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Hinds County Criminal Records

What Is Hinds County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Hinds County, Mississippi encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within county jurisdiction. These records serve as the official history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions maintained by various law enforcement and judicial agencies throughout the county.

Criminal records in Hinds County are categorized by several important distinctions:

  • Arrest vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of a specific offense. Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-61-12, arrest records are considered public information, though they do not necessarily indicate guilt.

  • Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies represent more serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are less severe offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration. Both categories are maintained in Hinds County criminal records systems.

  • Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for individuals 18 and older are generally public, while juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed and confidential under Mississippi Code § 43-21-261, with limited exceptions for certain serious offenses.

  • Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions that have been resolved.

Several agencies maintain criminal records in Hinds County:

Hinds County Sheriff's Office
407 E. Pascagoula Street
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 974-2900
Hinds County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records for the county.

Hinds County Circuit Court
407 E. Pascagoula Street
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 968-6628
Hinds County Circuit Court

The Circuit Court maintains felony case records, including charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, and sentencing information.

Hinds County Justice Court
407 E. Pascagoula Street
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 973-5100
Hinds County Justice Court

The Justice Court maintains records for misdemeanor cases and preliminary hearings.

Mississippi Department of Public Safety
1900 E. Woodrow Wilson Avenue
Jackson, MS 39216
(601) 987-1212
Mississippi Department of Public Safety

The state agency maintains comprehensive criminal history information for individuals across Mississippi, including Hinds County.

Hinds County criminal records typically include documentation of:

  • Initial arrests and bookings
  • Formal charges filed
  • Arraignment proceedings
  • Plea agreements
  • Trial records
  • Verdict and judgment information
  • Sentencing details
  • Probation and parole records

These records are maintained in accordance with Mississippi Code § 9-7-128, which establishes requirements for court record maintenance.

Are Criminal Records Public In Hinds County

Criminal records in Hinds County are generally considered public information under the Mississippi Public Records Act, specifically Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 et seq. This statute establishes that public records shall be "public property, and any person shall have the right to inspect, copy or mechanically reproduce or obtain a reproduction of any public record of a public body in accordance with reasonable written procedures."

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, or required to be maintained by any public body."

In Hinds County, the following criminal records are typically accessible to the public:

  • Adult arrest records
  • Court dockets and case files for adult criminal proceedings
  • Conviction records
  • Sentencing information
  • Incarceration records
  • Sex offender registry information

However, certain criminal records remain restricted from public access, including:

  • Records pertaining to ongoing investigations, as protected under Mississippi Code § 25-61-12(2)(a)
  • Juvenile records (with limited exceptions for violent offenses), as protected under Mississippi Code § 43-21-261
  • Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order
  • Records containing confidential informant information
  • Grand jury proceedings and materials
  • Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety's Criminal Information Center serves as the central repository for criminal history information in the state, including records from Hinds County. While these records are considered public, access may require proper identification and payment of applicable fees.

It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, the agencies maintaining these records may have specific procedures for requesting access, and certain information within the records may be redacted to protect privacy interests or sensitive information as permitted by law.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Hinds County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Hinds County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, each with specific procedures and limitations.

In-Person Requests at the Hinds County Circuit Clerk's Office:

Hinds County Circuit Clerk
407 E. Pascagoula Street
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 968-6628
Hinds County Circuit Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

To request criminal records in person:

  1. Visit the Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours
  2. Complete a public records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth
  3. Present valid government-issued photo identification
  4. Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $15.00 for a record search plus $1.00 per page for copies)
  5. Allow staff time to process the request, which may be fulfilled immediately or within 7 business days for more complex searches

Mail Requests:

  1. Download and complete the Public Records Request Form from the county website
  2. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
  3. Enclose a money order or cashier's check for applicable fees
  4. Mail the request to:
    Hinds County Circuit Clerk
    Attn: Records Department
    P.O. Box 327
    Jackson, MS 39205

Hinds County Justice Court Records:

Hinds County Justice Court
407 E. Pascagoula Street
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 973-5100
Hinds County Justice Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

For misdemeanor cases and preliminary hearings:

  1. Visit the Justice Court clerk's office
  2. Provide the subject's name and case information if available
  3. Pay applicable search and copy fees
  4. Review records on-site or request copies

State-Level Criminal History Records:

Mississippi Criminal Information Center
3891 Highway 468 West
Pearl, MS 39208
(601) 933-2600
Mississippi Criminal Information Center
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

For comprehensive state criminal history:

  1. Submit a completed Mississippi Criminal History Record Request Form
  2. Include a set of fingerprints taken by a law enforcement agency
  3. Provide a copy of government-issued photo identification
  4. Include payment of $32.00 (money order or cashier's check)
  5. Mail or deliver in person to the address above

Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 45-27-11, individuals may also request their own criminal history records for review and potential challenge of inaccuracies.

