DeSoto County Criminal Records
What Is DeSoto County Criminal Records
Criminal records in DeSoto County, Mississippi encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within county jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-61-1, also known as the Mississippi Public Records Act, which establishes the framework for record creation, maintenance, and access.
Criminal records in DeSoto County are categorized by several important distinctions:
- Arrest vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when law enforcement takes a person into custody based on probable cause, while conviction records indicate a formal finding of guilt by a court.
- Felony vs. Misdemeanor: Felonies represent more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are lesser offenses typically punishable by up to one year in county jail.
- Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Adult records (18 and older) are generally public, while juvenile records are sealed under Mississippi Code § 43-21-261 to protect minors.
- Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in DeSoto County:
DeSoto County Sheriff's Office
365 Losher Street
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8027
DeSoto County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and operates the Adult Detention Facility where inmate records are kept.
DeSoto County Circuit Court
2535 Highway 51 South
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8007
DeSoto County Courts
The Circuit Court maintains felony case records, including charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, and sentencing information.
DeSoto County Justice Court
2535 Highway 51 South
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8350
DeSoto County Justice Court
The Justice Court handles misdemeanor cases, initial appearances, and preliminary hearings for felony cases.
Criminal records typically include documentation of the entire criminal justice process: charges filed, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing details, and probation or parole information.
Are Criminal Records Public In DeSoto County
Criminal records in DeSoto County are generally considered public documents under the Mississippi Public Records Act § 25-61-1, which states: "It is the policy of the Legislature that public records must be available for inspection by any person unless otherwise provided by this act." This statute establishes the presumption of openness for government records, including criminal records.
The Mississippi Public Records Act specifically defines public records in § 25-61-3(b) as:
"Public records" shall mean 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, or required to be maintained by any public body.
Under current law, the following criminal records are generally accessible to the public:
- Adult arrest records
- Court proceedings and case files for adults
- Conviction records
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
However, certain criminal records remain restricted from public access:
- Active criminal investigations, as protected under § 25-61-12
- Grand jury proceedings, which remain confidential
- Juvenile records, which are sealed under Mississippi Code § 43-21-261
- Expunged or sealed records
- Records containing sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers or medical information
DeSoto County has established a formal Public Records Request Policy to facilitate access to public records while ensuring compliance with state law regarding protected information.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In DeSoto County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in DeSoto County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county provides both in-person and online options for record retrieval.
For in-person requests at the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office:
- Visit the Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Complete the standard public records request form, available at the counter
- Provide specific information about the record sought (name, date of birth, case number)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for copies ($0.50 per page for standard copies)
- Allow up to 7 business days for processing as permitted under Mississippi law
DeSoto County Sheriff's Office Records Division
365 Losher Street
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8027
DeSoto County Sheriff's Office
For court records at the Circuit Clerk's Office:
- Visit the Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours
- Request access to public terminals for searching court records
- Provide case number or name information to the clerk
- Review records on-site or request copies ($1.00 per page)
- Certified copies of court documents are available for an additional fee
DeSoto County Circuit Clerk
2535 Highway 51 South
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8007
Public Record Inquiries
For written requests by mail:
- Submit a formal written request to the appropriate agency
- Include specific information about the records sought
- Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting return by mail
- Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
Pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act, agencies must respond to requests within 7 working days. Requests may be denied if they fall under statutory exemptions or require extensive redaction.
How To Find Criminal Records in DeSoto County Online?
DeSoto County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests.
The Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system serves as the primary portal for accessing court records in DeSoto County. As of October 25, 2021, the DeSoto County Circuit Clerk's office implemented e-filing for Circuit and County Court cases. To access these records:
- Visit the Public Record Inquiries page
- Select the appropriate court system (Circuit, County, or Justice Court)
- Create a user account if required
- Search by name, case number, or filing date
- Pay applicable fees for document access ($10 subscription fee plus per-document charges)
The DeSoto County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search function:
- Navigate to the Adult Detention Facility page
- Select the inmate search option
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- View current custody status and basic case information
For Justice Court records, DeSoto County provides a dedicated portal:
- Access the Justice Court Public Inquiry system
- Search by defendant name, case number, or citation number
- View case status, charges, and scheduled court dates
The Chancery Clerk's office has digitized many records through their Online Records portal, which includes:
- Land records
- Marriage records
- Tax sale information
- Board minutes and resolutions
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete historical records, as digitization efforts are ongoing. Records predating electronic systems may require in-person requests. Additionally, certain sensitive information may be redacted from online versions of documents in accordance with privacy laws.
