Jefferson Davis Parish Public Records / Jefferson Davis Parish Arrest Records

Jefferson Davis County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Jefferson Davis County in 2026

JeffersonDavisParishRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge details, and case disposition records. Information presented reflects what has been made available through official sources and may not represent a complete or fully current account of any individual's legal history.

Records may be searched through official resources including the county sheriff's office, the clerk of court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and local agencies. The following sections outline each available method in detail.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Jefferson Davis County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and arrest information for individuals processed through the county jail. Members of the public may contact the sheriff's office directly to inquire about current inmate status and recent bookings. The office serves as the primary law enforcement and detention authority for the county, and arrest records generated through its operations are subject to disclosure under Mississippi's Public Records Act. Booking information is updated as individuals are processed into and released from custody.

Jefferson Davis County Sheriff's Office 1025 3rd Street North Prentiss, MS 39474 Phone: (601) 792-4291 Jefferson Davis County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Prentiss maintains a municipal police department that handles arrests within city limits. Arrest information generated by the Prentiss Police Department is separate from sheriff's office records, though both agencies book individuals into the county detention facility. Press releases and public arrest logs may be available upon written request.

Prentiss Police Department 114 West Railroad Street Prentiss, MS 39474 Phone: (601) 792-4241

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Jefferson Davis County Circuit Clerk maintains criminal court case records that are linked to underlying arrests. Members of the public may search case records by defendant name to identify court proceedings associated with a specific arrest. The Mississippi Electronic Courts system provides online access to certain case information statewide.

Jefferson Davis County Circuit Clerk 1025 3rd Street North, Suite 1 Prentiss, MS 39474 Phone: (601) 792-4204

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains a statewide criminal history repository through the Mississippi Criminal Information Center (MCIC). Members of the public may request a name-based criminal history record check. Fees apply for non-law-enforcement requests, and the record returned reflects arrests and dispositions reported by agencies statewide.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Address: 1025 3rd Street North, Prentiss, MS 39474
Records division is located within the main sheriff's office building
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Phone: (601) 792-4291
What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known booking or case number
Fees for copies: Standard copy fees apply per Mississippi law

Clerk of Court:

Address: 1025 3rd Street North, Suite 1, Prentiss, MS 39474
Criminal records division handles case file requests
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Phone: (601) 792-4204
Case file inspection is available during regular business hours
Copy fees apply per page as set by state statute

By Mail:

Mailing address: Jefferson Davis County Sheriff's Office, P.O. Box 1137, Prentiss, MS 39474
Written requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requester's full contact information
Payment for copies must be included with the request
Processing time varies; allow a minimum of ten business days for a response

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (601) 792-4291
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Phone inquiries provide limited information; staff may refer callers to the online system or an in-person visit for detailed records

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients
Subpoenas may be issued for detailed investigative records not available through standard public access
Discovery in active criminal proceedings is governed by the Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (sheriff's office or municipal police)

Are Arrest Records Public in Jefferson Davis County

Arrest records in Jefferson Davis County are public records subject to disclosure under Mississippi Code § 25-61-1, the Mississippi Public Records Act, which establishes the right of any person to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies. Arrest records are treated as public because they document the exercise of governmental authority, and their availability supports transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalism, research, background screening, and legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Mississippi law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Active investigation information may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is not subject to disclosure
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
Witness protection participants are excluded from public disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Mississippi Constitution and Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 together establish the framework for public access to government records. Courts have recognized that the First Amendment supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. Due process considerations require that individuals be informed of charges against them, and public access to arrest records serves as a check on law enforcement authority.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Mississippi does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal guidance
Housing decisions based solely on arrest records without conviction may raise fair housing concerns
The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest does not establish guilt

What's in Jefferson Davis County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public releases

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency, which may be the sheriff's office, a municipal police department, or a state agency
Arresting officer name and badge number in some records
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Mississippi statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification as felony or misdemeanor with applicable degree or class
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation if applicable
Gang-related designation if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not typically included in public records releases
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status indicating whether the individual is in custody, released, or bonded out
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Bail bondsman information if applicable
Release date and time if the individual has been released
Release conditions if made public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment if available at time of record creation

Prior Arrest History may be included in some records and reflects previous arrests in the county, prior booking numbers, and historical charges. This information is not always included in a current arrest record.