When requesting criminal records, requestors should be prepared to provide as much identifying information as possible, including full name, date of birth, and case numbers if available, to ensure accurate results.

How To Find Criminal Records in Hinds County Online?

Hinds County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records information. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope and depth of available information may vary by system.

Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) System:

The Mississippi Electronic Courts system provides online access to court records for participating counties, including Hinds County. To access these records:

  1. Visit the MEC Public Access portal at https://courts.ms.gov/mec/
  2. Create a user account if you don't already have one
  3. Select "Hinds County" from the jurisdiction menu
  4. Search by name, case number, or filing date
  5. Pay applicable fees for document access ($10.00 registration fee plus $0.20 per page for documents)

The MEC system contains:

  • Case docket information
  • Party information
  • Judgment details
  • Case status updates
  • Filed documents (some may require payment to view)

Hinds County Sheriff's Inmate Search:

The Hinds County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search tool for current jail population:

  1. Visit the Hinds County Sheriff's Office website
  2. Navigate to the "Inmate Search" section
  3. Enter the individual's name or booking number
  4. Review results showing current inmates, booking date, charges, and bond information

This database only includes current inmates and does not provide historical incarceration records.

Mississippi Department of Corrections Inmate Search:

For individuals sentenced to state prison from Hinds County:

  1. Visit the Mississippi Department of Corrections Inmate Search portal
  2. Enter the individual's name or MDOC ID number
  3. Review results showing current inmates, sentence information, location, and tentative release dates

Mississippi Sex Offender Registry:

To search for registered sex offenders in Hinds County:

  1. Visit the Mississippi Sex Offender Registry
  2. Select "Hinds County" from the county dropdown menu
  3. Optionally enter a name, address, or zip code to narrow results
  4. Review detailed offender information including photos, addresses, and offense details

The registry is maintained by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety's Criminal Information Center in accordance with state law.

Online Record Request Portal:

Hinds County has implemented an online records request system:

  1. Visit the Hinds County Records Request Portal
  2. Create a user account
  3. Complete the electronic request form with specific information about the records sought
  4. Submit payment for applicable fees
  5. Receive notification when records are available for electronic delivery

When using online systems, users should note that:

  • Some records may not be available electronically and may require in-person requests
  • Certain case details may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
  • Historical records may have limited availability in digital format
  • Registration and fees may apply to access certain information

Online access to criminal records is governed by the same legal provisions that apply to physical records, including Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 et seq.

Can You Search Hinds County Criminal Records for Free?

Hinds County provides several options for free access to criminal records, though certain limitations apply to these no-cost services. The Mississippi Public Records Act, specifically Mississippi Code § 25-61-7, permits agencies to charge "reasonably calculated" fees to cover actual costs of searching, reviewing, and duplicating records, but also allows for free inspection of records in many circumstances.

Free In-Person Inspection Options:

Hinds County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
407 E. Pascagoula Street
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 968-6628
Hinds County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Members of the public may:

  • Inspect publicly available court records at no cost during regular business hours
  • Use public access terminals to view case information
  • Review docket sheets and case indexes without charge
  • Take notes from records without incurring fees

While inspection is free, copying services incur standard fees ($1.00 per page).

Hinds County Justice Court
407 E. Pascagoula Street
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 973-5100
Hinds County Justice Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Similar free inspection policies apply for misdemeanor and preliminary hearing records.

Free Online Resources:

Several online resources provide free access to limited criminal records information:

  • Hinds County Sheriff's Current Inmate Roster: The Sheriff's Office website provides free access to current jail population information, including inmate names, booking dates, and charges.

  • Mississippi Department of Corrections Inmate Search: The MDOC Inmate Search portal offers free access to information about individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities, including those sentenced from Hinds County.

  • Mississippi Sex Offender Registry: The public sex offender database provides free access to information about registered sex offenders residing in Hinds County.

  • Court Docket Information: Basic case information, including hearing dates and case status, is available through the Mississippi Electronic Courts system without charge, though document access requires payment.

Free Access Limitations:

While free options exist, users should be aware of these limitations:

  • Comprehensive criminal background checks typically require payment of statutory fees
  • Document copies, certifications, and extensive searches generally incur costs
  • Staff assistance for complex searches may trigger fee requirements
  • Electronic document access through the MEC system requires registration fees and per-page charges
  • Historical records may not be available through free online resources

For individuals seeking their own records, Mississippi Code § 45-27-11 provides a mechanism to review personal criminal history information, though fees may apply for official copies.

