Adams County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Adams County in 2026
AdamsCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available data related to arrest records in Adams County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find booking information, charge details, custody status, mugshots, and related criminal justice records through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, jail rosters, court case filings, warrant information, and inmate search results. Information presented reflects what has been made available through official sources and may not reflect the most current status of a case.
Records may be searched through official government resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Adams County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Adams County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and booking records for individuals taken into custody within the county's jurisdiction. Members of the public may access public records including inmate information and warrant searches through the Sheriff's Office portal. The available information includes booking dates, charges filed, custody status, and bond information. The jail roster is updated on a regular basis to reflect current inmate status.
2. Local Police Departments
The Natchez Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Adams County and maintains its own arrest logs and incident records. Press releases containing arrest information are periodically published through the department's official communications channels. Members of the public seeking records from city-level arrests should direct requests to the Natchez Police Department's records division.
Natchez Police Department
101 South Pearl Street
Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: (601) 445-5565
City of Natchez
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings maintained by the Adams County Circuit Court Clerk. Members of the public may search by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal case numbers, charge information, and court dates. The Mississippi Courts case search portal provides online access to circuit and county court case information statewide.
Adams County Circuit Court Clerk
115 South Wall Street
Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: (601) 446-6326
Mississippi Courts
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains a statewide criminal history repository accessible through the Mississippi Criminal Information Center. Criminal history record requests for individuals may be submitted to the department. A fee applies for non-law-enforcement requests. The repository includes arrest records from all jurisdictions within the state, including Adams County.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
- Address: 110 State Street, Natchez, MS 39120
- Records division is located at the main facility
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Phone: (601) 442-2752
- What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and specific information about the arrest
- Fees for copies: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply
Police Departments:
- Natchez Police Department, 101 South Pearl Street, Natchez, MS 39120, (601) 445-5565
- Records requests are accepted in person during business hours
- Fees: $0.25 per page for copies
Clerk of Court:
- Address: 115 South Wall Street, Natchez, MS 39120
- Criminal records division is located within the courthouse
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Phone: (601) 446-6326
- Case file inspection is available during business hours
- Copy fees: $0.50 per page for certified copies; $0.25 per page for uncertified copies
By Mail:
- Sheriff's Office mailing address: Adams County Sheriff's Office, 110 State Street, Natchez, MS 39120
- 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: 5–10 business days
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (601) 442-2752
- Limited information is available by phone; callers may be referred to the online system or directed to submit an in-person or written request
- Information needed: Full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date
Through Legal Channels:
- Licensed attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients
- Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records not available through standard public access
- Discovery in active legal proceedings provides access to arrest reports, evidence logs, and related documentation
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Location of arrest and jurisdiction
Are Arrest Records Public in Adams County
Arrest records in Adams County are public records under Mississippi law. Pursuant to § 25-61-1 of the Mississippi Public Records Act, all public records are presumed open to inspection by any person unless a specific exemption applies. Arrest records fall within this presumption of openness because they document the exercise of governmental authority by law enforcement agencies.
The public interest in access to arrest records is grounded in government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening, and the needs of legal proceedings. As the Mississippi Supreme Court has recognized, the public records law reflects "a strong public policy in favor of disclosure of public records."
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 exempt from disclosure
- Confidential informant information is protected
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
- Witness protection participants are exempt from disclosure
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Mississippi Constitution and the Mississippi Public Records Act together establish the legal framework for public access to government records. Courts have consistently balanced the First Amendment interest in press and public access against individual privacy rights. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the current status of a case, including dismissals and acquittals.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords who use consumer reporting agencies to obtain background check information must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Mississippi does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
What's in Adams 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
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Mississippi statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification as felony or misdemeanor, including degree or class
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in standard public records releases
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type, including cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, where public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, where available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim information
- Evidence collected
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health 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 the arrest
- Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed
- Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Adams County?
Members of the public may inspect arrest records at no charge during regular business hours at the relevant agency. Fees apply when copies are requested. Under § 25-61-7 of the Mississippi Public Records Act, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of reproducing records.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copies (Clerk of Court) | $0.50 per page |
| Certification seal | $1.00 per document |
| Electronic records (where available) | Varies by agency |
| Search fee | No statutory search fee for standard requests |
Accepted payment methods at the Adams County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective agency. Credit card acceptance varies by office.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or for requests made in the public interest, such as by nonprofit organizations or journalists, at the discretion of the records custodian. Inspection of records in person, without requesting copies, is available at no charge.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Adams County
Under Mississippi law, the legal mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access are expungement and expunction, which refer to the sealing or destruction of records so that they are no longer accessible to the general public. Mississippi does not use the term "sealing" as a separate process distinct from expungement; rather, an expungement order directs agencies to remove the record from public access.
Pursuant to § 99-19-71 of the Mississippi Code, individuals who were arrested but not convicted, or who were convicted of certain eligible offenses, may petition the court for expungement. Eligibility depends on the nature of the charge, the outcome of the case, and the individual's prior record.
