Leake County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Leake County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents in Leake County, Mississippi, may access publicly available information through LeakeRecords.us, which aggregates data related to a range of official record categories maintained by county and state agencies. Leake County government offices maintain a variety of records that may be accessible to the public under Mississippi's open records framework, subject to applicable exemptions.
Records that members of the public may find through official channels include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family court)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and land records
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Tax assessment and property tax records
- Arrest logs and incident reports (where permitted)
- Business licenses and permits
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Budget and financial documents
- Land use and zoning records
Records may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by county and state agencies.
Online Access:
The Leake County Circuit Court Clerk maintains case information accessible through the Mississippi courts portal. Property records and land documents may be searched through the Leake County Chancery Clerk's office. Some records are available digitally without registration, while others may require an in-person visit or written request.
In-Person Requests:
Members of the public may visit the Leake County Chancery Clerk's Office or the Circuit Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours to inspect records. Requestors should identify the specific record sought, provide any known case numbers or document identifiers, and complete any required request forms provided by staff.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests should include the requestor's full name, contact information, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for response. Under Mississippi Code § 25-61-5, agencies are required to respond to public records requests within a reasonable timeframe.
Phone/Email:
- Leake County Chancery Clerk: (601) 267-7371
- Leake County Circuit Court Clerk: (601) 267-8357
What Are Public Records in Leake County?
Public records in Leake County are defined under Mississippi state law as any books, records, papers, accounts, letters, maps, photographs, films, cards, tapes, recordings, or reproductions thereof, or any other documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, having been used, being in use, or prepared, possessed, or retained for use in the conduct, transaction, or performance of any business, transaction, work, duty, or function of any public body. The following record types are maintained by specific county offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | Circuit Court Clerk |
| Probate and chancery records | Chancery Clerk |
| Property deeds and mortgages | Chancery Clerk |
| Vital records (birth, death) | Mississippi State Department of Health |
| Marriage and divorce records | Chancery Clerk |
| Tax assessment records | County Tax Assessor |
| Business licenses and permits | County Board of Supervisors |
| Voting and election records | County Election Commission |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Board of Supervisors |
| Law enforcement records | Leake County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | County Planning Department |
Inmate and corrections-related records may be accessed through the Mississippi Department of Corrections public records portal, which allows members of the public to search and submit requests for records related to incarcerated individuals and correctional operations.
Is Leake County an Open Records County?
Leake County operates in full compliance with Mississippi's Public Records Act, which mandates that public bodies make their records available for inspection and copying by any person. Under Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 et seq., all public records are presumed to be open and accessible unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
As stated in the Mississippi Public Records Act, "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." This provision establishes a broad right of access applicable to all county agencies, including those in Leake County.
The county does not maintain a separate local open records ordinance that supersedes state law. All requests are processed in accordance with the Mississippi Public Records Act, and the Mississippi Attorney General's Office provides guidance to public bodies on compliance with sunshine laws and open records obligations.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Leake County?
The current fee structure for public records in Leake County is governed by state law and individual office schedules. Standard fees applicable to most requests are as follows:
| Fee Type | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Copies (per page, letter/legal size) | $0.25–$1.00 per page |
| Certification of documents | $1.00–$5.00 per document |
| Electronic format copies | Varies by office |
| Search fees | Not permitted under state law |
| Inspection of records | No charge |
Under Mississippi Code § 25-61-7, public bodies may charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of reproducing records but may not charge for the inspection of records. Fees vary by record type and the office maintaining the record. Vital records such as birth and death certificates carry separate fee schedules established by the Mississippi State Department of Health, which currently charges $17.00 for a certified copy of a birth certificate.
Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest, at the discretion of the custodial agency.
Does Leake County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Leake County government offices during regular business hours. Members of the public may review records in person at no charge; fees apply only when copies or certified documents are requested.
Free online resources currently available include:
- The Mississippi courts case search portal, which provides access to court case information at no cost
- The Mississippi sex offender registry, which allows members of the public to search registered sex offenders by name, county, or ZIP code at no charge
- Property tax and assessment records accessible through the Leake County Tax Assessor's online portal
- Meeting minutes and agendas posted on the Leake County Board of Supervisors' official website
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while any person may inspect public records without charge, obtaining physical or electronic copies is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Leake County?
Any person may request public records in Leake County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Under Mississippi's Public Records Act, requestors are not required to be Mississippi residents, provide identification, or explain the reason for their request when seeking non-restricted records.
Specific provisions apply to certain record categories:
- Vital records: Certified copies of birth and death certificates are restricted to the subject, immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with a demonstrated legal interest, as governed by Mississippi Code § 41-57-2.
- Juvenile records: Access is restricted to authorized parties under state law.
- Law enforcement records: Arrest logs and incident reports are accessible to the public; records related to ongoing investigations may be withheld.
- Personnel records: Access to government employee personnel files is subject to specific exemptions.
Members of the public requesting their own records may be required to provide proof of identity. Requests for records pertaining to other individuals are subject to the same open records framework, with applicable exemptions enforced by the custodial agency.
What Records Are Confidential in Leake County?
Certain records maintained by Leake County agencies are exempt from public disclosure under Mississippi law. Mississippi Code § 25-61-11 enumerates categories of records that public bodies are authorized or required to withhold from public inspection. Exempt and confidential records include:
- Sealed court records and expunged criminal records
- Juvenile court records and child welfare records
- Records related to ongoing criminal investigations
- Social Security numbers and personal financial account information
- Medical and mental health records protected under HIPAA
- Adoption records
- Child protective services records
- Government employee personnel records (with limited exceptions)
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information submitted to government agencies
- Security plans, infrastructure vulnerability assessments, and emergency response protocols
- Attorney-client privileged communications involving government legal counsel
When a public body withholds records, it is required to notify the requestor of the specific statutory basis for the exemption. The Mississippi Attorney General's Office provides formal opinions on disputed exemption claims and serves as the primary authority on open records compliance statewide.
Leake County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Leake County Chancery Clerk
162 Court Street, Suite 1
Carthage, MS 39051
(601) 267-7371
Leake County Chancery Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Leake County Circuit Court Clerk
162 Court Street
Carthage, MS 39051
(601) 267-8357
Leake County Circuit Court Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Leake County Tax Assessor/Collector
162 Court Street
Carthage, MS 39051
(601) 267-3021
Leake County Tax Assessor
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Leake County Sheriff's Office
100 Pecan Drive
Carthage, MS 39051
(601) 267-7221
Leake County Sheriff's Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (administrative); dispatch operates 24 hours
As noted by the Mississippi Secretary of State's office, "public records are the foundation of government accountability, and ensuring access to those records is a core function of every public body in the state." Members of the public with questions about record availability or request procedures may direct inquiries to the appropriate custodial office listed above.