Court records in Harrison County, Mississippi can be found through several channels. HarrisonCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also search records through official court resources such as the Harrison County government website, the Circuit Clerk's and Chancery Clerk's offices, and public terminals available at courthouse locations in both Gulfport and Biloxi.
Harrison County Court System & Jurisdictions
Harrison County operates under Mississippi's unified court structure. Several courts handle different types of cases, and knowing which court manages your case type determines where to search for docket information.
- Circuit Court — Handles felony criminal cases, civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds County Court limits, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Clerk's office maintains these records and also oversees jury management and election duties.
- County Court — Has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters up to $200,000, and preliminary hearings in felony cases. County Court also handles traffic violations that are not disposed of at the Justice Court level.
- Chancery Court — Covers equity matters including divorces, child custody, adoptions, guardianships, conservatorships, estates, and property disputes. The Chancery Clerk's office maintains all records for this court and also serves as the county's primary record keeper for land and property documents.
- Justice Court — Handles small claims (civil cases up to $3,500), misdemeanor offenses, initial appearances, and certain traffic matters. Harrison County has two Justice Court districts.
- Municipal Courts — The cities of Gulfport, Biloxi, Long Beach, Pass Christian, and D'Iberville each operate a municipal court that handles city ordinance violations and misdemeanor offenses occurring within city limits.
Youth Court, which handles juvenile matters, also operates within the county. Those records are generally confidential under Mississippi law.
Harrison County Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find today's or upcoming court dates in Harrison County, start with the Harrison County government website, which provides a link to the County Court Docket. The docket typically opens in a new window and lists scheduled hearings.
How to check the calendar:
- Visit the Harrison County website and look for the "County Court Docket" link under the government services menu.
- For Circuit Court schedules, contact the Circuit Clerk's office directly or check posted term dates at the courthouse.
- For Chancery Court hearing dates, contact the Chancery Court office or check with the assigned chancellor's office.
- Justice Court and Municipal Court calendars are typically available by calling the respective court clerk.
Harrison County operates courthouses in both Gulfport (First Judicial District) and Biloxi (Second Judicial District). Confirm which location your hearing is set in before appearing.
How to Get a Copy of a Harrison County Court Document
The process for obtaining court documents depends on which court generated the record.
Circuit Court and County Court Records
Contact the Harrison County Circuit Clerk's office. You can request copies in person at either courthouse location, by mail, or by phone to ask about availability. The Judgment Roll Search tool on the county website allows you to look up judgment records online before requesting copies.
Chancery Court Records
The Chancery Clerk's office handles these requests. The Records Vault in both Gulfport and Biloxi maintains official records related to real property and court decrees. Many land-related records, including court decrees involving property, can be searched through the Land Records Online index.
Steps to request a document:
- Identify the case number, party names, and approximate date of filing.
- Determine whether you need a certified or uncertified copy. Certified copies bear the clerk's seal and are required for most legal proceedings.
- Submit your request in person, by mail, or by phone to the appropriate clerk's office.
- Pay the applicable fees (see below).
Mailing addresses:
Harrison County Circuit Clerk — Gulfport
Harrison County Circuit Clerk — Biloxi
Harrison County Chancery Clerk — Gulfport
Harrison County Chancery Clerk — Biloxi
Note: Some records — including sealed cases, juvenile matters, and certain adoption files — are restricted from public access under Mississippi law. Ask the clerk whether the record you need is publicly available before submitting a request.
Harrison County Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court document copies and searches in Mississippi are generally set by statute (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-13 and related provisions). The following table reflects standard fees that typically apply in Harrison County. Contact the appropriate clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated by legislative action or administrative order.
| Service | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy (first page) | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| Certified copy (each additional page) | $0.50 |
| Certification/seal only | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| Record search (per name/year) | Varies — contact clerk |
| Judgment roll search (online) | Free to search; copies may incur fees |
| Land records index search (online) | Free to search |
- Payment methods: Most clerk offices accept cash, money orders, and cashier's checks. Check with the specific office about whether personal checks or credit/debit cards are accepted.
- Mail requests: Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment by money order or cashier's check made payable to the appropriate clerk (Circuit Clerk or Chancery Clerk).
- Online searches: The county's Judgment Roll Search and Land Records Online tools are free to use for index searches. Obtaining official copies of the documents themselves requires contacting the clerk and paying applicable fees.
If you need records related to an incarcerated individual, the Mississippi Department of Corrections inmate search can help locate current custody status, though court case documents must still be obtained from the appropriate county clerk.