Adams County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Adams County in 2026
AdamsCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to criminal records in Adams County, Mississippi. Members of the public seeking criminal record data may find information such as arrest logs, court case filings, booking records, and conviction histories through a combination of official county, state, and online resources. The categories of records that may be accessible include:
- Arrest and booking records
- Circuit and county court case filings
- Felony and misdemeanor conviction records
- Warrant information
- Inmate and jail roster data
- Sex offender registry entries
- Probation and parole status (where publicly available)
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following five methods outline the primary channels through which members of the public may obtain criminal record information in Adams County.
1. County Court Records
The Adams County Circuit Court maintains criminal case files for felony matters, while the County Court handles misdemeanor proceedings. Members of the public may inspect court records in person at the courthouse during regular business hours. Requestors are advised to bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject and an approximate date of birth or case number to facilitate the search. Public access terminals are available in the clerk's office for self-service case lookups.
Adams County Circuit Court Clerk
115 South Wall Street
Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: (601) 446-6326
Adams County Circuit Court
2. Sheriff's Office
The Adams County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and inmate information. Members of the public may submit public records requests for incident reports, arrest records, and jail rosters. Requests may be submitted in person or in writing. Fees may apply for copies of records. The Sheriff's Office processes requests pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act.
Adams County Sheriff's Office
319 State Street
Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: (601) 442-2752
Adams County Sheriff's Office Public Records
3. Online Court Search
The Mississippi Administrative Office of Courts provides an online case search portal through which members of the public may search for criminal case filings statewide, including Adams County. Users may search by full name, case number, or date of filing. The portal returns case status, charge information, and disposition data where available. Sealed, expunged, or juvenile records do not appear in online search results.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety, through the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol, maintains the state's criminal history repository. Individuals and authorized entities may request a name-based background check through the DPS Name-Based Background Check portal. Fingerprint-based checks are required for certain employment and licensing purposes. Processing times and fees vary by request type. Unauthorized use of the system to obtain criminal background information on another person is subject to criminal prosecution under Mississippi law.
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
1900 East Woodrow Wilson Avenue
Jackson, MS 39216
Phone: (601) 987-1212
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
5. Written/Mail Requests
Members of the public may submit written requests for criminal records to the Adams County Circuit Court Clerk or the Adams County Sheriff's Office by mail. Requests should include the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, and the specific records sought. Under the Mississippi Public Records Act, § 25-61-5, public bodies are required to respond to records requests within seven business days of receipt.
What Is Adams County Criminal Record
A criminal record in Adams County is an official compilation of documented interactions between an individual and the criminal justice system, maintained by law enforcement agencies, courts, and state repositories. Under Mississippi law, a criminal record may encompass arrests, charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing orders, and probation or parole status.
The distinction between record types is significant for legal and practical purposes:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody; it does not indicate guilt or a finding of conviction. A conviction record reflects a formal judicial determination of guilt, whether by plea or verdict.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felony records involve more serious offenses carrying potential sentences exceeding one year of incarceration. Misdemeanor records involve lesser offenses with shorter potential sentences.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Adult criminal records are subject to public disclosure under applicable law. Juvenile records are confidential under Mississippi Code § 43-21-261 and are not accessible to the general public.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect outstanding judicial orders for arrest. Historical records document past criminal justice involvement regardless of current warrant status.
The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Adams County include:
- Adams County Sheriff's Office — arrest records, jail records, booking logs
- Adams County Circuit Court — felony court records, case files, dispositions
- Adams County County Court — misdemeanor court records
- Mississippi Department of Public Safety — statewide criminal history repository
- Natchez Police Department — municipal arrest and incident records
Records are created at the point of arrest and updated as a case progresses through the criminal justice system, from initial booking through final disposition, sentencing, and any subsequent appeals or modifications.
Are Criminal Records Public In Adams County
Criminal records in Adams County are subject to public disclosure under the Mississippi Public Records Act, § 25-61-1 et seq., which establishes the right of the public to inspect and copy public records maintained by government bodies. As stated in the statute, "all public records are hereby declared to be public property, and any person shall have the right to inspect, copy or mechanically reproduce or obtain a reproduction of any public record."
Adult conviction records, court proceedings, and final case dispositions are accessible to members of the public. The following categories of records are subject to disclosure:
- Adult arrest records and booking information
- Court case filings, charges, and dispositions
- Sentencing orders and probation terms
- Sex offender registry information
The following categories are restricted or exempt from public disclosure:
- Juvenile records (sealed by statute)
- Expunged or sealed adult records
- Records subject to active investigative exemptions
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Records subject to court-ordered sealing or protective orders
Federal criminal records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation are governed by federal law and are not subject to Mississippi's public records statutes. The Mississippi Attorney General's Office provides guidance on public records access and exemptions applicable to state and county agencies.
