Leflore County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Leflore County in 2026
LefloreRecords.org provides publicly available data and information related to arrest records in Leflore County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories accessible through official and third-party channels include arrest logs, jail rosters, criminal court filings, bond information, and disposition records. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the requesting agency and the nature of the underlying case.
Records may be searched through official resources including the Leflore County Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state agencies. The following sections detail each available method.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Leflore County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and a jail roster for individuals currently in custody at the Leflore County Jail. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about recent arrests. The roster is updated as bookings occur and reflects current custody status, charges, and bond information. 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 of access.
2. Local Police Departments
The Greenwood Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Leflore County. The department issues press releases and public statements regarding notable arrests, which are distributed to local media outlets. Arrest logs and incident reports may be requested directly from the department's records division pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act.
Greenwood Police Department
501 E. Washington St.
Greenwood, MS 38930
Phone: (662) 453-2181
Greenwood Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Leflore County Circuit Clerk maintains criminal court case records that are linked to underlying arrests. Members of the public may search case records by defendant name to identify court proceedings associated with an arrest. Case searches may be conducted in person at the Circuit Clerk's office or through the Mississippi Electronic Courts system where available.
Leflore County Circuit Clerk
317 W. Market St., Suite 202
Greenwood, MS 38930
Phone: (662) 453-1041
Mississippi Courts
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains statewide public data sets that include law enforcement records. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety public data portal provides datasets compiled from law enforcement agencies across the state. These datasets are made available to the public at no charge and do not contain personally identifying information in certain categories. For a full criminal history record, individuals may submit a request to the Mississippi Criminal Information Center (MCIC), which charges a fee for certified background checks.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Leflore County Sheriff's Office
315 W. Market St.
Greenwood, MS 38930
Phone: (662) 453-4921
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Leflore County Sheriff's Office
Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Copy fees apply per page as described in the fee section below.
Police Departments:
Greenwood Police Department
501 E. Washington St.
Greenwood, MS 38930
Phone: (662) 453-2181
Hours: Records Division, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Greenwood Police Department
Records requests at the Greenwood Police Department are processed through the records division. Requestors must submit a written public records request identifying the subject and the nature of the records sought. Standard copy fees apply.
Clerk of Court:
Leflore County Circuit Clerk
317 W. Market St., Suite 202
Greenwood, MS 38930
Phone: (662) 453-1041
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Criminal case files are available for inspection during regular business hours. Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee. Members of the public may inspect case files at no charge at the public access terminal located in the clerk's office.
By Mail:
Written public records requests may be submitted by mail to the Leflore County Sheriff's Office at 315 W. Market St., Greenwood, MS 38930. Requests should include the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full name and return mailing address. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time for mailed requests is typically five to ten business days following receipt.
By Phone:
The Leflore County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (662) 453-4921 during regular business hours. Limited information, including current custody status, may be provided by phone. Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed records are not released by phone and require a written request or in-person visit.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued to compel production of records not otherwise available through public access channels. Detailed police reports, witness statements, and investigative files are accessible through the discovery process in active litigation.
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, Greenwood PD, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Leflore County
Arrest records in Leflore County are public records under Mississippi law. The Mississippi Public Records Act, Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq., establishes that all public records are presumed open to inspection by any person unless a specific exemption applies. Arrest records generated by law enforcement agencies are considered public records because they document the exercise of governmental authority, promote transparency in the criminal justice system, and serve the public interest in community safety and accountability.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and 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 to protect the integrity of the investigation
- Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
- Confidential informant information is protected
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in cases involving sexual offenses or domestic violence
- Witness protection participants are exempt from disclosure
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Mississippi Constitution and the Public Records Act together establish the framework for public access to government records. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of government transparency. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the status of proceedings, including dismissals and acquittals, to prevent undue prejudice to individuals whose charges were not prosecuted.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
Employers and landlords who use arrest records for screening purposes must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., which governs the use of consumer reports including criminal background checks. Under the FCRA, arrests that did not result in conviction may not be reported after seven years in certain employment contexts. Mississippi does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest record does not establish guilt.
What's in Leflore County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth
- Age at time of arrest
- Sex/gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks including scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited or redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Greenwood Police Department, Mississippi Highway Patrol, or other)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Mississippi statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification as felony or misdemeanor
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public records
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
- Release date and time if released
- Release conditions if made part of the public record
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction (Circuit Court, County Court, or Justice Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Judge assignment if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted by law)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in the booking record
- Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
- Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including arrest records, court records, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Leflore County?
Under Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7, public bodies may charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of reproducing public records. The following fee structure applies to arrest and related records in Leflore County.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.25 per page (standard rate) |
| Certified copies (Circuit Clerk) | $1.00 per page plus $1.00 certification fee |
| Electronic records (where available) | No charge in many cases |
| Criminal history (MCIC certified) | $25.00 per request (state fee) |
| Inspection of records | No charge |
- Inspection of public records at the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Clerk's office is available at no charge during regular business hours.
