Criminal records in Harrison County, Mississippi, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. HarrisonCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. The Harrison County Circuit Clerk maintains criminal case records for Circuit and County Court, while state-level repositories and the Harrison County government website offer additional access points for searching court dockets, judgment rolls, and related records.
How to Search Criminal Records in Harrison County
There are several ways to look up criminal records in Harrison County. The method you choose depends on whether you have a case number, a defendant's name, or need certified documents.
Through HarrisonCourt.us
Start at HarrisonCourt.us to search for publicly available court record information. You can search by the defendant's name or case number to find criminal case details filed in Harrison County courts.
Online — County and State Resources
- Harrison County Circuit Clerk — Judgment Roll Search: The Judgment Roll Search tool on the county website lets you look up judgments recorded through the Circuit Clerk's office.
- County Court Docket: Harrison County publishes a County Court Docket accessible through the county government homepage. This lists scheduled hearings and case activity.
- MDOC Inmate Search: To check whether someone is currently incarcerated in a Mississippi state facility, use the Mississippi Department of Corrections Inmate Search. You can search by name or MDOC ID number.
- Mississippi Sex Offender Registry: The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Sex Offender Registry allows searches by name, address, or geographic area.
In Person
Visit the Harrison County Circuit Clerk's office at either the Gulfport or Biloxi courthouse location. Public access terminals or assistance from clerk staff may be available for looking up criminal case records. Bring the defendant's full legal name and, if possible, a date of birth or case number.
By Mail or Written Request
You can submit a written request for criminal record information to the Harrison County Circuit Clerk. Include the subject's full name, date of birth, and any known case numbers. For a statewide criminal history check, requests go to the Mississippi Criminal Information Center (MCIC) under the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. A fingerprint-based background check may be required for official criminal history reports.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Full legal name of the individual
- Date of birth (recommended)
- Case number (if known)
- Government-issued photo ID (for in-person requests)
Search Harrison County Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching is straightforward. Mississippi case numbers generally follow a format that identifies the court, year, and sequence. A typical Harrison County criminal case number may look like this:
- Court prefix: A letter or abbreviation indicating the court type (e.g., "B" for County Court, or a designation for Circuit Court in the First or Second Judicial District).
- Year: A two- or four-digit indicator of the year the case was filed.
- Sequential number: A numeric sequence assigned in the order cases are filed within that year.
For example, a case number such as B2401-0123 might indicate a County Court case filed in 2024 as the 123rd case. Harrison County spans two judicial districts — the First Judicial District (Gulfport) and the Second Judicial District (Biloxi) — so the prefix or filing location may also reflect which district handled the case. Enter the full case number exactly as it appears on any court documents to pull up the correct record.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Harrison County
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Mississippi Code section under which the defendant is charged (e.g., Miss. Code Ann. § 97-3-7 for simple assault) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction — determines which court handles the case |
| Amended Charges | Charges may be reduced, added, or modified through plea negotiations or grand jury action |
Case Status
- Pending: Case filed but not yet resolved
- Active: Case is proceeding through the court process
- Disposed: Case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, etc.)
- Closed: All court obligations fulfilled, no further action expected
Hearing Types
- Arraignment: Defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea
- Preliminary Hearing: Judge determines whether probable cause exists (felony cases)
- Pre-Trial: Motions, discovery disputes, and plea discussions
- Sentencing: Judge imposes punishment after conviction or guilty plea
- Review: Follow-up hearings for probation compliance or post-conviction matters
Court Results
| Outcome | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant convicted by plea or trial verdict |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted at trial |
| Dismissed | Charges dropped by the prosecution or court |
| Nolle Prosequi | Prosecution declines to pursue the case further |
| Acquitted | Found not guilty after trial on the merits |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Harrison County
Certified copies of criminal court records in Harrison County are handled by the Circuit Clerk's office. Harrison County operates courthouses in both Gulfport and Biloxi.
How to Submit a Request
- In person: Visit either Circuit Clerk location with a valid government-issued photo ID. Ask the clerk for a certified copy of the specific case record you need.
- By mail: Send a written request to the Circuit Clerk specifying the case number, defendant name, and the documents needed. Include a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Public Records Request Form: Harrison County offers a Public Records Request Form through the county website, which may be used for certain record requests.
What You Need
- Full case number
- Defendant's full legal name
- Government-issued photo ID (for in-person requests)
- Payment for copy and certification fees
Office Locations
Harrison County Circuit Clerk — First Judicial District (Gulfport)
Harrison County Circuit Clerk — Second Judicial District (Biloxi)
Hours for both locations are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Contact the office to confirm hours before visiting.
State Criminal History Reports
For a formal statewide criminal background check, submit a request to the Mississippi Criminal Information Center (MCIC) through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Fingerprint submissions are typically required. The MDOC Public Records Request page handles inmate-specific record requests separately.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Harrison County
Fees for criminal record copies in Mississippi are set by statute and local fee schedules. The following are standard costs you can expect:
| Service | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $1.00 – $5.00 |
| Certification fee | $1.50 – $5.00 per certification |
| Statewide criminal history (MCIC) | $32.00 (fingerprint-based) |
| FBI background check (if required) | Additional federal fee applies |
Mississippi Code Ann. § 25-7-13 and § 45-27-7 govern fees for record copies and criminal background checks. Contact the Circuit Clerk's office directly to confirm the current fee schedule, as amounts may be updated.
Processing Times
- In-person requests: Often processed same day or within a few business days
- Mail requests: Allow 1–2 weeks for processing and return
- MCIC statewide background checks: Typically 5–10 business days
Payment is usually accepted by cash, check, or money order at the clerk's office. Confirm whether credit or debit cards are accepted before visiting.