Arrest records are public in Lee County, Mississippi, pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act (Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be available for inspection by any person unless specifically exempted by law. The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental functions, including maintaining transparency in law enforcement operations and upholding the public's right to information regarding criminal justice proceedings.
Members of the public should be aware that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information within these records may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and ongoing investigation exemptions. The Mississippi Public Records Act provides specific protections for confidential information such as social security numbers, juvenile records, and details that might compromise active investigations.
Law enforcement agencies in Lee County maintain these records in compliance with state retention schedules established by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Records are typically preserved for a minimum of three years following the conclusion of all related legal proceedings.
Lee County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by local and state government agencies. The Lee County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to current inmate information and recent arrest data through their official website. Additionally, the Mississippi Department of Corrections maintains a searchable database for individuals currently in state custody or under supervision.
Online access to these records is governed by Mississippi Code § 25-61-2, which acknowledges that public records shall be made available in electronic format when feasible. Users of these online systems should note the following:
The First Circuit Court District, which serves Lee County, also maintains an electronic case management system that may contain information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. Access to this system may require registration or payment of nominal fees as permitted under Mississippi Code § 25-61-7.
Members of the public seeking Lee County arrest records in 2025 have multiple methods available to them, as prescribed by Mississippi Code § 25-61-5. The following procedures have been established for obtaining these public records:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Lee County Sheriff's Office located at 510 N Commerce St, Tupelo, MS 38804. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors should bring government-issued identification.
Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to: Records Division, Lee County Sheriff's Office, P.O. Box 1269, Tupelo, MS 38802. Requests must include the requestor's full name, contact information, and specific information sought.
Electronic requests can be submitted through the Lee County Clerk's online portal or via the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website for statewide records.
Telephone inquiries regarding arrest record availability can be directed to the Records Division at (662) 841-9040, though full records typically cannot be provided via telephone.
Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-61-7, agencies may charge reasonable fees for record retrieval and duplication. Current fee schedules include $0.25 per page for standard copies and $15.00 for certified copies. Records requested for commercial purposes may incur additional fees as permitted by statute.
Lee County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Mississippi Code § 45-27-9, which establishes uniform criminal history record requirements. A complete arrest record typically contains the following components:
Subject identification information, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and distinguishing physical characteristics
Arrest details, including date, time, and location of arrest, arresting agency, officer identification numbers, and arrest circumstances
Criminal charges filed, including Mississippi Code citations, offense descriptions, and charge classifications (misdemeanor or felony)
Booking information, including booking number, fingerprint classification, and photographic identification (mugshot)
Detention status, including bond amount if applicable, court appearance dates, and custodial facility information
Case disposition information, if available, including court proceedings, plea information, sentencing details, and case outcomes
The Mississippi Criminal Information Center, operating under the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, maintains the central repository for all arrest records in the state and establishes standardized formatting requirements for all contributing agencies, including those in Lee County.
Under Mississippi Code § 99-19-71, certain individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Lee County. Expungement effectively seals the record from public view, though the information remains accessible to law enforcement agencies and courts for specific purposes. Eligibility criteria for expungement include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Lee County Circuit Court located at 200 W Jefferson St, Tupelo, MS 38804. Petitioners must pay filing fees of approximately $150, though fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants. The court will schedule a hearing where a judge will determine whether the petitioner meets statutory requirements for expungement.
Mississippi Code § 99-19-71(4) specifically excludes certain offenses from expungement eligibility, including violent crimes, sex offenses, and crimes against children. Additionally, individuals with multiple criminal convictions face more stringent eligibility requirements.
Lee County Circuit Court
200 W Jefferson St
Tupelo, MS 38804
(662) 841-9021
First Circuit Court District