Newton County Arrest Records

In Newton County, Mississippi, arrest records are official documents that detail the circumstances surrounding an individual's arrest. Law enforcement officers are authorized to make an arrest when they have probable cause to believe that an individual has committed or is about to commit a crime. Information available on arrest records includes the suspect's name, date of arrest, the arresting officer, and the alleged offense.

Arrest records are typically generated by law enforcement officers when the arrestee is booked in. The Newton County, Mississippi, prosecutor or attorney general files charges to initiate court proceedings. At that point, the arrest records are compiled into the Newton County Court Records.

Are Arrest Records Public in Newton County?

Under the Mississippi Public Records Act, arrest records in Newton County are deemed public. As part of the state's commitment to transparency in government, Mississippi law grants citizens unfettered access to public records. However, the blanket access to public records does not cover records that are sensitive or exempted by law. Such exempted records include juvenile records, sealed and expunged records, and records pertaining to active investigations.

Individuals in Newton County may access arrest records by contacting the office of the Newton County Sheriff, located at:

Newton County Sheriff's Office
300 Access Rd,
Decatur, MS 39327,
Phone: (601) 635-4401

Newton County Arrest Statistics

According to a 2019 report from the Newton County Sheriff's office, there were 31 cases of violent crime, seven rape cases, 15 aggravated assaults, 42 property crimes, 29 burglaries, 30 larceny-thefts, and eight motor vehicle thefts. The average daily population at the county correctional facility was 65 inmates. That year, the overall crime rate was about 204 per 100,000 residents. The leading causes of arrests were drug and narcotics violations and driving under the influence.

Find Newton County Arrest Records

The Newton County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency in the county. They are the primary authority responsible for providing access to arrest records. Record seekers may contact the county sheriff's office by visiting in person, by mail, or online.

Additionally, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety provides statewide arrest records online. Record seekers may use the portal to request background checks and criminal history reports.

In federal cases, inmates are typically held in federal prisons. The Federal Bureau of Prisons offers an online locator where record seekers may search by name or inmate number.

Using the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) Inmate Search tool, users may find individuals held in state facilities. Record seekers may search by name or MDOC number. Using the tool, requesters can get information about the location of the facility where the arrestee is held, the sentence length, and their parole status.

Newton County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

In Newton County, arrest records and criminal records are different records serving different functions in the criminal justice system. Arrest records detail the instances of an individual's apprehension by law enforcement. They provide information such as the date of arrest, location, arresting agency, and initial charges. However, they do not mean that the individual was guilty or convicted. They are typically created after an arrest and remain in the individual's file even if they are released.

Conversely, criminal records include information about an individual's arrest and details of any convictions or sentences. They provide information such as the conviction status, the sentence, and subsequent legal actions. Criminal records are often more detailed than arrest records and are often used when carrying out background checks on individuals. Criminal records include convictions, court decisions, plea deals, sentencing details, and incarceration history.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Newton County, Mississippi, arrests stay on record indefinitely. The only legal path through which an individual's arrest record can be removed is through expungement. However, statute of limitations and retention schedules may affect how long certain arrests stay on the record.

Individuals arrested but not convicted may be eligible to have their records expunged. Usually, when the case gets to court, the individual may find out if they are eligible for expungement based on the circumstances, including the severity of the crime and their criminal history.

Newton County Arrest Warrants

A Newton County arrest warrant is a legal document authorizing law enforcement to detain an individual suspected of committing a crime. A warrant is issued by a judge or magistrate when law enforcement approaches them with probable cause indicating that an individual has committed a crime. The officer provides the judge with evidence supporting probable cause, including an affidavit, witness statement, or other supporting evidence.

A warrant may also be issued based on a criminal complaint, grand jury indictment, or for failure to appear or to obey a court order. Warrants typically contain information such as the name of the individual, the alleged offense and statute violated, and the signature and title of the issuing judge. When a warrant is issued, law enforcement can arrest the named person on sight, even if they are not at home or at work.

Do Newton County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Arrest warrants in Newton County remain valid until the individual appears in court. Once a judge signs a warrant, it does not expire. However, the statute of limitations for the offense may limit how long a warrant may be served. For example, warrants for misdemeanors in Mississippi must be executed within two years.

Expunge Newton County Arrest Records

The law in Newton County, Mississippi, grants the relief of expungement to eligible individuals. Expungement effectively seals or erases their records based on specific conditions. Under Mississippi Code Section 99-19-71, individuals may be eligible for expungement if:

• The charges against them were dropped
• They were acquitted at trial, or the case was dismissed
• They completed a misdemeanor sentence
• They completed a non-violent felony sentence after five years

To expunge an arrest record in Newton County, individuals should:

• Verify they qualify under Mississippi Code § 99-19-71 or consult an attorney.
• Gather the necessary documents, including their arrest record, case disposition, and proof of sentence completion.
• File the petition using the expunction form in the court that handled the case.