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Mississippi Arrest Records Online >Bolivar County Arrest Records Online

Bolivar County, Mississippi Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Bolivar County, Mississippi?

Arrest records are public in Bolivar County, Mississippi, pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within county jurisdiction. The Mississippi Public Records Act operates under the presumption that all government records are public unless specifically exempted by statute, ensuring transparency in governmental operations and law enforcement activities.

The Bolivar County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory duties. Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental and societal functions, including:

  • Promoting accountability within the criminal justice system
  • Enabling community awareness of law enforcement activities
  • Facilitating background checks for employment and housing purposes
  • Supporting journalistic and research endeavors related to criminal justice

Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted or restricted if they contain sensitive information protected by privacy laws or if their release could compromise ongoing investigations pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-12.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Bolivar County?

Arrest records can be accessed online in Bolivar County through several official and third-party platforms. The Bolivar County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains electronic records of court proceedings related to arrests, which may be accessed through their online portal. Digital accessibility of these records is consistent with Mississippi's commitment to governmental transparency as outlined in Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-2.

Online access to arrest records is subject to the following conditions:

  • Records may require registration or payment of nominal fees for access
  • Some records may have limited information available online compared to in-person requests
  • Certain case details may be restricted from online viewing due to privacy concerns or ongoing investigations
  • Electronic records are typically updated on a regular schedule but may not reflect real-time information

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety also maintains a statewide database that includes arrest information from Bolivar County, though access may be restricted to authorized users for certain detailed information.

How to Look Up Bolivar County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Bolivar County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The primary methods for accessing these records include:

  • Submitting a request in person at the Bolivar County Sheriff's Office 2792 Hwy 8 West Cleveland, MS 38732 Phone: 662-843-5378 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Filing a formal records request with the Bolivar County Circuit Clerk 200 South Court Street Cleveland, MS 38732 Phone: 662-843-2061 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Utilizing the Mississippi Department of Public Safety's online records portal Requests may require payment of statutory fees pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7, which permits reasonable charges for document search, review, and duplication.

For comprehensive criminal history information, requestors may need to submit fingerprints to the Mississippi State Department of Health for processing through the state's background check system. Authorized requestors may include:

  • Prospective employers conducting pre-employment screening
  • Licensed attorneys representing clients in criminal proceedings
  • Individuals seeking their own criminal history information
  • Authorized governmental agencies for official purposes

Contents of a Bolivar County Arrest Record

Bolivar County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Mississippi state law and local recordkeeping protocols. These official documents typically include the following elements:

  • Subject identification information:

    • Full legal name and any known aliases
    • Date of birth and age at time of arrest
    • Physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color
    • Residential address (may be partially redacted in public versions)
    • Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
  • Arrest details:

    • Date, time, and location of the arrest
    • Arresting agency and officer identification
    • Statutory charges filed at booking
    • Case or docket number assigned by the Bolivar County Correctional Facility
  • Procedural information:

    • Booking photograph ("mugshot")
    • Initial appearance date and presiding judicial officer
    • Bail or bond amount set, if applicable
    • Detention status (released or in custody)
  • Case disposition:

    • Court proceedings and outcomes
    • Sentencing information if convicted
    • Case dismissal information if applicable

Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 45-27-9, certain information may be restricted from public view, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations where disclosure could compromise public safety.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Bolivar County

Expungement procedures in Bolivar County follow Mississippi state law as codified in Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71, which provides mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Eligible individuals may petition for expungement when:

  • The arrest did not result in a conviction
  • The case was dismissed or nolle prossed
  • The individual was acquitted of all charges
  • The conviction was for a qualifying misdemeanor after the statutory waiting period
  • The conviction was for a qualifying first-time non-violent felony after the statutory waiting period

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Bolivar County Circuit Court where the case was adjudicated. Petitioners must:

  • Complete the appropriate expungement petition form
  • Pay the required filing fee (approximately $150, though fee waivers may be available)
  • Provide certified copies of the disposition of the case
  • Submit to fingerprinting for verification purposes
  • Attend a scheduled hearing before the presiding judge

Upon granting of an expungement order, all public records pertaining to the arrest are sealed from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and courts for specific purposes as outlined in Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71(4).

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