Leake County Public Records / Leake County Arrest Records

Leake County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Leake County in 2026

LeakeRecords.us provides access to publicly available data related to arrest records in Leake County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find booking information, charge details, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through various official and third-party sources include arrest logs, booking records, mugshots, bond information, and criminal court case filings. This information is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Leake County Sheriff's Office, the Leake County Circuit Clerk, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and online public access tools.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Leake County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and may provide current jail roster information for individuals held at the Leake County Jail. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about recent arrests. Information available through this channel includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and custody status. Records are updated as bookings occur.

Leake County Sheriff's Office 1166 Highway 35 South Carthage, MS 39051 Phone: (601) 267-7321 Leake County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Carthage Police Department serves the county seat and may maintain arrest logs and press releases related to local law enforcement activity. Members of the public seeking arrest information from municipal jurisdictions within Leake County may contact the relevant department directly.

Carthage Police Department 302 West Main Street Carthage, MS 39051 Phone: (601) 267-8331

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Leake County Circuit Clerk maintains criminal court case records that are linked to arrests processed through the local court system. Members of the public may search case records by the arrestee's name to identify associated court filings, charge information, and case disposition. The Mississippi Electronic Courts system provides online access to certain case records statewide.

Leake County Circuit Clerk Court Square Carthage, MS 39051 Phone: (601) 267-7371 Mississippi Courts

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains a statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history record check through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Fees apply for criminal history record requests. The standard fee for a name-based criminal history search is currently $25.00 for non-fingerprint requests. Fingerprint-based searches may carry additional fees. The repository includes arrest and disposition information submitted by law enforcement agencies across the state.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Address: 1166 Highway 35 South, Carthage, MS 39051
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Phone: (601) 267-7321
Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and any known details about the arrest, including the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and booking number if available
Copy fees: Standard per-page fees apply per Mississippi public records law

Clerk of Court:

Address: Court Square, Carthage, MS 39051
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Phone: (601) 267-7371
Criminal case files are available for inspection during regular business hours
Copy fees: $0.50 per page for standard copies; certified copies carry an additional fee

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Leake County Sheriff's Office at 1166 Highway 35 South, Carthage, MS 39051. Requests should include the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full name and return mailing address. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time varies and is subject to the volume of pending requests.

By Phone:

The Leake County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (601) 267-7321 during regular business hours. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information is not released by phone and requestors may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may request arrest and booking records through formal discovery processes in active legal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through standard public access channels. Defense counsel and prosecutors may access records through the court's discovery procedures.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Carthage Police Department, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Leake County

Arrest records in Leake County are public records under Mississippi law. Pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act, Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1, et seq., records created or maintained by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, are presumptively open to inspection by any member of the public. Arrest records fall within this framework because they document official government action taken by law enforcement officers acting in their public capacity.

The public availability of arrest records serves several recognized governmental interests, including government transparency and accountability, public safety awareness, community notification, support for journalism and academic research, background screening for employment and licensing, and use in legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Not all arrest-related information is subject to public disclosure. The following categories are restricted or exempt from routine public access:

Juvenile arrest records, which are restricted under Mississippi law
Expunged arrest records, which are removed from public access by court order
Sealed records subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active criminal investigations
Identities of undercover law enforcement officers
Confidential informant information
Victim identifying information in certain categories of cases
Information pertaining to participants in witness protection programs

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The public's right to access government records is grounded in both the Mississippi Constitution and statutory law. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through specific exemptions enumerated in Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-11, which identifies categories of records that agencies may withhold. First Amendment principles also support press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

The following parties may access publicly available arrest records in Leake County:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers conducting background screening, subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681, which governs the use of consumer reports including criminal history information. Mississippi does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, but federal contractors are subject to applicable federal guidance. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not establish guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions may give rise to legal liability in certain circumstances.

What's in Leake 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 or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Carthage Police Department, Mississippi Highway Patrol, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Mississippi statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification as felony or misdemeanor, including degree or class
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related 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 public record releases
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Bail bondsman information, if applicable
Release date and time, if the individual has been released
Release conditions, if made part of the public record

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction (Circuit Court, County Court, or Justice Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, if available at time of record creation

Prior Arrest History:

Some arrest records may include reference to prior arrests within the county, previous booking numbers, and historical charge information. This information is not uniformly included in all public arrest records and may require a separate criminal history request.

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques or methods
Medical or mental health information
Substance abuse information
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and investigative information not routinely available to the public
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed by courts
Background checks are comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources including court records, law enforcement databases, and state repositories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Leake County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Leake County is governed by the Mississippi Public Records Act, Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7, which authorizes public bodies to charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of producing records.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.50 per page
Certified copies (Circuit Clerk)	$1.00 per page plus certification fee
Criminal history (state repository, name-based)	$25.00 per request
Criminal history (fingerprint-based)	$44.00 per request (subject to change)
Electronic records (where available)	Varies by agency
Inspection of records (in-person review)	No charge for inspection

Accepted Payment Methods:

The Leake County Sheriff's Office and Circuit Clerk's Office accept cash, money orders, and personal checks made payable to the respective agency. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety accepts payment by credit card for online criminal history requests.