Can You Search DeSoto County Criminal Records for Free?
The Mississippi Public Records Act establishes the right of public inspection for government records, including criminal records. Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-61-7, agencies may charge "reasonably calculated" fees to cover actual costs of searching, reviewing, and duplicating records, but in-person inspection of records is generally available without charge.
DeSoto County offers several free options for accessing criminal records:
Free In-Person Inspection Locations:
DeSoto County Circuit Clerk's Office
2535 Highway 51 South
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8007
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Members of the public may inspect publicly available court records using designated terminals at no cost. Printing or copying documents incurs standard fees.
DeSoto County Justice Court
2535 Highway 51 South
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8350
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Case files for misdemeanor offenses and preliminary hearings may be reviewed on-site without charge.
Free Online Resources:
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The Justice Court Public Inquiry system provides free access to basic case information, including defendant name, charges, and court dates.
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The Sheriff's Office inmate roster allows free searches of current jail population and recent bookings.
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The DeSoto County website provides free access to the sex offender registry and most wanted lists.
While basic record searches are available without charge, fees apply for:
- Printed copies of documents ($0.50-$1.00 per page)
- Certified copies of court records ($5.00 per document)
- Background check reports ($15.00-$25.00)
- Extensive record searches requiring staff research time
- Subscription access to comprehensive online court records
The county's Public Records Request Policy outlines the complete fee schedule for various record types and formats.
What's Included in a DeSoto County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in DeSoto County typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The specific content varies based on the record type and maintaining agency, but generally includes:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Mugshot or booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest
- Probable cause statement
- Bail or bond amount
- Custody status
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (Circuit, County, or Justice Court)
- Assigned judge
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Statutory citations and offense classification (felony/misdemeanor)
- Plea entered
- Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
- Court appearances and hearing dates
- Motions filed and rulings
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentence details:
- Incarceration length and facility
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines, court costs, and restitution
- Community service requirements
- Treatment or program mandates
- Appeals filed and outcomes
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or pending charges
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Probation or parole status reports
Records maintained by the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office focus primarily on arrest, booking, and detention information, while court records contain the legal proceedings and case dispositions. The comprehensiveness of records depends on case complexity and age, with more recent records typically containing more detailed information.
How Long Does DeSoto County Keep Criminal Records?
DeSoto County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established under Mississippi Code § 25-59-1, the Mississippi Archives and Records Management Law. This statute authorizes the Department of Archives and History to establish retention periods for government records, including criminal records.
The retention periods for various criminal record types in DeSoto County are as follows:
Arrest Records and Booking Information:
- Adult arrest records: Permanent retention
- Booking photographs (mugshots): 75 years
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention
- Arrest warrants (executed): 20 years after execution
- Arrest warrants (unexecuted): Until expiration or recall
Court Records:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 20 years after case closure
- Traffic violations: 5 years after case closure
- Court dockets and indexes: Permanent retention
- Grand jury records: Permanent retention (access restricted)
- Court exhibits: Retained until all appeals exhausted, then returned or destroyed
Incarceration Records:
- Jail admission and release records: 10 years
- Inmate medical records: 10 years after release
- Disciplinary reports: 5 years after inmate release
- Visitor logs: 3 years
Probation and Parole Records:
- Probation case files: 10 years after discharge
- Parole supervision records: 10 years after discharge
- Pre-sentence investigation reports: 10 years
Records may be maintained beyond these minimum periods at the discretion of the maintaining agency. Additionally, records designated as having historical significance may be transferred to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History for permanent preservation.
Expunged records receive special handling pursuant to Mississippi Code § 99-19-71. When a court orders expungement, physical records are sealed and electronic records removed from public access systems, though they remain available to law enforcement and courts for specific purposes.