Mississippi Warrant Search

A warrant search involves accessing both online and physical warrant repositories to check if an active warrant exists in a person’s name. The search process, if successful, furnishes the party with information about the nature and validity of the warrant. It helps reveal if a person has an outstanding warrant and is wanted by law enforcement agencies.

A warrant search is typically conducted through official government sources like local police departments and courts or through third-party platforms. Individuals involved or affected by legal issues may need to conduct a warrant search and know what active steps to take in light of it.

What is a Warrant?

A warrant is a legal document issued by the court to permit law enforcement officers to carry out a specific action, such as a search, seizure of an item or property, or an arrest. A warrant is only needed when the action to be taken would be in violation of the person’s basic rights. Pursuant to the Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure, only authorized judges can issue warrants. Law enforcement officers looking to carry out any action that requires a warrant must provide concrete reasons in the form of evidence why a warrant should be issued. The most popular types of warrants in Mississippi are arrest, search, and bench warrants.

Are Warrants Public Record in Mississippi?

Yes, warrants are public records in Mississippi per the state’s Public Records Act. This means that they are open for inspection and examination by the public. However, juvenile warrants are deemed confidential in Mississippi. Also, warrant records are not publicly available at the time of issuance. The court can keep a warrant confidential and restricted to the public if there is reasonable cause.

How Do I Look Up Warrants in Mississippi?

A number of commercial sites exist which offer warrant lookup services to members of the public. Individuals can typically conduct a warrant search using the person’s full name, age, city, and county. These sites make the warrant search process more convenient and straightforward than some official sites. It is important to exercise caution when considering information obtained from third-party websites, as they may not necessarily provide accurate representations of data held by official sources. Conducting a search via these platforms usually costs a fee, which varies depending on the site opted for.

What is a Search Warrant in Mississippi?

A search warrant is a written order signed by an authorized judge that directs a law enforcement officer to search or seize a person or thing. Per Rule 4 of the Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure, a search warrant will typically be issued if there is evidence of a crime, contraband, fruits of a crime, or other things unlawfully possessed. Before a search warrant is issued, an affidavit establishing the grounds for issuing the warrant is to be presented to the judge. The presiding judge then issues the search warrant specifying who or what is to be searched or seized after deeming the cause probable. A search warrant in Mississippi usually contains the search command, the timeframe to execute the search, and the person or place to be searched. It also contains the exact time, date, and name of the law enforcement officer the warrant was issued to for execution.

• Are Search Warrants Public Records in Mississippi?

  Search warrants, just like other warrants in the state, are public records. However, the court may decide to seal a search warrant and make it inaccessible to the public if there is a probable reason. Unexecuted search warrants are confidential in Mississippi.

• How Long Does it Take to Get a Search Warrant in Mississippi?

  There is no specific time frame associated with getting a search warrant. Obtaining a search warrant depends on the availability of an affidavit showing probable cause as to why a warrant should be issued. The affidavit is presented to an authorized judge who examines it and either issues or denies the warrant request.

• How Long Does a Search Warrant Last?

  A search warrant is valid up to a maximum of ten (10) days after issuance by the judge. If the search is not carried out before the due date, a new warrant must be obtained to execute the search.

What is a Bench Warrant in Mississippi?

A bench warrant is issued when a person fails to adhere to court orders, such as missing a court hearing or not paying court fines. The warrant authorizes the arrest of the individual by a law enforcement officer.

What is an Arrest Warrant in Mississippi?

An arrest warrant authorizes law enforcement agents to arrest and take an individual into custody upon suspicion of committing a crime. A warrant for arrest is issued by a judge when a probable cause of arrest is determined according to Rule 2.2 of the Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure. A judge is likely to issue a summons instead of an arrest warrant if there is reasonable reason to believe the person will comply with the summons.

How to Check if You Have a Warrant in Mississippi

Interested persons can check if an active warrant to their name exists by contacting their local law enforcement agency, such as the local police department and sheriff's offices. Warrant requests can be made by physically visiting the department, by phone, or by email. For example, the City of Vicksburg Police Department disseminates warrant information in person and over the phone at (601) 636-2511.

A criminal history record containing warrant information can be requested by utilizing the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Background Check portal. The requester’s SSN, sex, race, date of birth, and full name are required for a check to be conducted. Making a request costs $32.

Can You Check Warrants Online in Mississippi?

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety does not allow the public to search warrants online. However, it has a most wanted list that divulges the information of the state's most wanted persons with an arrest warrant to their name. Additionally, some county sheriffs in the state have an online database people can use to access active warrants. Examples include the most wanted list provided by the Grenada County Sheriff’s Office and George County Sheriff's Department.

How To Find Out If You Have a Warrant for Free

One can check for a warrant in their name for free through the following options:

• Utilizing the various government-provided online search portals, especially at the county level.
• Running a check via the local police or sheriff’s offices.
• Contacting the court that issued the warrant if known.

How to Find Out if Someone Has a Warrant Online For Free in Mississippi

Several counties and local law enforcement agencies across the state have an electronically accessible warrant database that can be utilized for free to search warrants. The online option makes it easy for individuals to search warrants anywhere and anytime. The downside, however, is that not all counties and police departments have a public online warrant database. Additionally, warrants sealed by court order may not be found in the online space.

How Long Does a Warrant Stay Active in Mississippi?

The active duration of a warrant varies depending on the type of warrant. Arrest and bench warrants only become inactive after the arrest or if the judge recalls the warrant. Search warrants are only active for ten days, after which the warrant can no longer be executed.

How Do I Find Out If I Have a Federal Warrant?

The United States Marshal Service (USMS) is responsible for keeping track of federal warrants to aid with investigations. The USMS has a fugitive list displaying its most wanted individuals and an online tool that can be used to conduct a warrant search.

Alternatively, individuals can request an Identity History Summary (a rap sheet) from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to know their warrant status. The rap sheet contains a history of warrants issued on a federal level. A request can be made online, via mail, or through an FBI-approved Channeler. It costs $18 to request per rap sheet requested. The FBI also makes available on its website a list of its top ten most wanted fugitives.