Court records of Lamar County, Mississippi, are maintained by the clerks of the county courts and are accessible through online tools, official court portals, and directly at the clerks' offices. LamarCourt.us will help you find publicly available information about court records in this county. Additional sources include the Chancery Clerk's official records online portal, the Circuit Clerk's office, and other Mississippi state government resources.
Lamar Court System Overview
Lamar County is located in the southern part of Mississippi and is part of the 15th Circuit Court District. The county's court system consists of several levels: the Circuit Court handles serious criminal and civil cases, the Chancery Court is responsible for family law, probate matters, and land issues, and the Justice Court handles small claims, misdemeanors, and traffic violations. The county seat is the city of Purvis.
All county departments operate according to this schedule. For specific phone numbers, refer to the page of the respective department.
Courts Serving Lamar
Residents of Lamar County are served by several courts of different levels of jurisdiction.
Circuit Court
Chancery Court
Justice Court
Federal Court
Lamar County falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. Bankruptcy cases are handled by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.
What Types of Cases Lamar Courts Hear
Lamar County courts hear a wide range of cases. Here are the main categories:
- Criminal cases: felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, DUI
- Civil cases: large claims, small claims, contract disputes
- Family law: divorce, child custody, alimony, paternity, protective orders
- Probate cases: estate management, guardianship, conservatorship
- Juvenile cases: minor offenses, child protection, adoption
- Land and real estate registration cases
District Court Cases in Lamar
In Mississippi, the Circuit Court serves as a court of general jurisdiction. In Lamar County, this court hears serious criminal cases after a preliminary hearing in the Justice Court, civil claims exceeding the jurisdictional limit of lower courts, and appeals from the Justice Court. The Circuit Clerk maintains all court records and holds the official seal. Criminal cases are brought to the Circuit Court after an indictment by a grand jury. Judges are appointed according to rotation within the 15th Circuit Court District.
Magistrate Court Cases in Lamar
In Mississippi, the role of the magistrate court is performed by the Justice Court. The criminal division of the Lamar County Justice Court handles approximately 7,100 cases per year. The court hears:
- Misdemeanors and criminal contempt of court
- Traffic violations, DUI, tickets from MDOT
- Fishing and hunting violations
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases and setting bail
- Search warrants
The civil jurisdiction of the Justice Court in Mississippi extends to claims up to $3,500. Small claims are also heard in this court. Justice Court judges handle both criminal and civil cases.
Family Law, Probate, and Juvenile Matters in Lamar
Family law. Divorce, custody, alimony, paternity, and protective orders from domestic violence fall under the jurisdiction of the Chancery Court. The Chancery Clerk processes protective orders from domestic violence and submits statistical data to the Mississippi Supreme Court.
Probate cases. The Chancery Court also hears cases related to estates, guardianship, and conservatorship. To open a probate case, a petition must be filed with the Chancery Clerk.
Juvenile cases. Cases involving minors, including child protection and adoption, are heard in the Chancery Court or Youth Court. Juvenile records are confidential under Mississippi law.
How Cases Move Through the Lamar Court System
- Filing. A criminal case begins with a complaint or arrest; a civil case with the filing of a lawsuit; a family case with a petition to the Chancery Court.
- Judge assignment. The case is assigned to a judge of the appropriate court within the 15th Circuit Court District.
- Initial hearing. In criminal cases, an arraignment; in civil cases, a scheduling conference.
- Pre-trial phase. Motions, discovery, plea negotiations in criminal cases, or mediation in civil cases.
- Trial or resolution. Jury or judge verdict, plea agreement, settlement, or default judgment.
- Post-judgment. Sentencing, appeal to the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court of Mississippi, enforcement of judgment.
Court Administration, Local Rules, and Public Access in Lamar
The administrative judge of the 15th Circuit Court District provides overall supervision of the Circuit Court's operations. The Chancery Clerk is responsible for submitting statistical data to the Supreme Court and AOC, as well as preparing cases for appellate review.
According to the Mississippi Public Records Act, most court records are public. Exceptions include juvenile cases, sealed records, and certain family matters. Online access to land records and official Chancery Court documents is available through the Official Records Inquiry portal.
Hearings are usually held in person at the courthouse in Purvis. For remote participation options, it is recommended to check with the respective clerk's office. All departments operate Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Court Records and Related Court Resources in Lamar
- Search for official Chancery Court records. The online portal allows searching for land records, property documents, and other official records by name or document number. The portal's homepage contains usage instructions.
- Circuit Clerk — criminal and civil records. The Circuit Clerk's office maintains all Circuit Court records, including criminal and civil cases.
- Justice Court. To obtain Justice Court records, contact the Justice Court office.
- Tax records and real estate. The Tax Assessor/Collector provides property assessment information, and real property tax calculations are available online.
- County inmate search. The Lamar County Sheriff's office provides an inmate search tool at sheriff.lamarcountyms.gov.
- State inmate search. The Mississippi Department of Corrections allows searching for inmates by name or MDOC identification number.
- Sex offender registry. The Mississippi Public Sex Offender Registry allows searches by address or ZIP code. Hotline: 601-987-1540.
- Criminal history check. The Department of Public Safety offers an online name-based check. For inquiries, call 601-933-2600.
- Additional resources. The LamarCourt.us site gathers links to public court records and resources for Lamar County in one place.