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Madison Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Madison, Mississippi?

Arrest records in Madison, Mississippi are considered public documents under state law. The Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.) establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. This legislation ensures transparency in the criminal justice system and allows citizens to exercise their right to access, inspect, and obtain copies of arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies and courts within Madison jurisdiction. The public nature of these records serves the dual purpose of maintaining governmental accountability and enabling community members to stay informed about criminal activity in their area.

Public access to arrest records is subject to certain limitations. Records pertaining to ongoing investigations, juvenile cases, and those sealed by court order are typically exempt from disclosure. Additionally, certain personal identifying information may be redacted to protect privacy interests while still maintaining the public's right to access the substantive information contained in the records.

How to Look Up Madison Arrest Records in 2025

Madison County residents and other interested parties may access arrest records through several official channels. The Madison County Sheriff's Department and municipal police departments maintain these records in accordance with state recordkeeping requirements. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following methods:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Madison Police Department Records Division or the Madison County Sheriff's Office Records Department during regular business hours to submit a request for arrest records. Photo identification is required, and applicable fees may apply for document reproduction.
Online Portal Access: The Madison County Integrated Justice Information System provides limited online access to arrest records and case information. Users must register for an account and may be subject to verification procedures before gaining access to the system.
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted to the appropriate law enforcement agency by mail. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), approximate date of arrest, and the requestor's contact information.
Third-Party Vendors: Commercial background check services aggregate public records, including arrests, from multiple jurisdictions. These services typically charge fees for access and may not provide the most current information.
Court Records: The Madison County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains records of criminal proceedings that follow arrests. These records can be accessed at the courthouse or through the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system for cases filed after system implementation.

Requestors should note that processing times vary based on the method used and the complexity of the request. Fees for record retrieval and copying are established pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7 and are subject to periodic adjustment.

Contents of a Madison Arrest Record

Madison arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals suspected of criminal activity. These official documents typically include:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color), gender, race, and residential address at time of arrest
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency; name and badge number of arresting officer(s); legal authority for arrest (warrant or probable cause)
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Mississippi state law or Madison municipal ordinances; statutory citations; classification of offenses (misdemeanor or felony)
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint classification data, mugshot photographs taken from front and profile views
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, pretrial detention decisions, and release conditions if applicable
Case Disposition: Court of jurisdiction, case number, hearing dates, plea information, verdict or judgment, and sentencing details when available
Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests or convictions that may be included in comprehensive records

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the stage of the criminal justice process and the policies of the maintaining agency. Records pertaining to arrests that resulted in no charges or dismissals remain part of the public record unless formally expunged through court proceedings.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Madison

The expungement process in Madison provides eligible individuals with a legal mechanism to remove arrest records from public access. Mississippi law (Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71) establishes specific criteria under which expungement may be granted. The procedure effectively seals arrest records from general public view, though certain government agencies may retain limited access for law enforcement and judicial purposes.

Eligibility for expungement in Madison typically requires one of the following conditions:

Arrest without conviction (charges were dismissed or never filed)
Acquittal at trial
Successful completion of a pretrial diversion program
First-time offender status for certain non-violent misdemeanors
Specific felony convictions as enumerated in Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71(2)(a)
Juvenile records upon reaching age of majority (subject to separate provisions)

The expungement procedure requires petitioners to file formal documentation with the Madison County Circuit Court or Municipal Court, depending on the jurisdiction of the original case. The petition must include certified copies of the arrest record, case disposition, and any other relevant documentation. A filing fee is required unless waived by the court based on indigency.

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court schedules a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate eligibility under the applicable statutory provisions. The prosecuting attorney and any victims have the right to present evidence regarding the petition. If granted, the expungement order directs all relevant agencies to seal the records and remove them from public databases.

Expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies, courts, and certain licensing boards for specific purposes as permitted by statute. Individuals granted expungement may legally deny the existence of the expunged arrest in most circumstances, including employment applications with private employers.

Search Arrest Records in Madison

Madison Police Department
2001 Main Street
Madison, MS 39110
(601) 856-6111
Official Website

Madison County Sheriff's Office
2941 Highway 51
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 859-2345
Official Website

Madison County Circuit Clerk's Office
128 West North Street
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 859-4365
Official Website