Lincoln County Arrest Records

A Lincoln County arrest record is an electronic or paper-based document maintained by the Sheriff's Office whenever a police officer makes an arrest, with or without a warrant. Under Miss. R. Crim. P. 5.1, an arrested individual may be released on personal recognizance or by posting an appearance bond. However, if a release does not occur, the arrestee must be brought before a judge for an initial appearance within forty-eight (48) hours. Every court contact from the initial appearance until sentencing is documented to create Lincoln County court records.

Are Arrest Records Public in Lincoln County?

Yes. The Mississippi Public Records Act guarantees public access to arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Lincoln County. These records are available for inspection and copying through the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. Requesters must provide sufficient identifying information to locate the desired record. However, the Act prohibits the disclosure of certain confidential information—such as victims' personal details and investigative reports—to the public.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office typically makes the following information in an arrest record publicly available:

• Mugshot, full name, and address
• Date of birth, sex, race, height, weight, eye color, and hair color
• Arrest date and the name of the arresting agency
• Charges, including warrant and indictment numbers

Lincoln County Arrest Statistics

The Mississippi Department of Safety (DPS) provides public access to arrest statistics compiled from all law enforcement agencies in the state through its Crime Statistics database. The 2024 data shows about 6 violent crime arrests occurring in Lincoln County. About 5 of those arrested were male and just one female. That same year, society crime arrests totaled 428, with about 298 male arrestees and 137 female arrestees.

Find Lincoln County Arrest Records

The Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) disseminates Lincoln County arrest records online and in person to members of the public. Therefore, anyone can visit any MDOC Facilities during business hours to obtain copies of arrest records or use the Inmate Search portal to search. Online requesters need a name or ID number to locate the appropriate documents.

Federal law enforcement agencies also issue Lincoln County arrest records upon request. However, some limit access to only the subject of records. For example, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) makes arrest records available to persons named on the document online, by mail, or through approved channelers at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This service costs $18, payable by certified check, money order, or credit card using the Credit Card Payment Form. Agencies like the United States Capitol Police (USCP), the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) make their arrest records available to the public.

Free Arrest Record Search in Lincoln County

Free access to arrest records is possible through the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office by phone at (601) 833-5231, by email at sheriff@co.lincoln.ms.us, and in person from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The requester must provide a name, arrest date, or number to facilitate the search. Individuals can also use third-party portals to find free Lincoln County arrest records. The only downside is that free access to such portals returns limited arrest information. A fee is usually required for extensive searches.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

The Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) specifies the retention periods for certain arrest records before they are scheduled for destruction in its Local Government Records Retention Schedule. For example, arrest reports of felony offenses with no statute of limitations or that result in death are kept for 75 years, while those of other offenses are kept for 25 years. Additionally, arrest warrants are kept for 7 years after the disposition of the case or completion of sentences.

Expunge Lincoln County Arrest Records

According to MS Code § 99-19-71, a court in Lincoln County can expunge the arrest records of an acquitted person and a first-time offender who has been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony. The filing fee is $150, as stated in Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-72. The petitioner must give ten (10) days written notice to the district attorney before the court can conduct any hearing on the petition. The court can grant the petition if it determines that the petitioner is eligible for it. Upon entering an order of expungement, the Mississippi Criminal Information Center will maintain a nonpublic arrest record of the offender for official purposes.

Lincoln County Arrest Warrants

According to Miss. R. Crim. P. 3.1, a judge will issue an arrest warrant when it appears from an affidavit and evidence that there is probable cause to believe a person has committed an offense. The judge will sign the arrest warrant and ensure it contains the following information:

• The defendant's full name, but if it is unknown, the judge will write any name or description by which the defendant can be identified.
• The defendant's location, if known
• The offense the defendant committed
• A command that the defendant be arrested and brought before the issuing judge or another judge

Any officer in Mississippi can execute an arrest warrant issued in Lincon County. An arrest warrant is executed when an officer arrests the defendant. After execution, the officer must write the manner and date of execution on the warrant. They must also print and sign their name and state their badge number on the warrant. Afterward, the officer must immediately return the arrest warrant to the Lincoln County Clerk of Court.

Do Lincoln County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No. Lincoln County arrest warrants remain valid until they are either executed or canceled by the issuing judges. An arrest warrant is executed when a law enforcement officer arrests the defendant and brings them before the issuing judge.