>Lamar County Arrest Records Online

Lamar County, Mississippi Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Lamar County, Mississippi?

Arrest records are public in Lamar County, Mississippi, pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that governmental records, with specific statutory exemptions, shall be made available for public inspection and copying. The Mississippi Public Records Act serves to promote transparency in government operations and maintains public oversight of law enforcement activities within the county.

Members of the public may access arrest records through designated governmental agencies in Lamar County. These records typically document instances where individuals have been taken into custody by law enforcement officials on suspicion of criminal activity. The public nature of these records enables citizens to monitor the activities of law enforcement agencies and the judicial system, thereby promoting accountability within these institutions.

It should be noted that certain arrest records may be subject to redaction or restriction if they contain information protected by privacy laws or if their release could compromise ongoing investigations. In such instances, the custodian of records must provide written justification for denying access, as required by Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-5.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Lamar County?

Arrest records can be accessed online in Lamar County through various official portals maintained by county agencies. The Lamar County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to certain arrest information as part of their commitment to public transparency and community safety. Additionally, the Lamar County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains electronic records that may include arrest information related to court proceedings.

The online availability of these records is governed by Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-10, which addresses electronic access to public records. This provision authorizes governmental entities to provide reasonable access to records in electronic form. The statute further stipulates that fees for electronic access shall not exceed the actual cost of providing the service.

Online access to arrest records enhances public convenience by eliminating the need for in-person visits to governmental offices during business hours. However, users should be aware that online records may not always be comprehensive or current, as there may be delays in updating digital databases following recent arrests or court proceedings.

How to Look Up Lamar County Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Lamar County arrest records in 2025, individuals may utilize several authorized methods in accordance with Mississippi public records laws:

Visit the Lamar County Sheriff's Office: Members of the public may request arrest records in person at the Sheriff's Office.

Lamar County Sheriff's Office
144 Shelby Speights Drive
Purvis, MS 39475
(601) 794-8610
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contact the Lamar County Circuit Clerk: The Circuit Clerk maintains court records that may include arrest information.

Lamar County Circuit Clerk's Office
403 Main Street
Purvis, MS 39475
(601) 794-8504
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Access the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Records: For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may submit requests to the state repository.

Mississippi Department of Public Safety
1900 E. Woodrow Wilson Avenue
Jackson, MS 39216
(601) 987-1212
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Utilize Online Record Portals: The Lamar County Chancery Records Online system provides access to certain public records, which may include arrest-related information.

Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the actual costs of searching, reviewing, and duplicating records. Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name, date of birth, and, if available, case numbers or dates of arrest.

Contents of a Lamar County Arrest Record

Lamar County arrest records typically contain standardized information as prescribed by Mississippi law enforcement protocols and judicial requirements. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement authorities and generally include:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged offenses
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking information including fingerprints and booking photographs
Custody status and bail information
Case disposition if available (pending, dismissed, convicted)
Agency case numbers and other administrative identifiers

In accordance with Miss. Code Ann. § 45-27-9, which governs criminal history record information, certain sensitive details may be redacted from public versions of arrest records. These may include Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and information pertaining to minors or victims of certain crimes.

It should be noted that arrest records document allegations only and do not constitute proof of guilt. Under Mississippi law and the U.S. Constitution, all arrested individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Lamar County

Expungement procedures in Lamar County follow Mississippi statutory provisions that allow for the removal of certain arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71 establishes the legal framework for expungement of arrest records in the state.

Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Lamar County if they meet one or more of the following criteria:

The case was dismissed or the charges were dropped
The individual was acquitted of all charges
The individual was convicted but has received a pardon
The arrest was made in error or the individual was determined to be factually innocent
The individual has successfully completed a pre-trial diversion program
The individual meets specific statutory requirements for first-time offenders

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Lamar County Circuit Court. Petitioners must provide certified copies of the disposition of their case and pay applicable filing fees. Upon review, if the court grants the petition, an order of expungement will be issued directing all relevant agencies to seal the records from public view.

It is important to note that pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71(4), expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies, criminal justice officials, and certain licensing boards for official purposes. Additionally, some federal agencies may still have access to expunged records for specific governmental functions.