Fee Waivers:

Members of the public who are indigent or who are requesting records for a clearly defined public interest purpose may request a fee waiver. Fee waiver requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the custodial agency. Journalists and researchers may submit written fee waiver requests with documentation of their purpose.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Members of the public may inspect public arrest records in person at the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Clerk's Office without charge. Online access to court case information through the Mississippi Courts portal is available at no cost for basic case searches. Fees apply only when copies or certified documents are requested.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Leake County

Under Mississippi law, the process for removing arrest records from public access is referred to as expungement. Expungement is a court-ordered legal process by which arrest and related court records are sealed or destroyed, removing them from public access. Mississippi law distinguishes between expungement (destruction or sealing of records) and non-disclosure (restricting access without destruction), with expungement being the primary remedy available under state statute.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records under the following circumstances:

The arrest did not result in a conviction (charges were dismissed, nolle prossed, or the individual was acquitted)
The individual successfully completed a first-offender diversion program
The individual was convicted of a misdemeanor and has met the statutory waiting period and conditions
Certain non-violent felony convictions may be eligible after a five-year waiting period following completion of sentence, subject to specific statutory criteria

Offenses Not Eligible for Expungement:

The following categories of offenses are not eligible for expungement under current Mississippi law:

Sex offenses requiring registration
Crimes against children
Felony convictions involving violence where the victim suffered serious bodily harm
DUI convictions (subject to limited exceptions)
Trafficking offenses

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information from the Leake County Circuit Clerk
Confirm eligibility based on the nature of the charge and disposition
Prepare and file a Petition for Expungement in the Leake County Circuit Court
Pay the applicable filing fee (currently $150.00 for most expungement petitions, subject to change)
Serve the petition on the District Attorney's Office for the Seventh Circuit Court District
Attend the scheduled hearing if the District Attorney objects
If the court grants the petition, the order is served on all agencies holding records, including the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, and Mississippi Department of Public Safety

Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:

Leake County Circuit Clerk Court Square Carthage, MS 39051 Phone: (601) 267-7371 Mississippi Courts

Seventh Circuit Court District Attorney's Office P.O. Box 449 Carthage, MS 39051 Phone: (601) 267-8357

Following a court-granted expungement, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety updates the state criminal history repository. Third-party commercial databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not reflect expungement immediately or at all. Individuals who have obtained an expungement order may submit a copy of the order directly to commercial background check companies requesting removal.

What Happens After Arrest in Leake County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Leake County, the arrested individual is transported to the Leake County Jail, located at 1166 Highway 35 South, Carthage, MS 39051. Transport time varies depending on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion prior to transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Leake County Jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. The following steps occur during booking:

Personal identification information is recorded
Miranda rights are read if not previously administered
A booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
Fingerprints are collected and submitted to state and federal databases
A criminal history check is conducted
Outstanding warrants are checked through state and national databases
Personal property is inventoried and stored
Clothing is exchanged for jail-issued attire
Medical screening is conducted
A brief mental health screening is administered
Housing classification is determined

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Mississippi law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge for an initial appearance within 48 hours of arrest. At the initial appearance, the following occurs:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are formally advisement
The hearing may be conducted via video conference

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the Leake County Sheriff's Office. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made. Bond amounts are set by the presiding judge or magistrate or pursuant to a bond schedule.

Surety Bond: The defendant or a family member may engage a licensed bail bondsman. The bondsman charges a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the total bond amount, and posts the full bond with the court. The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The court may release the defendant on a personal recognizance bond based on ties to the community, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk. No monetary payment is required.

No Bond: The court may order that no bond be set in cases involving serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violations of probation or parole, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release:

Conditions of release may include regular check-in requirements with pretrial services, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted: Processing for release following bond payment typically takes between one and eight hours. Personal property is returned, a court date is provided, and written conditions of release are issued. The defendant must appear at all scheduled court dates or the bond is subject to forfeiture.

If Bond Is Not Posted: The individual remains in custody at the Leake County Jail, receives a housing assignment, completes inmate orientation, and is informed of commissary, phone, and visitation procedures.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Indigent defendants are entitled to appointed counsel. Eligibility is based on income. The Mississippi Office of State Public Defender oversees public defense services in the state.

