Criminal records in Pearl River County, Mississippi, are available through several channels. PearlriverCourt.us allows quick access to public information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. Online tools, personal visits, and written requests are all viable options for finding the necessary data.
How to Search Criminal Records in Pearl River
Start with PearlriverCourt.us — enter the full name of the person or case number to view available public information about criminal proceedings in the county.
Online Search through State Resources
- MDOC Inmate Search. The Mississippi Department of Corrections search tool allows you to find a person by name or MDOC identification number. This is useful if you are interested in whether the person is under state supervision.
- Background Check. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety offers an online name-based criminal history check. You will need the full name and date of birth for the request. Note: misuse of this system carries liability.
- Sex Offender Registry. The Mississippi Sex Offender Registry allows you to check if a specific person is registered.
Personal Visit
The Circuit Court Clerk of Pearl River County maintains criminal cases heard in the county. You can visit the office at the courthouse in Poplarville and use public access terminals or ask the clerk to find the necessary case. Bring identification with you.
Written Request
Send a letter to the Circuit Court Clerk's office specifying:
- the full name of the person (last name, first name, middle name if known)
- date of birth
- case number (if available)
- description of the required document
- return address and payment of applicable fees
To obtain an official state-level criminal history, the request is directed to the Mississippi Criminal Information Center at the Department of Public Safety by calling 601-933-2600.
Search Pearl River Criminal Cases by Case Number
A criminal case number in Mississippi typically consists of several elements. A typical format looks like this:
- Year of filing — two or four digits at the beginning (e.g., 2024 or 24).
- Case type code — indicates the category: "CR" for criminal cases, sometimes "CF" for felonies or other abbreviations depending on the court.
- Sequential number — a unique numerical identifier within the year.
For example, the number "2024-CR-00152" indicates a criminal case filed in 2024 under sequential number 152. If you have the exact number, the search becomes much faster — the clerk or online system will provide the result without confusion with namesakes. It is best to clarify the format used specifically in the Pearl River County Circuit Court directly at the office.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Pearl River
Charges
| Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the Mississippi Code Annotated under which the charge is brought |
| Severity | Felony (serious crime), misdemeanor (less serious crime), or infraction (violation) |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce the initial charge during the case — the new qualification is reflected in the materials |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision yet.
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled.
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision.
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed, the case is closed.
Types of Hearings
- Arraignment — the first hearing where the defendant is read the charges and states whether they plead guilty or not guilty.
- Preliminary hearing — the judge assesses whether there is enough evidence to continue the case.
- Pre-trial — procedural issues, motions of the parties, possible agreements.
- Sentencing — hearing for sentencing after a guilty plea.
- Review — a review hearing, often related to probation conditions.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not guilty | The court or jury acquitted the defendant |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict — usually at the initiative of the prosecutor or court |
| Nolle prosequi | The prosecutor declined to prosecute |
| Acquitted | Complete acquittal after substantive review |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Pearl River
Certified copies of criminal cases are issued by the Circuit Clerk's office of Pearl River County. This office keeps the original materials of the county's criminal proceedings.
How to Submit a Request
- In person — visit the office with photo identification (driver's license or passport). Provide the case number or the full name and date of birth of the defendant.
- By mail — send a written request with case details, a copy of identification, return address, and payment in the form of a money order or cashier's check payable to Pearl River County Circuit Clerk.
To obtain an official state criminal history record, the request is submitted to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. You can use the online check form or contact the department by phone.
Contact Information
Pearl River County Circuit Clerk
Mississippi Department of Public Safety — Criminal Information Center
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Pearl River
Fees for copies and certification of documents in Mississippi are regulated by state law. Below are approximate rates — always confirm the exact amount directly with the clerk's office, as they may be adjusted.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Document certification | $1.00–$5.00 per document |
| Name-based criminal history check (DPS, online) | Depends on the type of request; check on the DPS portal |
| Fingerprint-based check | Usually higher than name-based; exact amount set by DPS |
Processing Times
- In-person request at the office — simple copies are often issued the same day or within a few business days.
- Mail request — one to three weeks depending on office workload.
- Online check through DPS — name-based search results usually arrive within a few business days, fingerprint-based checks may take longer.
Payment by mail is accepted in the form of a money order or cashier's check. Personal checks may not be accepted by the clerk — confirm this in advance by calling (601) 795-3951.