Criminal records in Madison County, Mississippi, are public documents accessible through several means. MadisonCourt.us allows for quick access to publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court systems, county law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. According to the Mississippi Public Records Act, most government documents are open for review by any individual.
How to Search Criminal Records in Madison
Start with MadisonCourt.us — the service allows you to view publicly available information about criminal cases in Madison County without the need to visit the court in person.
Online Search through State Resources
- Go to the Mississippi Department of Corrections Inmate Search portal. Enter the last name or MDOC identification number — the system will show the inmate's status if the person is under state supervision.
- To check the sex offender registry, use the Public Sex Offender Registry of the Department of Public Safety.
- The Madison County Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains records of felonies, while Madison County Court handles misdemeanors.
What is Needed for the Search
- Full name of the person (Last Name, First Name)
- Date of birth (if known) — narrows down results
- Case number — for an exact search of a specific case
- MDOC identification number — when searching for state inmates
In-Person Visit
The Circuit Clerk's Office in the Madison County courthouse accepts requests to view criminal cases. Public terminals are available during business hours. Bring a photo ID.
Mail Request
Send a written request to the Circuit Clerk with the full name of the person, date of birth, and type of record requested. Include a money order for the appropriate fees. A response usually arrives within a few business weeks — timelines depend on the clerk's office workload.
Search Madison Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Mississippi, a criminal case number typically consists of several elements that encode the filing year, case type, and sequential number. For example, the format in Circuit Court might look like this:
- Year — two or four digits at the beginning (e.g., 25 or 2025)
- Case Type Code — a letter designation indicating the category: CR for criminal cases, or another prefix depending on the court level
- Sequential Number — a unique sequential number within the year
If you have the full case number, contact the Circuit Clerk or County Court Clerk — they can find the case immediately. The case number is listed on all court documents: summons, indictments, court orders. Check any document you already have before contacting the clerk's office.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Madison
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the Mississippi Code section — for example, § 97-3-7 (assault) |
| Severity | Felony (serious crime), Misdemeanor (less serious), Infraction (violation) |
| Amended Charge | The prosecutor may change the initial charge to a lesser or more serious one during the case |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision yet
- Active — the case is under court consideration
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed, the case is archived
Types of Hearings
- Arraignment — the first court appearance where the charges are read to the defendant, and they plead guilty or not guilty
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial
- Pre-Trial — procedural meetings before the trial begins
- Sentencing — issuing a sentence after a guilty plea or conviction
- Review — review of probation conditions or sentence execution
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Found not guilty |
| Dismissed | The case was closed without a verdict |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor dropped the charges |
| Acquitted | Acquitted by the court or jury |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Madison
Certified copies of criminal records are issued by the Madison County Circuit Clerk's Office. These copies bear the official court seal and are suitable for submission to other institutions, employers, or attorneys.
Ways to Submit a Request
- In-Person — visit the clerk's office with a photo ID (driver's license or passport). The clerk will conduct a search and prepare a certified copy.
- By Mail — send a written request with the full name, date of birth, case number (if known), and a copy of the ID. Include a money order for the fees.
For a state-level criminal history check, a request is submitted to the Mississippi Criminal Information Center (MCIC) at the Department of Public Safety. This is a separate procedure that requires fingerprinting.
Madison County Circuit Clerk
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Madison
Fees are set according to the Mississippi Code and the clerk's office internal regulations. Check the current amounts directly with the clerk before submitting a request — rates may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certification fee | $1.00–$5.00 per document |
| State background check through MCIC | Depends on the type of request; usually $32.00 and up |
Processing Times
- In-Person Request — simple copies are usually issued the same day or within a few business days
- Mail Request — from 5 to 15 business days depending on complexity
- MCIC Check — may take from 2 to 6 weeks
Payment is accepted by money order or cashier's check payable to Madison County Circuit Clerk. Personal checks are not always accepted — confirm in advance by calling (601) 859-1177. According to the Public Records Act, fees should not exceed the actual cost of making copies.