Mississippi Office of State Public Defender 239 North Lamar Street, Suite 604 Jackson, MS 39201 Phone: (601) 576-4290 Mississippi Office of State Public Defender

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Mississippi Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service. Attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The District Attorney's Office for the Seventh Circuit Court District reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review typically occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The prosecutor may file formal charges by information or indictment, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges.

Grand Jury:

For felony charges in Mississippi, the District Attorney may present the case to a grand jury to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed. Defense counsel is not present during grand jury proceedings. A finding of probable cause results in an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and 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:

During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through discovery, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may be filed, including motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Pretrial conferences are held to discuss case resolution and trial readiness. Plea negotiations may result in a plea agreement prior to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. A dismissal may make the defendant eligible for expungement.
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
Plea Agreement: The defendant may accept a negotiated plea to reduced charges or an agreed-upon sentencing recommendation, waiving the right to trial.
Trial: The defendant may proceed 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
Misdemeanor cases: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most instances
Felony cases: May take six months to over a year depending on complexity
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article 3, Section 26 of the Mississippi Constitution

Rights Throughout the 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:

Leake County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 1166 Highway 35 South Carthage, MS 39051 Phone: (601) 267-7321 Leake County Sheriff's Office

Leake County Circuit Clerk Court Square Carthage, MS 39051 Phone: (601) 267-7371 Mississippi Courts

Seventh Circuit Court District Attorney's Office P.O. Box 449 Carthage, MS 39051 Phone: (601) 267-8357

Mississippi Office of State Public Defender 239 North Lamar Street, Suite 604 Jackson, MS 39201 Phone: (601) 576-4290 Mississippi Office of State Public Defender

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Leake County?

Records Retention Overview:

The retention of arrest records in Leake County is governed by Mississippi law and the policies of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, which establishes records retention schedules for public agencies. Under the Mississippi Public Records Act, Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-21, local government agencies are required to follow approved retention schedules for all public records, including law enforcement records. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History publishes retention schedules applicable to county agencies.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retention: Permanent
Maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and the FBI through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retention: Permanent at the state repository level
Local law enforcement records: Retained for a minimum of five years following case closure, subject to the applicable retention schedule
Court records: Retained permanently for most misdemeanor convictions

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of three to five years in most instances
Court records: Often retained permanently as part of the case file
State repository: Records may remain unless expungement is obtained

Acquittals:

Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of three to five years
Court records: Often retained permanently
May be sealed or expunged upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Retained for a minimum of two to three years
Local arrest logs: Retained per the applicable schedule
May be eligible for expungement under Mississippi law

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Retained per the applicable retention schedule, typically a minimum of five years
Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently at the state level
Photographs: Retained for the duration of the applicable retention period

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained for a minimum of three years in most jurisdictions
Records management systems: Often retained permanently
Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency and third-party platform
Court electronic records: Often retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention schedules as government agencies. These entities are not controlled by law enforcement. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681, consumer reporting agencies are required to maintain accuracy in the records they report, but they may not automatically update records when an expungement is granted.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum five years
Arrest reports: Minimum five years
Investigative files: Varies by case type and outcome
Contact: (601) 267-7321

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Permanent
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum five years following case closure
Traffic cases: Minimum three years
Electronic records: Often permanent

State Repository:

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains the state criminal history repository and retains arrest and disposition records submitted by all law enforcement agencies in the state. Records are retained in accordance with state policy and federal requirements.

Mississippi Department of Public Safety 1900 East Woodrow Wilson Avenue Jackson, MS 39216 Phone: (601) 987-1212 Mississippi Department of Public Safety

FBI Database:

The FBI maintains the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III), which contain arrest records submitted by law enforcement agencies nationwide. Federal retention is typically permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies for background checks related to employment, firearms purchases, and other purposes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless expungement is obtained; dismissed charges are often not reported on standard employment background checks
Expungement: Physical records are sealed or destroyed at the local level; the state repository updates its records; the FBI database may retain a notation; removal from third-party databases requires separate action by the individual
No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after two to three years; individuals may request immediate removal in some circumstances

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests (within the last five years): Available online through the Mississippi Courts portal and by contacting the Sheriff's Office
Older arrests (five to twenty years ago): May require an in-person request; possible retrieval fee; longer processing time
Very old arrests (more than twenty years ago): May not be digitized; paper records may be held in archives; some records may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for expungement, or in accordance with the approved records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention, including felony convictions, serious violent offense records, sex offense records, and records in cases with ongoing appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Standard employment background checks conducted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act cover a seven-year period for most purposes, though convictions may be reported indefinitely. Some states impose additional restrictions on reporting non-conviction records, but Mississippi does not currently have a statewide law limiting the reporting period beyond federal requirements. Arrests without conviction may appear on background checks but cannot be used as the sole basis for adverse employment action in many regulated industries.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Leake County Sheriff's Records Division at (601) 267-7321 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request may be required. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to such requests.