Itawamba County Arrest Records

Itawamba County Arrest records are formal documents that detail the circumstances of an individual's arrest in Itawamba County. They include personal information such as the suspect's name, arrest date, the arresting officer, charges filed, and the nature of the alleged crime. Arrests are made when law enforcement officers have probable cause to believe a person has committed a crime.

The Itawamba County Sheriff's Office generates arrest records when law enforcement officers detain individuals. People arrested in Itawamba County are typically held at the Itawamba County Jail, which is located in Fulton, Mississippi, and operated by the Itawamba County Sheriff's Office. This facility houses individuals awaiting trial or those who have been convicted and are serving short sentences.

When charges are filed, these arrest records appear in the Itawamba County Court Records, linking the arrest to formal court proceedings, hearings, and case outcomes to track the legal process.

Are Arrest Records Public in Itawamba County?

Arrest records in Itawamba County are generally public under the Mississippi Public Records Act. Mississippi law grants citizens access to arrest records as part of the state's commitment to transparency. However, some records may be exempt from public disclosure, depending on the nature of the crime, the age of the individual involved, or if the case is sealed or under investigation. For example, juvenile arrest records are typically unavailable to the public. Individuals can access arrest records through the Itawamba County Sheriff's Office or the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. The County Sheriff's office is located at:

Itawamba County Sheriff's Office
107 Joe Staub Rd,
Fulton, MS 38843
Phone: (662) 862-3401
Fax: (662) 862-7481

Itawamba County Arrest Statistics

The FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Data provided the total number of cases for each offense in Itawamba County in 2019. According to the report, no violent crime incidents were registered. This included no murder and negligent manslaughter offense, rape case, one robbery, and 15 aggravated assaults. Concurrently, 140 property crimes were recorded. These included 15 burglaries, 121 thefts, four motor vehicle thefts, and no arson cases.

Finding Itawamba County Arrest Records

Those who need to look up Itawamba County arrest records may find these resources helpful:

Itawamba County Sheriff's Office: The sheriff's office is the primary authority for accessing local arrest records. You can visit the office in person or use its website to request public records. The County Sheriff's office is located at:

Itawamba County Sheriff's Office
107 Joe Staub Rd,
Fulton, MS 38843
Phone: (662) 862-3401
Fax: (662) 862-7481

Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS): The DPS provides statewide access to arrest records through its online portal, which allows individuals to request background checks and criminal history reports via the website.

Federal Bureau of Prisons: If the arrest involves a federal offense, the inmate may be held in a federal prison. The Federal Bureau of Prisons offers an online inmate locator tool that allows individuals to search by name or federal inmate number to locate individuals in federal custody.

Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC): The MDOC Inmate Search tool allows users to find individuals incarcerated in state-run facilities. You can search by name or MDOC number for location, sentence length, and parole status.

Arrest Records vs. Criminal Records

In Itawamba County, arrest and criminal records serve different roles in the justice system. Arrest records detail the circumstances of a person's apprehension by law enforcement, such as the date, location, arresting agency, and initial charges. However, they do not indicate that the individual was convicted of a crime. Arrest records are typically created immediately after an arrest and remain on file regardless of whether the person is ultimately convicted.

On the other hand, a criminal record includes arrest information and details of convictions or sentences. If an individual is convicted, their criminal record will reflect the charge, the sentence, and subsequent legal actions. Criminal records are considered more comprehensive than arrest records and are often used for background checks. They include convictions, court rulings, plea agreements, sentencing details, and incarceration history.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Arrests stay on record indefinitely unless expunged. In Itawamba County, as with other parts of Mississippi, the statute of limitations on certain crimes can affect how long an arrest stays on the record. If an individual is arrested but not convicted, they may be eligible for expungement. However, expungement eligibility depends on the circumstances, including the severity of the crime and whether the individual has a prior criminal history.

Itawamba County Arrest Warrants

In Itawamba County, an arrest warrant is a court-issued document that permits law enforcement to detain someone suspected of committing a crime. A judge or magistrate issues this warrant once law enforcement provides probable cause showing that the individual has committed a crime, usually through an affidavit or supporting evidence from an officer or prosecutor.

Warrants can be based on a criminal complaint, grand jury indictment, or a failure to appear in court. It contains key information, including the individual's name, the charge, and details about the offense. Once a warrant is issued, the person named in the warrant can be arrested at any time, even if they are not at home or at their business.

Do Arrest Warrants Expire in Itawamba County?

Arrest warrants in Itawamba County generally do not expire. Once issued, an arrest warrant remains valid until executed or the individual is apprehended. However, certain factors, like the statute of limitations for the alleged offense, can affect the execution of a warrant. In Mississippi, most misdemeanors have a two-year statute of limitations, while serious felonies like murder have none, as provided in the Mississippi Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws.

Expunging Itawamba County Arrest Records

In Itawamba County, individuals may be able to expunge their arrest records, which effectively seals or erases their legal records under certain conditions. Eligibility to request an expungement is specific if one of the following criteria under Mississippi Code § 99-19-71 and related statutes is met:

• The charges were dropped.
• The resulting trial ended in a dismissal, nolle prosequi, or acquittal
• Applicant completed a misdemeanor sentence
• Completing a Non-violent felony sentence after five years

To expunge an arrest in Itawamba County:

1. Check eligibility: Confirm that the case qualifies under Mississippi law. Review the Mississippi Code § 99-19-71 or consult with an attorney.
2. Collect Documentation: Gather all necessary paperwork, including:
   • Arrest records
   • Court disposition or sentencing orders
   • Proof of sentence completion (if applicable)
3. File Your Petition: File a petition in the appropriate court where the case is handled. The Petition and Order for Expunction (AOC-CR-264) is a commonly used form.
4. Court Review & Hearing: If a court hearing is scheduled, attend it. A judge will review the petition, evaluate the record, and decide whether to grant or deny the expungement request. Below is the address of the Itawamba County Courthouse:
   Itawamba County Courthouse
   201 West Main Street
   Fulton, MS 38843
5. Order of Expungement: If approved, the court will issue an official expungement order. Law enforcement and court agencies will be directed to remove your arrest record from public access. Such individuals can legally state that they were never arrested.

Expungement offers a second chance. For further assistance, consult a licensed attorney or the Mississippi Center for Justice for guidance through the expungement process.