Prentiss County Public Records / Prentiss County Arrest Records

Prentiss County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Prentiss County in 2026

PrentissRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Prentiss County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, jail rosters, criminal charges, bond information, and disposition records. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the originating agency and the nature of the case.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are currently available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Prentiss County.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Prentiss County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed at the county detention facility. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmate status and recent arrest activity. The Sheriff's Office does not currently maintain a publicly accessible online jail roster portal, so direct contact or in-person inquiry is the primary method for obtaining this information. Records are updated as bookings occur.

2. Local Police Departments

The Booneville Police Department serves the county seat and maintains arrest logs for incidents occurring within city limits. Press releases and public notices regarding arrests may be issued through the department's official channels. Individuals seeking arrest information for incidents handled by municipal officers should contact the relevant city police department directly.

Booneville Police Department
100 West Church Street
Booneville, MS 38829
Phone: (662) 728-6121
Booneville Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Prentiss County Circuit Clerk maintains criminal court case records that are linked to underlying arrests. Members of the public may search case records by the arrestee's name to identify associated court proceedings, charge dispositions, and case numbers. The Mississippi Electronic Courts system provides online access to certain case information at the state level.

Prentiss County Circuit Clerk
101 North Main Street
Booneville, MS 38829
Phone: (662) 728-8151
Mississippi Courts

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains a statewide arrest data repository. The Mississippi arrest data portal is used by all state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies to report records of arrest. Members of the public may also submit a name-based background check request through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. A fee applies for name-based criminal history searches. Requestors are advised that obtaining criminal background information on another person without authorization may subject them to criminal prosecution under Mississippi law.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:
101 North Main Street
Booneville, MS 38829
Phone: (662) 728-6421
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date. Copy fees apply per page.

Clerk of Court:
101 North Main Street
Booneville, MS 38829
Phone: (662) 728-8151
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Criminal case files are available for inspection during regular business hours. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with Mississippi law.

By Mail:

Written requests submitted by mail to the Prentiss County Sheriff's Office should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's complete contact information. Payment for copies must be included with the request. Processing time varies and is subject to staff availability and record volume.

By Phone:

The Prentiss County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (662) 728-6421 during regular business hours. Limited information may be available by phone; requestors may be directed to submit a written request or appear in person for detailed records.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest and booking records through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through standard public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are subject to applicable court rules and protective orders.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, city police, or state agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Prentiss County

Arrest records in Prentiss County are public records subject to disclosure under Mississippi's Public Records Act. Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-61-1, public records are available for inspection and copying by any person unless a specific exemption applies. The public availability of arrest records serves government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic inquiry, background screening, and legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Mississippi law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is exempt from disclosure
Victim identifying information may be restricted in certain case types
Witness protection participants are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Mississippi Constitution and § 25-61-1 of the Mississippi Code establish the public's right to access government records. Courts have recognized the balance between transparency and individual privacy, and the First Amendment supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords using arrest records obtained through consumer reporting agencies must comply with FCRA requirements. Mississippi does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to separate requirements. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest does not establish guilt.

What's in Prentiss County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Prentiss County law enforcement agencies contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking.

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Mississippi Highway Patrol, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number (where included)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information where applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Mississippi statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation where applicable
Gang-related designation where applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in standard public records releases
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Bail bondsman information where applicable
Release date and time if the individual has been released
Release conditions where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment where available

What Is Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest or police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during investigation
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted from public releases)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and investigative information
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed by courts
Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Prentiss County?

