Mississippi Criminal Records

Mississippi criminal records, officially referred to in Mississippi Code § 45-27-3 as "criminal history record information," encompasses data collected by criminal justice agencies at various government levels regarding individuals. These records include identifiable descriptions and information on arrests, detentions, indictments, affidavits, formal charges, dispositions, sentencing, correctional supervision, and release.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety is the custodian of criminal records in Mississippi. Criminal records obtained from this agency typically include the following information:

• The full name of the individual and any potential aliases
• Personal details such as age, date of birth, gender, ethnicity, height, weight, and other physical attributes
• Fingerprints and a mugshot
• Convictions and charges related to misdemeanor criminal offenses
• Convictions and charges for felony criminal offenses
• Traffic-related records
• Historical and current arrest warrants
• Previous arrests
• Charges that were pending and subsequently dismissed.

Are Criminal Records Public in Mississippi?

Yes. Under Mississippi Code § 25–61–3, the state designates criminal records as public records available for scrutiny by the general public. The statute considers any record within the possession of a public body as a public record. However, Mississippi Code § 25–1–109 restricts law enforcement agencies from revealing the identity of an individual arrested, cited, or detained for a misdemeanor. These records remain confidential unless the person faces formal charges and arrest for the offense. Access to such information is limited to law enforcement agencies, the Mississippi Department of Human Services, and child daycare providers unless formal charges and arrests occur.

Mississippi Crime Records by County

In Mississippi, local criminal justice agencies, including police departments and sheriff's offices, play a crucial role in generating and maintaining crime data and records within their jurisdictions. This information is collated and subsequently forwarded to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Criminal Information Center, the central repository for the state's criminal records.

The variation in crime rates among populous counties is notably influenced by differences in population size. Larger populations often correlate with higher crime rates and increased reporting. Additionally, education levels within counties contribute to these variations, with higher-educated populations generally experiencing lower crime rates. Education equips individuals with the knowledge to make lawful decisions and actively engage in crime prevention initiatives.

Mississippi Criminal Record Check

Requesters may employ local, state, and federal resources in performing a criminal background check in Mississippi:

Getting Criminal Records at the County Level

Individuals seeking a local criminal background check can make their request through a sheriff's office or police department. The agency's website typically details the request procedure, or interested parties can obtain relevant information by reaching out to a specified contact number.

For example, the Public Records Division of the Harrison County Sheriff's Office offers criminal history and background checks for pre-employment purposes. Requesters are required to download a copy of the criminal history and/or background form. Submission of this document is limited to in-person requests. It is essential to have a state-issued driver's license or identification card available when utilizing this service.

Getting Criminal Records at the State Level

While local law enforcement agencies primarily handle the creation and management of crime-related data, reports, and records, the central repository for all Mississippi criminal records is the Criminal Information Center.

To obtain a copy of a Mississippi criminal record, individuals need to complete a release background authorization form. This form, accompanied by a $32 money order and a copy of the State Identification Card or Driver's License, should be submitted to:

Mississippi Bureau of Investigation

Attn: Criminal Information Center/Background Checks

*3891 Highway 468 *

West Pearl, MS 39208.

Getting Criminal Records at the Federal Level

Individuals in Mississippi interested in obtaining their criminal records can acquire an Identity History Summary, commonly referred to as a "rap sheet," from the FBI for a fee of $18. They can make requests online, through mail, or via an FBI-approved channel.

For a convenient online application, interested parties can visit the Identity History Summary Checks website. Individuals who opt to request an arrest record by mail must send a completed Applicant Information Form, along with a fingerprint card and a fee of $18, to the following address:

• FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request*

1000 Custer Hollow Road

Clarksburg, WV 26306.

The submission should include the form, a fingerprint card, and payment made via credit card or a money order/certified check payable to the Treasury of the United States.

Find Criminal Records Online in Mississippi

The Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) offers a publicly accessible database and search engine for individuals interested in examining the conviction history of any subject. This resource provides comprehensive information, encompassing personal details, the crime committed, the sentence served, and the current prison location.

Similarly, the Mississippi Electronic Courts System (MEC) facilitates on-demand access to court records, including criminal records, for the public. Supported by the state clerk of courts, this system permits anyone to subscribe and retrieve court records, including those related to criminal cases. Individuals seeking access must pay a $10 annual registration fee and a charge of $0.20 per page to view the documents.

Free Criminal Record Search in Mississippi

Criminal justice agencies provide a free criminal record search in Mississippi. For example, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) provides a Most Wanted database, and the Department of Correction offers an Inmate Search, all containing information about individuals convicted of crimes. Users can search the registry by the subject's name or geographical location.

What Does it Mean if You Have a Criminal Record in Mississippi?

Having a criminal record in Mississippi has several implications. According to Mississippi Constitution, specifically Article 12 Section 241, Citizens may be disenfranchised upon conviction for specific crimes like murder, rape, bribery, and voter fraud. Restoration of voting rights is possible through pardon or legislative approval. Conviction of an "infamous crime" also renders individuals ineligible for jury service. Holding public office is restricted after conviction for certain felonies, and only a pardon can restore eligibility.

Does Your Criminal Record Clear After 7 Years in Mississippi?

No. Having a criminal record in Mississippi may have lasting implications. While the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) limits the reporting of non-conviction records to seven years, convictions can be reported indefinitely. Another exception to the seven-year rule includes jobs with an annual salary of $75,000 or more. However, per Sec. 43-21-263 of the Mississippi Code, eligible persons may apply to seal or expunge their criminal records.

Arrest Record Vs Criminal Record

Mississippi arrest records indicate that law enforcement took an individual into custody. These records, often part of daily arrest reports at law enforcement agencies, are considered public records featuring details like date, charges, description, and mugshot. In contrast, Mississippi criminal records encompass all information found in arrest records, supplemented by case dispositions and details of any convictions the individual may have. Criminal records are preferred for decisions on employment, housing, or licensing due to their comprehensive nature compared to arrest records.

Mississippi Police Records

Mississippi police records encompass records generated and maintained by the police as a criminal justice agency. These records include identifiable descriptions and records of arrests, detentions, and other reports. Police records are not as comprehensive as criminal records because they do not contain the records of other criminal justice agencies like the Department of Correction and the Judiciary.