Criminal records in Lauderdale County, Mississippi, are generally public documents accessible in several ways. LauderdaleMSCourt.us allows searching for publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through the state's official court systems, county law enforcement agencies, and the Clerk's Office. Each of these channels provides varying levels of detail—from basic case information to certified copies of court documents.
How to Search Criminal Records in Lauderdale
There are several practical ways to find criminal records in this county. Below are step-by-step instructions for each method.
Online Search
- Through LauderdaleMSCourt.us — enter the first and last name of the person to view publicly available information about criminal cases in Lauderdale County.
- Through the Mississippi State Courts Portal — Mississippi Courts provides general information about the state court system and can direct you to relevant resources for case searches.
- Through the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office — the Lauderdale County website provides contact information for the sheriff and data on current inmates.
In-Person Visit
The Circuit Clerk's Office maintains criminal cases heard in the Circuit Court. You can visit in person and use public access terminals or ask the clerk for assistance with the search. For cases heard in the Justice Court or the Municipal Court of the City of Meridian, contact the respective office.
Mail Request
Send a written request to the Circuit Clerk, including the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number. Include a copy of your ID and payment for document copies. For an official state-level criminal history, submit a request to the Mississippi Criminal Information Center (MCIC) at the Department of Public Safety.
What You Need to Start a Search
- Full first and last name
- Date of birth — preferred
- Case number — if known
- Type of court: Circuit Court for felonies, Justice Court or Municipal Court for misdemeanors
Search Lauderdale Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each criminal case in Mississippi is assigned a unique number upon registration. The case number in the Circuit Court usually includes the year of filing, case type designation, and a sequential number. For example, the format might look like this: 2024-0123-CR, where "2024" is the year, "CR" indicates a criminal case, and the numerical part is the registration sequence number.
The Justice Court uses its own numbering, which may differ. If you have the case number, the search is much faster—the clerk can find the documents in minutes. Without the number, you will have to search by name, which sometimes yields multiple results, especially for common surnames.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Lauderdale
Understanding each element of a court case will help correctly interpret the information found.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the Mississippi Code—e.g., § 97-3-7 for assault |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charge to a lesser or more severe one during proceedings |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, awaiting consideration
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled
- Disposed — the court has issued a decision (verdict, closure, dismissal)
- Closed — all procedures are completed, including appeal periods
Hearings
In criminal cases in Lauderdale County, typical stages include:
- Arraignment — the first appearance of the accused before a judge, where charges are read
- Preliminary hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-trial conference — parties discuss the possibility of a plea agreement or prepare for trial
- Trial — the court hearing on the merits
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty verdict
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty—by court verdict or plea deal |
| Not guilty | Acquitted after trial |
| Dismissed | Case closed by the prosecutor or judge without a verdict |
| Nolle prosequi | The prosecutor declined to pursue further prosecution |
| Acquitted | Complete acquittal—charges dropped after a substantive review |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Lauderdale
Certified copies are official documents with the court's seal, accepted by employers, attorneys, and government agencies. Regular copies made on a copier do not have such legal force.
Where to Apply
For criminal cases heard in the Lauderdale County Circuit Court, certified copies are issued by the Circuit Clerk. For state-level criminal history verification, submit a request to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MCIC).
Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk's Office
How to Submit a Request
- In person — visit the office with ID (driver's license or passport). The clerk will find the case and prepare a certified copy.
- By mail — send a written request indicating the case number or the full name and date of birth of the accused. Include a copy of ID, a check or money order for the payment amount, and a self-addressed envelope.
- State criminal history — for a state-level background check, complete the appropriate form through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Fingerprinting is usually required.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Lauderdale
The cost depends on the type of document and the method of request. Below are approximate rates set according to the Mississippi Code.
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document | $0.50 per page | Standard rate for most documents |
| Document certification | $1.00–$5.00 per document | Added to the cost of the copy; the exact amount depends on the type |
| State criminal background check (MCIC) | ~$32.00 | Through Mississippi Department of Public Safety; may require fingerprints |
| Name-based search | May vary | Check with the Circuit Clerk |
Processing time for in-person requests is usually the same day or within a few business days. Mail requests take from one to three weeks, depending on the office's workload. DPS criminal history checks can take up to 10 business days.
If you need the exact amount for a specific document, call the Circuit Clerk at (601) 482-9714 before sending your request—this will save time and avoid delays due to incorrect payment.