Criminal records in Lamar County, Mississippi, are available through several channels. LamarCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information on criminal cases in the county. Additionally, official court systems — including the Circuit Clerk and Justice Court — maintain their own registers. The Sheriff's Office provides inmate searches, and the Chancery Clerk maintains separate categories of public documents. For an official criminal history check, you can contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
How to Search Criminal Records in Lamar
There are several ways to find criminal records in the county. Start by determining what type of information you need — a court case, inmate status, or an official criminal history check.
Online Search
- LamarCourt.us — enter the full name of the person to find publicly available information on criminal cases in the county.
- Circuit Clerk — the Circuit Clerk's office is responsible for maintaining all county court records, including the criminal division. Contact the office to verify the availability of online searches for specific cases.
- Sheriff's Office — the Lamar County Sheriff's Office offers inmate searches through sheriff.lamarcountyms.gov.
- Mississippi Department of Corrections — MDOC allows you to search for inmates in state correctional facilities by name or identification number.
- Sex Offender Registry — the Mississippi state public registry allows searches by name, address, or ZIP code.
- Criminal History Check — the Mississippi Department of Public Safety offers an online name-based check. For inquiries, call 601-933-2600.
In-Person Visit
Visit the Circuit Clerk's office at the Lamar County Courthouse in Purvis. There, you can review criminal cases handled by the Circuit Court. For misdemeanor cases, traffic violations, DUIs, and preliminary hearings for felonies, contact the Justice Court — this court's criminal division processes about 7,100 cases annually.
Written Request
To obtain an official criminal history, send a request by mail to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. The request should include:
- Full name of the person (last name, first name, middle name)
- Date of birth
- Social Security number (if available)
- Applicant's signature
- Appropriate fee
To search for a specific court case, you will need the case number or the defendant's full name.
Search Lamar Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Mississippi, a criminal case number typically consists of several elements, each carrying specific information:
- Year of Filing — the first two or four digits indicate the year the case was opened.
- Case Type Code — for example, "CR" for criminal cases in Circuit Court. Justice Court may use different designations for misdemeanors and traffic violations.
- Sequential Number — a unique number assigned to the case within the respective year.
If you have the case number, contact the Circuit Clerk's office for details — status, charges, hearing dates. Justice Court maintains a separate register for cases under its jurisdiction. The exact format of the number may vary depending on the court and period.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Lamar
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Below is an explanation of the main ones.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the specific section of the Mississippi Criminal Code under which the charges are filed |
| Severity Level | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may amend the initial charges — reduce the severity or add new counts |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — the case is in the process of being heard
- Disposed — the court has issued a final decision
- Closed — the case is fully completed, and all obligations have been met
Types of Hearings
Circuit Court and Justice Court conduct various types of hearings:
- Arraignment — the first official presentation of charges, where the defendant states their plea (guilty/not guilty)
- Preliminary hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. Justice Court conducts such hearings for felonies.
- Pre-trial — parties discuss procedural matters before the main trial
- Sentencing — imposition of punishment after a guilty plea
- Review — checking compliance with the terms of punishment or probation
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Found not guilty after substantive review |
| Dismissed | The case was closed without a verdict — initiated by the prosecutor or court |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to pursue further prosecution |
| Acquitted | Acquitted — the court or jury found insufficient evidence |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Lamar
Certified copies of criminal cases are issued by the court that heard the case.
Circuit Clerk
For cases heard by the Circuit Court (felonies and serious misdemeanors), contact the Lamar County Circuit Clerk's office. The clerk maintains all court records and the official seal.
To obtain a certified copy:
- Visit the office in person or send a written request by mail
- Provide the defendant's full name and case number (if known)
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay the required fees
Justice Court
For misdemeanor cases, traffic violations, and DUIs, contact the Lamar County Justice Court.
State-Level Criminal History Check
An official state criminal history record check is conducted by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Requests can be submitted online through the DPS portal or by mail. You need to provide the person's full name and pay the appropriate fee.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Lamar
Fees for criminal records in Lamar County depend on the type of document and the issuing agency. Below are approximate rates according to Mississippi state law.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 – $1.00 | Rates set by the clerk according to Miss. Code § 25-7-13 |
| Certification of copy | $1.00 – $5.00 per document | In addition to copying costs |
| Criminal history check (DPS, by name) | Depends on the type of request | Check the DPS portal or call 601-933-2600 for details |
Processing Time
- In-person visit — copies are usually prepared the same day if documents are available electronically. Older cases may require additional time for archival search.
- Mail request — processing may take from a few business days to two weeks, depending on the volume of the request and office workload.
- DPS online check — results are typically available within a few business days.
Check specific fee amounts directly with the Circuit Clerk's office or Justice Court, as rates may change.