Media representatives and researchers conducting investigations in the public interest may request fee waivers in certain circumstances, subject to approval by the records custodian.

What's Included in a Hinds County Criminal Record?

Criminal records maintained in Hinds County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information that collectively provide a detailed account of criminal proceedings.

Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name and known aliases
  • Date of birth and age
  • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
  • Mugshot or booking photograph
  • Current and previous addresses
  • State Identification (SID) number
  • FBI number (if applicable)
  • Fingerprint classification
  • Social Security Number (partially redacted in public records)
  • Driver's license number (partially redacted in public records)

Arrest Information:

  • Date and time of arrest
  • Arresting agency and officer information
  • Booking number and facility
  • Charges filed at arrest (including statute numbers)
  • Probable cause statements
  • Bail or bond amount and status
  • Pre-trial detention information
  • Arresting agency case numbers

Court Case Information:

  • Court case number and filing date
  • Court of jurisdiction (Circuit, Justice, Municipal)
  • Judge assigned to the case
  • Prosecutor information
  • Defense attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
  • Charges filed by the prosecutor (may differ from arrest charges)
  • Statute citations for alleged violations
  • Classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor)
  • Plea information
  • Motion filings and judicial rulings
  • Trial information (if applicable)
  • Witness lists (may be partially redacted)

Disposition and Sentencing Information:

  • Case outcome (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
  • Conviction date (if applicable)
  • Sentencing details:
    • Incarceration terms and facility
    • Probation conditions and duration
    • Fines and court costs imposed
    • Restitution orders
    • Community service requirements
    • Treatment program mandates
  • Post-conviction proceedings
  • Appeal information (if applicable)
  • Probation/parole status and violations
  • Completion of sentence documentation

Additional Information:

  • Active warrants (if any)
  • Protective or restraining orders
  • Sex offender registration requirements
  • Habitual offender status
  • DUI/DWI history
  • Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
  • Pending charges in other jurisdictions
  • Prior criminal history references

Criminal records in Hinds County are maintained in accordance with Mississippi Code § 9-7-128, which establishes requirements for court record maintenance. The comprehensiveness of individual records may vary based on the nature of the case, the maintaining agency, and the age of the records.

It should be noted that while these elements typically comprise a complete criminal record, certain information may be redacted or restricted in publicly available versions to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or sensitive information as permitted by Mississippi Code § 25-61-12.

How Long Does Hinds County Keep Criminal Records?

Hinds County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by Mississippi state law and administrative regulations. These schedules vary by record type and severity of offense, with some records preserved permanently while others have defined retention periods.

The Mississippi Records Retention Schedules for local government records, administered by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-59-1 et seq, establishes the following retention periods for criminal records:

Court Records Retention:

  • Felony case files: Permanent retention
  • Misdemeanor case files: 20 years after case closure
  • Traffic violations: 5 years after case closure
  • Court dockets: Permanent retention
  • Grand jury records: Permanent retention
  • Court exhibits: Until all appeals exhausted plus 3 years
  • Court recordings and transcripts: 10 years after case closure for misdemeanors; permanent for felonies

Law Enforcement Records Retention:

  • Arrest reports: 30 years
  • Incident reports: 5 years
  • Investigation files for unsolved felonies: Permanent
  • Investigation files for solved felonies: 30 years after case closure
  • Investigation files for misdemeanors: 5 years after case closure
  • Booking records: 30 years
  • Jail registers and dockets: Permanent
  • Fingerprint cards: Permanent
  • Mug shots: 30 years

Probation and Parole Records:

  • Felony probation/parole files: 10 years after discharge from supervision
  • Misdemeanor probation files: 5 years after discharge from supervision

Special Categories:

  • Sex offender registration information: Permanent (lifetime registration required for most offenses under Mississippi Code § 45-33-47)
  • Capital offense records: Permanent
  • Expunged records: Physical destruction required by court order, though index references may be maintained

It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after their retention period expires, electronic indices or summary information may be maintained for longer periods. Additionally, records that have been digitized may be retained indefinitely in electronic format even after physical copies are destroyed.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains criminal history information at the state level indefinitely, including records originating from Hinds County, unless a court-ordered expungement is granted.

Records subject to ongoing litigation, audit, or investigation may be retained beyond their scheduled destruction date until the matter is resolved, regardless of the standard retention period.

Individuals seeking information about records that may have exceeded their retention period should contact the specific agency that created the record to determine if the information is still available.

Lookup Criminal Records in Hinds County

Mississippi Department of Corrections Inmate Search

Mississippi Offender Registry

Mississippi Department of Corrections

Mississippi Department of Public Safety

Mississippi Criminal Information Center