Coahoma County, Mississippi Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Coahoma County, Mississippi?
Arrest records are public documents in Coahoma County, Mississippi, pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within the county. The Mississippi Public Records Act operates under the principle that transparency in governmental operations serves the public interest and promotes accountability.
The Act specifically designates arrest records as public information, with certain statutory exceptions designed to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and personal identifying information. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records in Coahoma County may obtain these documents through established procedures at designated government offices.
The Coahoma County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Mississippi Code § 25-61-5, which requires public bodies to provide reasonable access to public records during regular business hours. Records custodians are obligated to respond to requests within seven working days, as mandated by state law.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Coahoma County?
Coahoma County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by both governmental agencies and third-party providers. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety, in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies, has implemented digital systems that allow for the electronic retrieval of certain arrest information.
The Coahoma County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that provides limited arrest information to the public. This system allows individuals to search for basic arrest data, including:
- Names of arrested individuals
- Booking dates
- Charges filed
- Court dates (when applicable)
- Current custody status
Online access to these records is governed by Mississippi Code § 25-61-10, which authorizes public bodies to provide records in electronic format. The statute further permits agencies to establish reasonable fees for the provision of records in electronic format, provided such fees do not exceed the actual cost of providing the service.
It should be noted that comprehensive arrest records, including detailed arrest reports and supporting documentation, may not be available through online platforms and may require in-person requests at the appropriate county offices.
Coahoma County Sheriff's Office
115 First Street
Clarksdale, MS 38614
(662) 624-2411
Official Website
How to Look Up Coahoma County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Coahoma County as of 2025. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following procedures:
In-person requests at the Coahoma County Sheriff's Office, where designated personnel process public records requests during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM). Requestors must complete a standardized form and may be required to present identification.
Written requests submitted via postal mail to the Records Division of the Coahoma County Sheriff's Office. Such requests must include the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and contact information for the requestor.
Electronic requests through the Mississippi Department of Corrections inmate database, which provides information on individuals currently in custody or under supervision.
Requests submitted to the Coahoma County Circuit Court Clerk for cases that have proceeded to court proceedings. Court records often contain arrest information as part of the case file.
Background check services provided through the Mississippi Criminal Information Center, which maintains a repository of arrest data from jurisdictions throughout the state.
Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-61-7, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the search, review, and duplication of records. Current fee schedules for Coahoma County indicate a standard processing fee of $15.00 for basic arrest record searches, with additional charges for certified copies and extensive research.
Coahoma County Circuit Court Clerk
115 First Street
Clarksdale, MS 38614
(662) 624-3028
Official Website
Contents of a Coahoma County Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Coahoma County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by Mississippi Code § 45-27-9, which establishes uniform reporting requirements. These records typically include:
- Biographical information of the arrested individual (full legal name, date of birth, physical description, address)
- Unique identifiers (booking number, case number, fingerprint classification)
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Statutory violations and corresponding charge descriptions
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Agency case number and incident report reference
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
- Fingerprint impressions
- Property inventory
- Initial appearance information
- Bond amount (if applicable)
- Detention facility assignment
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the nature of the offense and the arresting agency's protocols. Records pertaining to felony arrests generally contain more extensive documentation than those for misdemeanor offenses.
Mississippi law enforcement agencies, including those in Coahoma County, are required to submit arrest information to the Mississippi Criminal Information Center within 24 hours of booking, pursuant to Mississippi Code § 45-27-7. This centralized repository ensures the standardization and preservation of arrest data throughout the state.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Coahoma County
The expungement process in Coahoma County operates under the provisions of Mississippi Code § 99-19-71, which establishes the legal framework for the removal of arrest records from public access. Eligible individuals may petition the Coahoma County Circuit Court for expungement under specific circumstances.
Statutory eligibility criteria for expungement include:
- Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal
- First-time offenders who have completed all court-ordered requirements
- Misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period of two years (with exceptions for certain offenses)
- Certain felony convictions as enumerated in Mississippi Code § 99-19-71(2)(a)
- Arrests that did not result in formal charges within 12 months
The expungement procedure requires petitioners to:
- File a petition with the Coahoma County Circuit Court
- Pay the required filing fee (currently $150.00)
- Provide certified copies of disposition documents
- Submit to fingerprinting for verification purposes
- Attend a scheduled hearing before the presiding judge
Upon granting an expungement, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal or destroy records pertaining to the arrest. This includes records maintained by the Coahoma County Sheriff's Office, municipal police departments, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and the Mississippi Criminal Information Center.
Expunged records are removed from public access but may remain available to law enforcement agencies and courts for specific purposes as authorized by statute. Individuals whose records have been expunged may legally deny the existence of the expunged arrest in most circumstances.
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