedules may not be publicly posted. Criminal dockets for the current term of court are typically posted in the courthouse lobby as required by Mississippi Code § 13-5-33.

Which Courts in DeSoto County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the Mississippi judicial system, "courts of record" are those required by law to maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings and formal documentation of all actions taken. Conversely, "courts not of record" do not routinely create or preserve verbatim transcripts, though they maintain case files and dockets. This distinction is established in Mississippi Code § 9-1-5, which defines courts of record.

In DeSoto County, the following courts are classified as courts not of record:

Justice Court Justice Courts handle minor civil disputes, misdemeanors, and preliminary matters in felony cases. While these courts maintain case files and judgment records, they do not create verbatim transcripts of proceedings unless specifically requested by a party for appeal purposes. Appeals from Justice Court proceed to County Court or Circuit Court as de novo proceedings, meaning the case is heard anew rather than reviewed based on a lower court record.

Municipal Courts All municipal courts in DeSoto County, including those in Hernando, Southaven, Olive Branch, and Horn Lake, are courts not of record. These courts adjudicate city ordinance violations, traffic infractions, and misdemeanors occurring within city limits. Like Justice Courts, they maintain basic case documentation but not comprehensive transcripts. Appeals from Municipal Courts are heard de novo in County Court.

The practical implications of a court not being a court of record include:

Proceedings are not automatically transcribed
Appeals are conducted as entirely new trials (de novo)
Formal rules of evidence may be applied less stringently
Judges have greater procedural flexibility
Proceedings are typically less formal

By contrast, DeSoto County's courts of record include:

Circuit Court
Chancery Court
County Court

These courts employ court reporters who create verbatim transcripts of all proceedings. Appeals from these courts to the Mississippi Court of Appeals or Supreme Court are based on the official record created at the trial level.

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for litigants considering appeal options, as the appeal process differs substantially depending on the originating court's classification.