Criminal records in Hinds County, Mississippi, are maintained by several agencies including the circuit and county courts, the Hinds County Sheriff's Office, and state-level repositories. HindsCourt.us can help you find publicly available criminal case information for Hinds County. You can also access records through official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the Hinds County Circuit Clerk's office — online, in person, or by mail.
How to Search Criminal Records in Hinds
There are several ways to look up criminal records in Hinds County. The method you choose depends on what information you already have and what type of record you need.
Through HindsCourt.us
Start at HindsCourt.us to search for publicly available court record information tied to Hinds County criminal cases. You can search by the defendant's name to locate case details.
Online — State and County Tools
- Mississippi Department of Public Safety — Criminal Information Center: The Criminal Information Center manages the state's criminal history repository and processes background check requests. You can submit fingerprint-based criminal history requests through this office.
- Mississippi Department of Corrections — Inmate Search: Use the MDOC Inmate Search to look up individuals currently or previously incarcerated in the state prison system. Search by name or MDOC ID number.
- City of Jackson Municipal Court: For misdemeanor offenses handled within Jackson city limits, the City of Jackson Municipal Court maintains its own records.
In Person
Visit the Hinds County Circuit Clerk's office at the Hinds County Courthouse to search criminal case records using public access terminals or request assistance from staff. You will need the defendant's full name or case number.
By Mail or Written Request
You can submit a written request for criminal records to the Hinds County Circuit Clerk at the address above. Include the defendant's full legal name, date of birth (if known), and the case number if available. For statewide criminal history checks, submit a fingerprint card and request to the Mississippi Criminal Information Center.
To begin any search, you will generally need at least one of the following:
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth
- Case number
- MDOC ID number (for state corrections searches)
Search Hinds Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, this is the fastest way to pull up a specific criminal record in Hinds County. Mississippi case numbers typically follow a format that includes:
- A prefix or code identifying the court level or case type (e.g., "CR" for criminal cases in circuit court)
- A year designation indicating when the case was filed
- A sequential number assigned to the case within that filing year
For example, a Hinds County Circuit Court criminal case number might appear as something like 25-1-CR-000123, where the first digits reference the county and court district, followed by the case type and sequence number. Formats can vary slightly between the circuit court and county court. If you are unsure about the format, the Circuit Clerk's office can help you locate a case using a partial number or the defendant's name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Hinds
Criminal case records in Hinds County contain several key data points. Here is what each one means:
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | The Mississippi Code section the defendant is accused of violating (e.g., Miss. Code Ann. § 97-3-7 for simple assault) |
| Severity | Classified as a felony, misdemeanor, or infraction. Felonies are handled in Circuit Court; misdemeanors may be in County or Justice Court |
| Amended Charges | Charges may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations or at the prosecutor's discretion |
Case Status
- Pending: The case is open and awaiting resolution
- Active: Court proceedings are underway
- Disposed: The case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, acquittal)
- Closed: All proceedings and obligations are complete
Hearings
- Arraignment: The defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea
- Preliminary Hearing: A judge determines whether enough evidence exists to proceed (felony cases)
- Pre-Trial: Motions, discovery issues, and plea discussions occur
- Sentencing: The judge imposes a sentence after a guilty plea or conviction
- Review: Follow-up hearings to monitor probation, compliance, or other conditions
Court Results
- Guilty: Convicted of the charge, either by plea or verdict
- Not Guilty: Acquitted at trial
- Dismissed: The charge was dropped by the prosecution or the court
- Nolle Prosequi: The prosecutor chose not to pursue the charge
- Acquitted: Found not guilty after trial
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Hinds
Certified copies of criminal records carry an official court seal and are accepted for legal proceedings, background checks, and employment verification. In Hinds County, the Circuit Clerk's office is the primary custodian of circuit and county court criminal records.
How to Submit a Request
- In person: Visit the Circuit Clerk's office at the Hinds County Courthouse. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- By mail: Send a written request to the Circuit Clerk with the defendant's full name, date of birth, case number (if known), and a check or money order for applicable fees.
- State-level criminal history: For a formal criminal background check, contact the Mississippi Criminal Information Center at the Department of Public Safety. Fingerprint-based checks require a completed fingerprint card.
Identification Required
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- If requesting on behalf of another person, a signed authorization or notarized release may be required
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Hinds
Fees for criminal record copies in Hinds County are set by Mississippi statute and local court policy. The following table outlines typical costs:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy of court record | $1.00 – $1.50 per page (plus certification fee) |
| Certification fee | $1.00 – $5.00 per document |
| State criminal history check (DPS) | $32.00 (fingerprint-based) |
Fees are established under Mississippi Code Ann. § 25-7-13 and related statutes governing clerk fees. Contact the Circuit Clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated.
Processing Times
- In-person requests: Often available the same day or within 1–3 business days
- Mail requests: Typically 5–10 business days after receipt
- State criminal history (DPS): Processing times vary; allow several weeks for fingerprint-based checks
Payment is usually accepted by cash, check, or money order at the clerk's office. Confirm accepted payment methods before visiting or mailing a request.