Cases eligible for expungement in Mississippi include:
- Arrests where no charges were filed
- Charges that were dismissed
- Acquittals (not guilty verdicts)
- First-offense misdemeanor convictions, subject to a waiting period
- Certain first-offense felony convictions, as specified by statute
Steps to petition for expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and court case file from the Adams County Circuit Court Clerk
- Confirm eligibility under Mississippi expungement statutes
- File a Petition for Expungement in the Adams County Circuit Court
- Serve the petition on the district attorney's office and the arresting agency
- Attend the scheduled hearing, if required by the court
- If the order is granted, deliver certified copies of the expungement order to all agencies holding the record, including the Sheriff's Office, the Natchez Police Department, and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Adams County Circuit Court Clerk
115 South Wall Street
Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: (601) 446-6326
Mississippi Courts
Adams County District Attorney's Office
115 South Wall Street, Suite 200
Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: (601) 446-6326
Following the entry of an expungement order, the record is removed from public access at the state level. Third-party commercial databases are not bound by the expungement order and may retain the information independently; individuals may need to contact those companies separately to request removal.
What Happens After Arrest in Adams County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Adams County, the arrested individual is transported to the Adams County Jail, which is operated by the Adams County Sheriff's Office. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.
Adams County Jail
110 State Street
Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: (601) 442-2752
Adams County Sheriff's Office
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the facility, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on volume. Steps include recording personal information, photographing the individual, collecting fingerprints, conducting a criminal history and outstanding warrants check, inventorying personal property, issuing jail clothing, and completing medical and mental health screenings. A housing classification determination is made prior to placement.
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 court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the individual of the right to counsel, and appoints a public defender if the individual is indigent. Initial appearances may be conducted via video conference.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees. The amount is set by the judge or magistrate based on the charge and the individual's circumstances.
Surety Bond: The individual retains a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is ten percent of the bond amount in Mississippi.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, 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:
- Scheduled check-in requirements with pretrial services
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring
- Pretrial supervision
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release takes one to eight hours. The individual receives personal property, a written court date, and written conditions of release. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail procedures including commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel are entitled to appointed representation. Eligibility is based on income. The application is completed at the initial appearance or shortly thereafter.
Adams County Public Defender's Office
115 South Wall Street
Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: (601) 446-6326
Private Attorney:
Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Mississippi Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service. Attorney visits at the jail are confidential.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Adams County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest depending on the complexity of the case.
Grand Jury:
For felony charges in Mississippi, the district attorney may present the case to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed. A grand jury indictment is required for felony prosecutions in circuit court.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant 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.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Pretrial conferences allow attorneys and the judge to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness problems, or legal deficiencies. A dismissal may support a petition for expungement.
- Diversion Programs: Eligible individuals may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
- Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or nolo contendere plea in exchange for an agreed-upon sentence or sentencing recommendation.
- Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. If found guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Sentencing (if convicted):
The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. 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 several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months
- Felonies: Resolved within several months to over a year
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Mississippi Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
Rights Throughout 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:
Adams County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
110 State Street
Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: (601) 442-2752
Adams County Sheriff's Office
Adams County Circuit Court Clerk
115 South Wall Street
Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: (601) 446-6326
Mississippi Courts
Adams County District Attorney's Office
115 South Wall Street, Suite 200
Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: (601) 446-6326
Adams County Public Defender's Office
115 South Wall Street
Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: (601) 446-6326
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Politely exercise the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
- Contact family or friends for assistance with bail
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of bond or release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Adams County?
Records Retention Overview:
Records retention in Adams County is governed by Mississippi state law and the policies of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. The Mississippi Public Records Act and the state records retention schedules issued by the Department of Archives and History establish minimum retention periods for law enforcement and court records.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retention: Permanent
- Maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retention: Permanent at the state repository and court level
- Local law enforcement records: Minimum of five years, often retained permanently in digital systems
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement: Minimum of three to five years
- Court records: Often retained permanently in electronic case management systems
- State repository: Retained unless expunged by court order
Acquittals:
- Local law enforcement: Minimum of three to five years
- Court records: Often permanent
- May be expunged upon petition
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records: Minimum of two to three years
- Local arrest logs: Minimum of three years
- Eligible for expungement upon petition
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork: Retained per state schedule, minimum five years
- Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently at the state level
- Photographs: Retained per agency policy, minimum five years
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch records: Minimum of three years
- Records management systems: Often retained permanently
- Court electronic records: Often permanent
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
- These databases are not controlled by law enforcement
- They may not update records when expungement orders are issued
- The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain reasonable procedures for accuracy
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Minimum five years; felony-related records retained permanently
- Arrest reports: Minimum five years
- Investigative files: Varies by case outcome; felony cases retained permanently
- Contact: (601) 442-2752
Clerk of Court:
- Felony case files: Permanent
- Misdemeanor cases: Minimum five years; often retained permanently in electronic systems
- Electronic records: Permanent
State Repository:
- The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains the statewide criminal history repository
- Retention policy: Permanent for all arrests submitted to the repository
- Includes arrests from all jurisdictions in Mississippi
FBI Database:
- The National Crime Information Center and the Interstate Identification Index maintain federal records
- Federal retention: Permanent
- Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms, and other purposes
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; part of the individual's permanent criminal history
- Dismissal: Remains in databases unless expunged; not reported on standard background checks
- Expungement: Local records are sealed or destroyed; the state repository updates its records; the FBI database may retain a notation; removal from third-party databases requires separate action
- No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after two to three years; eligible for expungement in most cases
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Mississippi does not currently impose additional restrictions on the reporting period beyond federal requirements. Arrests without convictions may appear on background checks but cannot be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in many contexts.
How to Check Retention Status:
- Contact the Adams County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (601) 442-2752
- Submit a written public records request specifying the arrest date and booking number
- Fees may apply for copies of responsive records