How To Find Criminal Records in Adams County Online
Official County Resources
The Adams County Circuit Court Clerk's office provides in-person access to case records. Online access to Adams County court records is available through the Mississippi Administrative Office of Courts' statewide case search system. The Adams County Sheriff's Office maintains online access to inmate information, warrant searches, and public records request forms. The Mississippi Department of Corrections Inmate Search portal allows members of the public to search for individuals currently in state custody by name or MDOC identification number.
State-Level Resources
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety operates the DPS Name-Based Background Check system for statewide criminal history inquiries. The Mississippi Sex Offender Registry, maintained by the Department of Public Safety, is publicly searchable online.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name and any known aliases
- Case number searches return the most precise results
- Cross-reference multiple databases, as no single portal contains all records
- Note that records predating digital systems may not appear in online searches
- Sealed and expunged records will not appear in any public online database
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks following a court event. Historical records predating electronic filing systems may require in-person requests. Online searches do not constitute official background checks for employment or licensing purposes.
Can You Search Adams County Criminal Records for Free
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection: Under § 25-61-5 of the Mississippi Public Records Act, members of the public have the right to inspect public records at no charge. Copying fees may apply. In-person inspection is available at the Adams County Circuit Court Clerk's office and the Adams County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours.
2. Free Online Databases: The following resources are currently available at no cost:
| Resource | What's Available | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Adams County Sheriff's Office | Inmate records, warrant search, public records forms | Sheriff Public Records |
| MDOC Inmate Search | State inmates by name or ID | Inmate Search |
| MS Sex Offender Registry | Registered sex offenders statewide | DPS Background Check |
3. Sheriff's Logs: Daily arrest and booking reports maintained by the Adams County Sheriff's Office are available for public inspection at no charge.
What Costs Money
- Certified copies of court records: fees set by the court clerk
- Official state criminal history background checks: fee required through the DPS portal
- Staff-assisted record searches: fees may apply per agency policy
- Expedited processing: additional fees may apply
State Fee Law: Under § 25-61-7 of the Mississippi Public Records Act, public bodies may charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of reproduction. Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances as determined by the custodial agency.
What's Included in an Adams County Criminal Record
Identifying Information
A criminal record maintained in Adams County at present includes the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description, photograph (mugshot), last known address, state identification number (SID), and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information
Arrest records include the date and time of arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond information, and the name of the jail facility where the individual was held.
Court Case Information
Court records include the case number, court of jurisdiction, filing date, charges and applicable statutes (with felony or misdemeanor classification), plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition
Disposition records reflect the verdict or outcome, conviction date where applicable, sentencing details (type, length, fines, restitution, and conditions of supervision), any appeals filed, and probation or parole terms.
Additional Record Elements
- Outstanding warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration status
- DUI/DWI adjudications
- Traffic violations adjudicated in criminal court
- Pending charges
NOT Included in Public Criminal Records
- Juvenile records (sealed under § 43-21-261)
- Expunged or sealed adult records
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Completed pretrial diversion program records (where sealed by court order)
Accuracy Note: Individuals who identify errors in their criminal record may seek correction through the originating agency or the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Inaccurate records can affect employment, housing, and licensing outcomes, and the correction process involves submitting documentation to the relevant custodial agency.
How Long Does Adams County Keep Criminal Records
Legal Requirements
Mississippi public records retention schedules, established under the authority of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, govern how long criminal records must be maintained by county agencies. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History publishes official retention schedules applicable to county courts and law enforcement agencies.
Retention by Record Type
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony convictions | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor convictions | Permanent |
| Arrest records (no conviction) | Varies by agency; subject to expungement |
| Dismissed or acquitted cases | Retained with disposition noted |
| Juvenile records | Sealed at age 21; subject to destruction per court order |
| Pending cases | Retained until final resolution |
Agency Differences
- County courts: Court records are retained permanently pursuant to state retention schedules.
- Sheriff's Office/Jail: Booking and jail records are retained according to the applicable county retention schedule.
- State repository: The Mississippi Department of Public Safety retains conviction records permanently in the state criminal history repository.
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records. Paper records may be destroyed following scanning and digital preservation, provided the electronic copy is maintained in accordance with the applicable retention schedule.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement
- Destruction refers to the physical or electronic elimination of a record at the end of its retention period.
- Sealing restricts public access to a record while preserving it for law enforcement use.
- Expungement is a legal process by which a court orders the removal of a criminal record from public access. Under Mississippi law, certain first-time, non-violent offenders may petition for expungement. Eligibility criteria and procedures are governed by Mississippi Code § 99-19-71. Even following expungement, records may remain accessible to law enforcement agencies.
Federal Records
Criminal records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation are subject to federal retention rules and are maintained separately from state and county records.
Practical Implications
Felony convictions appear on background checks indefinitely under Mississippi law. Employment background checks conducted by private employers at present reflect convictions within the timeframe permitted by the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which limits reporting of most criminal records to seven years for certain purposes. Professional licensing boards may require full disclosure of criminal history regardless of the age of the conviction.
As a practical matter, even if a county agency destroys physical records at the end of a retention period, electronic copies may continue to exist in state databases unless the records have been legally expunged by court order.