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical information
Mental health status
Substance abuse information
Social Security number, which is redacted
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences rather than arrests alone
Background checks are comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Jefferson Davis County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Jefferson Davis County is governed by Mississippi Code § 25-61-7, which authorizes public bodies to charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of reproducing public records. Current fees are as follows:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.25–$1.00 depending on agency
Certified copies	Additional certification fee applies
Electronic records	Fees based on actual cost of duplication
Record search fee	No statutory search fee; agencies may charge staff time in limited circumstances
In-person inspection	No charge for inspection only

Inspection of records at the sheriff's office or clerk of court is available at no charge during regular business hours
Copy fees are assessed per page and vary slightly between the sheriff's office and the clerk of court
Certification fees apply when a certified copy bearing an official seal is requested
Electronic format fees reflect the actual cost of producing the record in digital form
Accepted payment methods at the sheriff's office and clerk of court include cash, money order, and in some cases personal check; members of the public should confirm accepted methods before visiting
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, at the discretion of the custodial agency
Basic online case information available through the Mississippi Electronic Courts portal is accessible at no charge

How To Delete Arrest Records in Jefferson Davis County

Under Mississippi law, the process for removing arrest records from public access involves either expungement, which results in the legal erasure of the record, or sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Expungement is the more complete remedy and, when granted, requires the arresting agency, the clerk of court, and the state criminal history repository to remove or destroy the record. Sealing limits public disclosure but does not eliminate the record from law enforcement databases.

Mississippi Code § 99-19-71 governs expungement eligibility in Mississippi. Under current law, individuals may petition for expungement in the following circumstances:

The arrest did not result in a conviction and charges were dismissed or not filed
The individual was acquitted at trial
The individual successfully completed a first-offender diversion program
The offense is among those designated as eligible for expungement following conviction, including certain misdemeanors and some non-violent felonies after a waiting period

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a certified copy of the disposition from the Jefferson Davis County Circuit Clerk confirming the outcome of the case
Complete the petition for expungement form, which is available from the circuit clerk's office
File the petition with the Jefferson Davis County Circuit Court and pay the applicable filing fee
Serve copies of the petition on the district attorney's office and any law enforcement agency named in the petition
Attend the scheduled hearing if the court sets one; the district attorney may object to the petition
If the court grants the expungement order, certified copies of the order must be delivered to the sheriff's office, the arresting agency, the circuit clerk, and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety for removal from the state criminal history repository

Jefferson Davis County Circuit Court 1025 3rd Street North Prentiss, MS 39474 Phone: (601) 792-4204

Jefferson Davis County District Attorney's Office (15th Circuit District) Individuals should contact the 15th Circuit District Attorney's Office for matters involving prosecutorial review of expungement petitions.

Individuals who cannot afford an attorney may contact the Mississippi Center for Legal Services for assistance with expungement petitions. It is important to note that expungement of a Mississippi record does not guarantee removal from third-party commercial databases, which are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update their records following a court order.

What Happens After Arrest in Jefferson Davis County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Jefferson Davis County, the arrested individual is transported to the Jefferson Davis County Jail, which is operated by the sheriff's office. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion before transport.

Jefferson Davis County Jail 1025 3rd Street North Prentiss, MS 39474 Phone: (601) 792-4291

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process begins and involves the following steps:

Personal identification information is recorded
Miranda rights are read if not already administered
A booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
Fingerprints are collected and submitted to the state and federal databases
A criminal history check is conducted
Outstanding warrants are checked through the National Crime Information Center
Personal property is inventoried and stored
Clothing is exchanged for a jail uniform
Medical screening is conducted
A brief mental health screening is performed
Housing classification is assigned based on charges and risk assessment

The booking process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume.

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Mississippi law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate without unnecessary delay, and within 48 hours of a warrantless arrest. At the initial appearance:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify as indigent
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are explained

The hearing may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are available through the Mississippi Judiciary website.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash
The amount is refunded when the case concludes, minus applicable fees
The amount is set by the judge or magistrate at the initial appearance or according to a bond schedule

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, which is set at ten percent of the bond amount under Mississippi law
The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The individual is released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment is required
Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and flight risk assessment

No Bond:

The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders in domestic violence cases
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring in certain cases
Pretrial supervision as ordered by the court

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing and release takes approximately one to eight hours
Personal property is returned
A court date is provided in writing
Written conditions of release are issued
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a warrant

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody pending further proceedings
A housing assignment is made within the facility
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel are entitled to appointed representation. Eligibility is based on income. The public defender's office for Jefferson Davis County operates under the Mississippi Office of State Public Defender.

Mississippi Office of State Public Defender 239 North Lamar Street, Suite 604 Jackson, MS 39201 Phone: (601) 576-4290 Mississippi Office of State Public Defender

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. Attorney visitation at the jail is available by arrangement with jail staff, and consultations are confidential. Referrals are available through the Mississippi Bar Lawyer Referral Service.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The District Attorney's Office for the 15th Circuit District reviews arrests originating in Jefferson Davis County and determines whether to file formal charges. The options available to the prosecutor include filing a criminal information or seeking a grand jury indictment, requesting additional investigation, declining to prosecute, or filing different or additional charges based on the evidence.