- Standard paper copies are available at the rate established by the agency, not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction.
- Certified copies of court records are available from the Circuit Clerk at a per-page rate plus a certification fee.
- The Mississippi Criminal Information Center charges a fee for certified criminal history background checks submitted through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
- Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Circuit Clerk include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective agency. Credit card acceptance varies by office.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest, at the discretion of the custodial agency.
- Electronic records, where available through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety public data portal, are provided at no charge.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Leflore County
Mississippi law provides for the expungement of certain arrest records, which constitutes the legal erasure or destruction of those records from public access. Expungement differs from sealing in that expunged records are ordered destroyed or removed from public databases, while sealed records are restricted from public view but retained by the court. Under Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71, individuals who meet eligibility requirements may petition the court for expungement of qualifying arrest and conviction records.
Eligibility for Expungement in Mississippi:
- First-time offenders convicted of certain non-violent misdemeanors may petition for expungement after completing their sentence and a waiting period.
- Individuals whose charges were dismissed, who were acquitted, or whose cases resulted in a nolle prosequi (no prosecution) are eligible to petition for expungement of the arrest record.
- Certain non-violent felony convictions may be expunged for first-time offenders after a five-year waiting period following completion of sentence, under the criteria established by Mississippi statute.
- Arrests that did not result in charges being filed are eligible for expungement.
- Convictions for violent crimes, sex offenses requiring registration, and certain other serious offenses are not eligible for expungement.
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a certified copy of the arrest record and any associated court records from the Leflore County Circuit Clerk.
- Confirm eligibility based on the nature of the charge, disposition, and time elapsed since completion of sentence.
- Prepare and file a Petition for Expungement in the Leflore County Circuit Court. Forms may be available through the Circuit Clerk's office.
- Pay the applicable filing fee to the Circuit Clerk.
- Serve the petition on the district attorney's office and any other required parties.
- Attend the expungement hearing if scheduled by the court.
- If the court grants the petition, obtain certified copies of the expungement order and provide them to the Sheriff's Office, the Greenwood Police Department, and the Mississippi Criminal Information Center to ensure removal from all applicable databases.
Leflore County Circuit Court
317 W. Market St.
Greenwood, MS 38930
Phone: (662) 453-1041
Mississippi Courts
Leflore County District Attorney's Office
Fifth Circuit Court District
Greenwood, MS 38930
Phone: (662) 453-1530
Following the entry of an expungement order, the Mississippi Criminal Information Center updates the state criminal history repository. Third-party background check companies are not automatically notified and may retain records independently; individuals may need to contact those companies separately to request removal.
What Happens After Arrest in Leflore County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Leflore County, the arrested individual is transported to the Leflore County Jail, which is operated by the Leflore County Sheriff's Office at 315 W. Market St., Greenwood, MS 38930. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion prior to transport.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Leflore County Jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. The following steps occur during booking:
- Personal information is recorded including full legal name, date of birth, address, and physical description
- Miranda rights are read if not previously administered
- A booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
- Fingerprints are collected and submitted to the state and federal databases
- A criminal history check is conducted
- Outstanding warrants are checked through state and national databases
- Personal property is inventoried and stored
- Clothing is exchanged for a jail uniform
- Medical and brief mental health screenings are conducted
- Housing classification is determined
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Mississippi law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge for an initial appearance within 48 hours of arrest. At the initial appearance, the following occurs:
- Formal notification of charges is provided
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed; individuals who cannot afford an attorney may apply for a public defender
- Bond or bail is determined by the presiding judge or magistrate
- Rights are explained to the defendant
- The hearing may be conducted via video conference
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the Leflore County Jail or the Circuit Clerk. 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 or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is ten percent of the bond amount in Mississippi. The bondsman assumes 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 ties to the community, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk.
No Bond: The defendant is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, a determination that the defendant poses a danger to the community, a high flight risk, a violation of probation or parole, an immigration hold, or an out-of-state warrant.
Conditions of Release:
- Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders in domestic violence cases
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring in certain cases
- Pretrial supervision
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Is Posted: Processing for release typically takes one to eight hours following payment. Personal property is returned, a court date is provided in writing, and conditions of release are explained. The defendant must appear at all scheduled court dates or the bond is subject to forfeiture.
If Bond Is Not Posted: The defendant remains in custody at the Leflore County Jail, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail rules, commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Individuals who are determined to be indigent are entitled to appointed counsel. The Mississippi Office of State Public Defender provides representation in felony cases. Eligibility is based on income and assets.