Fees for obtaining arrest records in Prentiss County are governed by Mississippi Code § 25-61-7, which establishes the framework for public records copy fees. The following fee structure applies under current law and local agency policy:

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.25 per page (standard rate)
Certified copies (Circuit Clerk)	$1.00 per page plus certification fee
Electronic records (where available)	Varies by agency
Search fee	No statutory search fee; agencies may charge actual cost
Name-based criminal history (MDPS)	Fee set by Mississippi Department of Public Safety

Inspection of public records at the agency's office is available at no charge during regular business hours.
Copy fees are assessed per page for paper reproductions.
Certification fees apply when a certified copy bearing the clerk's seal is requested.
Electronic format fees vary by agency and the format requested.
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety charges a fee for name-based background check requests submitted through its official portal.
Accepted payment methods at the Prentiss County Circuit Clerk and Sheriff's Office include cash, money order, and check made payable to the respective agency. Requestors should confirm accepted payment methods prior to submitting a request.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, subject to agency discretion.
Members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost; fees apply only when copies are requested.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Prentiss County

Under Mississippi law, the process of removing or restricting public access to arrest records is referred to as expungement. Expungement results in the legal erasure or sealing of a record, depending on the nature of the underlying charge and the outcome of the case. Sealing restricts public access while the record is retained by law enforcement; expungement results in the destruction or removal of the record from public databases.

Mississippi law permits expungement of certain arrest records under Mississippi Code § 99-19-71. Individuals who were arrested but not convicted, whose charges were dismissed, or who completed a first-offender program may be eligible to petition for expungement. Certain felony convictions are also eligible for expungement after a waiting period and upon meeting statutory criteria. Convictions for violent crimes, sex offenses, and certain other serious offenses are not eligible for expungement under current Mississippi law.

The steps for pursuing expungement in Prentiss County are as follows:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information from the Prentiss County Circuit Clerk.
Confirm eligibility based on the charge type, case disposition, and any applicable waiting period under § 99-19-71.
File a Petition for Expungement in the Prentiss County Circuit Court. The petition must identify the arrest, the charges, and the grounds for expungement.
Serve the petition on the Prentiss County District Attorney's Office and any other required parties.
Attend the scheduled hearing, at which the court will determine whether expungement is warranted.
If the court grants the petition, a certified copy of the expungement order must be served on the arresting agency, the Circuit Clerk, and the Mississippi Criminal Information Center so that records are updated accordingly.

Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed Mississippi attorney, as procedural requirements and eligibility criteria are case-specific.

Prentiss County Circuit Court
101 North Main Street
Booneville, MS 38829
Phone: (662) 728-8151
Mississippi Courts

Prentiss County District Attorney's Office (22nd Circuit Court District)
For contact information, members of the public may contact the Circuit Clerk's office at (662) 728-8151.

What Happens After Arrest in Prentiss County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Prentiss County, the arrested individual is transported to the Prentiss County Jail, which is operated by the Prentiss County Sheriff's Office. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in custody during transport.

Prentiss County Jail
101 North Main Street
Booneville, MS 38829
Phone: (662) 728-6421
Prentiss County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
Personal property inventoried and secured
Issuance of jail clothing
Medical screening
Brief mental health screening
Housing classification assignment

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Mississippi law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate without unnecessary delay, and within 48 hours of a warrantless arrest. At the initial appearance, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the individual of the right to counsel, and, where applicable, appoints a public defender for indigent defendants. Initial appearances may be conducted via video conference.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the court or jail. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.

Surety Bond: The defendant engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set by Mississippi law at ten percent of the bond amount. The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk.

No Bond: The court may order that no bond be set in cases involving serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violation of probation or parole, an immigration hold, or an out-of-state warrant.

Conditions of Release:

Release conditions may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision through the court.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release, which typically takes one to eight hours. The individual receives a court date, written conditions of release, and a return of personal property. Failure to appear at any required court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.

If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail procedures including commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Indigent defendants in Prentiss County are entitled to appointed counsel. Eligibility is determined based on income. The Mississippi Office of State Public Defender oversees public defense services in the state.

Mississippi Office of State Public Defender
239 North Lamar Street, Suite 604
Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: (601) 576-4290
Mississippi Office of State Public Defender

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Mississippi Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private legal representation. Attorney consultations at the jail are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The District Attorney's Office for the 22nd Circuit Court District reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The prosecutor may file an information, present the case to a grand jury, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges. This review typically occurs within days to weeks of the arrest.