Grand Jury:

For felony charges in Mississippi, the prosecutor may present the case to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed. Defense counsel is not present during grand jury proceedings. A finding of probable cause results in an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through discovery, which includes police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio and video recordings. Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Pretrial conferences allow the parties and the court to discuss case resolution and trial readiness. Plea negotiations may result in a plea agreement that resolves the case without trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal occurs when charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness problems, or legal deficiencies; a dismissal may support a petition for expungement
Diversion programs such as pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court allow eligible defendants to complete a program in exchange for dismissal of charges
Plea agreement involves the defendant accepting a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges with a recommended sentence
Trial proceeds before a jury or, by agreement, before the judge alone; the prosecution and defense each present their cases, and the verdict is either guilty or not guilty

Sentencing (if convicted):

The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: days to weeks depending on case complexity
Arraignment to trial or resolution: months, varying widely based on charge severity and court docket
Misdemeanors: resolved within weeks to several months in most cases
Felonies: resolved within several months to over a year in complex cases
The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under both the Mississippi Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Jefferson Davis County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 1025 3rd Street North Prentiss, MS 39474 Phone: (601) 792-4291 Jefferson Davis County Sheriff's Office

Jefferson Davis County Circuit Clerk 1025 3rd Street North, Suite 1 Prentiss, MS 39474 Phone: (601) 792-4204

15th Circuit District Attorney's Office Members of the public may contact the circuit clerk's office for referral to the district attorney's office serving Jefferson Davis County.

Mississippi Office of State Public Defender 239 North Lamar Street, Suite 604 Jackson, MS 39201 Phone: (601) 576-4290 Mississippi Office of State Public Defender

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney, including other inmates
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release if bond is posted

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Jefferson Davis County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Jefferson Davis County is governed by state law and the policies of each custodial agency. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History publishes records retention schedules that establish minimum retention periods for public records maintained by county agencies. Under current law, the retention period applicable to a specific arrest record depends on the outcome of the case and the type of record involved.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retention is permanent
Records are maintained indefinitely by the sheriff's office, the clerk of court, the Mississippi Criminal Information Center, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Local law enforcement retains records permanently or for a minimum period established by the state retention schedule
Court records are retained permanently in most cases
The state repository retains records in accordance with Mississippi Department of Public Safety policy

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum period before they become eligible for purging
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged by court order
Records may remain in state and federal databases unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement under Mississippi Code § 99-19-71

Acquittals:

Local law enforcement retains records for a defined period
Court records are often retained permanently
Expungement is available for acquittals under Mississippi law

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum period and may be eligible for earlier removal
Individuals in this category may petition for expungement promptly following confirmation that no charges were filed

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the applicable state retention schedule
Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and the nature of the offense

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch records and records management system entries are often retained permanently in electronic form
Mugshot databases maintained by the sheriff's office are subject to the same retention schedules as physical booking records
Court electronic records are generally retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention requirements as government agencies
These companies are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update their records following expungement
The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain reasonable procedures to ensure accuracy

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records and arrest reports are retained according to the Mississippi records retention schedule for law enforcement agencies
Investigative files are retained for periods that vary based on the severity of the offense
Phone: (601) 792-4291

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files are retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum period established by the state retention schedule
Electronic court records are generally retained permanently
Phone: (601) 792-4204

State Repository:

The Mississippi Criminal Information Center, operated by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, maintains criminal history records for all arrests reported by agencies statewide
Retention policy follows state law and federal standards for participation in the National Crime Information Center

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center and the Interstate Identification Index maintain federal records that are typically permanent
These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction:

Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely

Dismissal:

Records may remain in databases unless expunged; dismissed charges are often not reported on standard employment background checks but may appear in raw database searches

Expungement:

Physical records at the local level are destroyed or sealed pursuant to the court order
The state repository updates its records upon receipt of a certified expungement order
The FBI database may retain a notation of the record even after expungement, though the record is flagged as expunged
Removal from all affected systems typically takes several weeks to several months following entry of the order

No Charges Filed:

These records have the shortest typical retention period and may be purged automatically after the applicable minimum period
Individuals may request immediate removal in appropriate cases

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available through the sheriff's office online or by phone with real-time or daily updates

Older Arrests:

May require an in-person request at the sheriff's office or clerk of court
Records may be stored in archives and subject to a retrieval fee
Processing time is longer for archived records

Very Old Arrests:

Records from earlier decades may not be digitized
Paper records in archives may be the only available source
Some records may have been destroyed in accordance with the applicable retention schedule
Members of the public should contact the sheriff's records division at (601) 792-4291 for guidance on historical record availability

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of arrest records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for expungement, or in accordance with the records retention schedule approved by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the custodial agency. Records subject to permanent retention requirements, including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with ongoing appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records, though convictions may be reported indefinitely. Mississippi does not currently impose a shorter reporting period by state statute for most private employment purposes. Arrests without conviction may not be reported by consumer reporting agencies in certain circumstances, and employers in some industries are subject to additional restrictions under federal licensing and regulatory requirements.

How to Check Retention Status:

Contact the Jefferson Davis County Sheriff's Records Division at (601) 792-4291
Submit a public records request identifying the specific arrest by name, date, and booking number if known
Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to the request