Mississippi Office of State Public Defender
239 N. Lamar St., 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 maintains a lawyer referral service. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Leflore County Jail during designated visitation hours, and consultations are confidential.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The District Attorney for the Fifth Circuit Court District reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The prosecutor may file an information (for misdemeanors and some felonies), present the case to a grand jury (for felonies), request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges from those listed at booking.
Grand Jury (for Felonies):
Felony charges in Mississippi are presented to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed. The grand jury meets in secret; defense counsel is not present. An indictment is returned if the grand jury finds probable cause.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of 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 are held to discuss case resolution and trial readiness.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects in the case. A dismissal may make the defendant eligible 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 in exchange for a sentencing recommendation.
- Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution bears the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sentencing (if Convicted):
The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. 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 depending on grand jury schedule
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months to over a year depending on case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved more quickly, often within weeks to a few months
- Felonies: May take six months to two years or longer
- The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and the Mississippi Constitution
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to an attorney
- Right to a speedy and public trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Sheriff's Office (Jail):
Leflore County Sheriff's Office
315 W. Market St.
Greenwood, MS 38930
Phone: (662) 453-4921
Leflore County Sheriff's Office
Clerk of Court:
Leflore County Circuit Clerk
317 W. Market St., Suite 202
Greenwood, MS 38930
Phone: (662) 453-1041
Mississippi Courts
District Attorney's Office:
Fifth Circuit Court District
Greenwood, MS 38930
Phone: (662) 453-1530
Public Defender's Office:
Mississippi Office of State Public Defender
239 N. Lamar St., Suite 604
Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: (601) 576-4290
Mississippi Office of State Public Defender
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Politely invoke the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or 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 Leflore County?
Records Retention Overview:
Records retention in Leflore County is governed by Mississippi law and the policies of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, which establishes retention schedules for public records. Local law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records in accordance with the schedules approved under state authority.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk, the Mississippi Criminal Information Center, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Felony conviction records are part of the permanent criminal history and do not expire
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently or for a minimum of five years depending on the agency and the nature of the offense
- Court records for misdemeanor convictions are retained by the Circuit Clerk and County Court for a minimum period established by the state retention schedule
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of five years
- Court records are retained permanently in many cases
- Records remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order
Acquittals (Not Guilty):
- Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years
- Court records are often retained permanently
- The subject may petition for expungement of the arrest record following acquittal
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are retained for a minimum of three to five years
- The subject may be eligible to petition for immediate expungement
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained for the minimum period established by the state retention schedule
- Photographs are retained for the same period as the associated booking record
Digital Records:
- Records management systems maintained by law enforcement agencies often retain digital records permanently
- Court electronic records are retained permanently in the Mississippi Electronic Courts system
- Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial websites are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not required to update records when charges are dismissed or expunged. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain reasonable procedures to ensure accuracy, but enforcement is the responsibility of the individual through a dispute process with the reporting agency.
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
Leflore County Sheriff's Office
315 W. Market St.
Greenwood, MS 38930
Phone: (662) 453-4921
Booking records and arrest reports are retained for a minimum period established by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History retention schedule. Investigative files are retained based on the nature and disposition of the case.
Clerk of Court:
Leflore County Circuit Clerk
317 W. Market St., Suite 202
Greenwood, MS 38930
Phone: (662) 453-1041
Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of five years. Electronic records in the court management system are retained permanently.
State Repository:
The Mississippi Criminal Information Center, a division of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, maintains the statewide criminal history repository. Records from all law enforcement jurisdictions in Mississippi are submitted to this repository. Retention policy follows state and federal guidelines, and records are accessible to authorized agencies for law enforcement and background check purposes.
FBI Database:
The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain arrest and conviction records submitted by state agencies. Federal retention is permanent for most records. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other authorized purposes.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Records are retained permanently in all applicable databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.
- Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless expunged; dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks.
- Expungement: Local records are destroyed or sealed pursuant to the court order; the state repository updates its records; the FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement.
- No Charges Filed: Booking records are subject to the shortest retention period and may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period expires.
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
- Recent arrests are accessible through direct contact with the Sheriff's Office or the Circuit Clerk
- Older arrests may require an in-person request and retrieval from physical archives, with a possible retrieval fee and longer processing time
- Very old records that predate digital systems may exist only in paper form and may have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule
Destruction of Records:
Records are destroyed following the expiration of the applicable retention period, pursuant to a court order for expungement, or in accordance with the approved records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the custodial agency. Records subject to permanent retention, including felony convictions, serious violent offense records, and sex offense records, are not subject to destruction.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Mississippi does not currently impose additional restrictions on the reporting period beyond federal requirements. Arrests that did not result in conviction may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in certain regulated industries.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Leflore County Sheriff's Records Division at (662) 453-4921 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request may be required, and fees may apply for copies of responsive records.