Grand Jury (for Felonies):

Felony charges in Mississippi are subject to grand jury review. The grand jury determines whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment. Defense counsel is not present during grand jury proceedings.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through discovery, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may be filed to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or address other legal issues. Pretrial conferences allow the parties and the court to discuss case resolution and trial readiness. Plea negotiations may result in a plea agreement prior to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. A dismissal may make the defendant eligible to petition for expungement.
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or nolo contendere plea to agreed-upon charges, with a recommended or agreed sentence. A sentencing hearing is then scheduled.
Trial: The defendant may elect a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned. If guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Sentencing (if convicted):

The court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanor cases: Resolved within weeks to a few months
Felony cases: May take six months to over one year
The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under the Mississippi Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Prentiss County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
101 North Main Street
Booneville, MS 38829
Phone: (662) 728-6421
Prentiss County Sheriff's Office

Prentiss County Circuit Clerk
101 North Main Street
Booneville, MS 38829
Phone: (662) 728-8151
Mississippi Courts

Mississippi Office of State Public Defender
239 North Lamar Street, Suite 604
Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: (601) 576-4290
Mississippi Office of State Public Defender

Mississippi Department of Corrections (Inmate Records)
633 North State Street
Jackson, MS 39202
Phone: (601) 359-5600
Public Records Requests – Mississippi Department of Corrections

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Prentiss County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Prentiss County is governed by Mississippi law and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History records retention schedules applicable to county law enforcement and court agencies. Records are maintained by the originating agency, the state criminal history repository, and federal databases, each subject to distinct retention requirements.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, Mississippi Criminal Information Center, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center
Accessible on background checks indefinitely

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the Circuit Clerk
State repository retains records in accordance with Mississippi Department of Public Safety policy

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains booking records for a period determined by the applicable retention schedule
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
Records may remain in state and local databases unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement retains records subject to the applicable retention schedule
Court records are often retained permanently
The subject may petition for expungement of the underlying arrest record

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are subject to the shortest retention periods
May be eligible for expungement upon petition to the court

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained in accordance with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History county records retention schedule
Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and applicable law

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch and records management system data are often retained permanently or for extended periods
Mugshot databases may retain images beyond the standard retention period
Electronic court records are generally retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not controlled by law enforcement
These entities may not update records following expungement
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires accuracy in consumer reports, but enforcement against third-party databases is the responsibility of the subject or the Federal Trade Commission

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:
101 North Main Street, Booneville, MS 38829
Phone: (662) 728-6421
Booking records and arrest reports are retained in accordance with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History law enforcement records retention schedule. Investigative files are retained based on case type and disposition.

Prentiss County Circuit Clerk:
101 North Main Street, Booneville, MS 38829
Phone: (662) 728-8151
Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a period specified in the applicable retention schedule. Electronic records are generally retained permanently.

State Repository:
The Mississippi Criminal Information Center, operated by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, maintains criminal history records for all arrests reported by state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies. Retention policy is established by state law and department regulation.

FBI Database:
The National Crime Information Center and the Interstate Identification Index maintain federal records of arrests reported by participating agencies. Federal retention is typically permanent. These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment, firearms, and other federally mandated background checks.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.
Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless expunged; dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on standard background checks.
Expungement: Local records are sealed or destroyed pursuant to court order; the state repository updates its records; the FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement. The timeframe for removal from all databases varies.
No Charges Filed: Booking records are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period expires.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests are accessible through direct agency contact or the state arrest data portal
Older arrests may require an in-person request and may be subject to retrieval fees and longer processing times
Very old records may not be digitized and may be stored in paper archives; some records may have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule
Members of the public seeking historical records should contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (662) 728-6421

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for expungement, or in accordance with the records retention schedule approved by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention requirements, including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with ongoing appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Mississippi does not currently impose a statewide restriction on the reporting period for convictions. Arrests without conviction may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in certain jurisdictions, and employers are advised to consult applicable federal and state law.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Prentiss County Sheriff's Records Division at (662) 728-6421 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 may be required, and fees may apply for copies.