Newton County Public Records / Newton County Arrest Records

Newton County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Newton County in 2026

NewtonCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Newton County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data through this directory. Record categories available through official and third-party sources include arrest logs, jail rosters, criminal court filings, bond information, and disposition records. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the originating agency and the status of the underlying case.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Newton 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 Newton County Sheriff's Office maintains a jail roster that reflects current in-custody individuals. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about recent bookings. The roster is updated as bookings occur and includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and bond status. At present, a dedicated online search portal for the Newton County jail roster is not publicly hosted, and inquiries are directed to the office by phone or in person.

Newton County Sheriff's Office
92 E. Broad Street
Decatur, MS 39327
Phone: (601) 635-2121
Newton County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Decatur Police Department serves the county seat and handles arrests within city limits. Press releases and arrest logs may be issued periodically. Members of the public seeking arrest information from municipal departments should contact the relevant department directly.

Decatur Police Department
200 S. Main Street
Decatur, MS 39327
Phone: (601) 635-2211

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Newton County Circuit Clerk maintains criminal court case records that are linked to arrests resulting in formal charges. Members of the public may search case records by the defendant's name to identify court proceedings associated with an arrest. The Mississippi Electronic Courts system provides online access to circuit court case information statewide.

Newton County Circuit Clerk
92 E. Broad Street, Suite 1
Decatur, MS 39327
Phone: (601) 635-2367
Mississippi Courts

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains the state's criminal history repository through the Mississippi Criminal Information Center (MCIC). Members of the public may request a criminal history record check, which includes arrest and disposition data from jurisdictions across the state. A fee applies for non-law-enforcement requests; at present, the standard fee for a name-based criminal history search is $25.00 for public requesters. Requests are submitted through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:
92 E. Broad Street
Decatur, MS 39327
Phone: (601) 635-2121
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Requesters should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Copy fees apply per the schedule described in the fees section below.

Clerk of Court:
92 E. Broad Street, Suite 1
Decatur, MS 39327
Phone: (601) 635-2367
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Criminal case files are available for inspection during business hours. Certified copies carry a per-page fee as set by state statute.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Newton County Sheriff's Office at 92 E. Broad Street, Decatur, MS 39327. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requester's full contact information. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time varies and is subject to the volume of pending requests.

By Phone:

The Sheriff's Office may be reached at (601) 635-2121 during business hours. Staff can confirm whether an individual is currently in custody and provide limited booking information. Detailed record copies require an in-person visit or written request.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may obtain arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels.

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 Newton County

Arrest records in Newton County are public records under Mississippi law. The Mississippi Public Records Act, codified at § 25-61-1 et seq. of the Mississippi Code, establishes that all public records are available for inspection and copying by any person unless a specific exemption applies. As the Mississippi Supreme Court has recognized, "the policy of this state is that public records shall be available for inspection by any person." Arrest records generated by law enforcement agencies are considered public records subject to this policy.

Arrest records serve several recognized public interests, including government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening, and use in 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 under § 43-21-261 of the Mississippi Code and are not available to the general public
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 and confidential informant information are exempt
Victim identifying information may be restricted in certain offense categories

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 U.S. Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Courts balance transparency interests against individual privacy rights, particularly where charges did not result in conviction.

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:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA notice and adverse action requirements. 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. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest without a resulting conviction does not establish guilt and should not be treated as evidence of criminal conduct.

What's in Newton County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and race/ethnicity
Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency and, in some cases, the name and badge number of the arresting officer
Booking date, time, and assigned booking number
Warrant information where applicable

Charges Information:

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

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public record releases

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
Release date and time if the individual has been released
Release conditions where publicly available

Court Information:

Assigned court case number
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Judge assignment where available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements and victim information
Evidence collected during investigation
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 booking records
Court records document legal proceedings that follow an arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Newton County is governed by the Mississippi Public Records Act. Under § 25-61-7 of the Mississippi Code, public bodies may charge a fee for providing copies of public records, but the fee may not exceed the actual cost of reproduction.

Record Type	Standard Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.25–$1.00 (varies by office)
Certified copies (per page)	$1.00 per page plus certification fee
Certification fee	$1.00–$5.00 per document
Electronic copies	Actual cost of reproduction
Search fee	No statutory search fee; varies by office

Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge. Fees apply only when copies are requested. The Newton County Circuit Clerk and Sheriff's Office each set their own copy fee schedules within the limits established by state law. Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the relevant office. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, at the discretion of the custodial agency.

State-level criminal history searches through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety carry a $25.00 fee for public requesters. This fee covers a name-based search of the MCIC database and is non-refundable regardless of whether a record is found.

Members of the public may view arrest records in person at the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Clerk's office at no cost during regular business hours.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Newton County

Mississippi law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the legal erasure of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Expungement is the more complete remedy and, when granted, requires the originating agency to destroy or return all records related to the arrest.

Under § 99-19-71 of the Mississippi Code, individuals may petition for expungement of certain arrest and conviction records. Eligibility depends on the nature of the offense, the outcome of the case, and the amount of time that has elapsed since the arrest or conviction. First-time, non-violent misdemeanor convictions and arrests that did not result in conviction are among the categories most commonly eligible for expungement.

Eligibility Criteria:

Arrests where no charges were filed
Charges that were dismissed or nolle prossed
Acquittals (not guilty verdicts)
Certain first-offense misdemeanor convictions after completion of sentence
Certain felony convictions under specific statutory criteria after a waiting period

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and any associated court case information from the Newton County Circuit Clerk
Confirm eligibility under § 99-19-71 or the applicable subsection for the offense type
Prepare and file a Petition for Expungement in the Newton County Circuit Court
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 scheduled hearing if the court requires one
If the order is granted, deliver certified copies of the expungement order to the Sheriff's Office, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and any other agencies holding records

Newton County Circuit Court
92 E. Broad Street
Decatur, MS 39327
Phone: (601) 635-2367
Mississippi Courts

Newton County District Attorney's Office (16th Circuit District)
P.O. Box 351
Decatur, MS 39327
Phone: (601) 635-3031

Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed Mississippi attorney. The Mississippi Bar Lawyer Referral Service can assist in locating qualified counsel.

What Happens After Arrest in Newton County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Newton County, the arrested individual is transported to the Newton County Jail, located at the Sheriff's Office complex at 92 E. Broad Street, Decatur, MS 39327. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Newton County Jail, the booking process is initiated. This process involves recording personal information, photographing the individual, collecting fingerprints, conducting a criminal history and outstanding warrants check, inventorying personal property, and completing medical and mental health screenings. The booking process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume.

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 defendant of the charges, determines bond or bail, and advises the defendant of the right to counsel. Individuals who cannot afford an attorney may apply for representation through the public defender's office.

Bond/Bail Process:

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

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set by state regulation.

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

No Bond: The court may deny bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, or active immigration holds.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release, which typically takes between one and eight hours. Written conditions of release and court date information are provided at the time of release. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody pending further court proceedings.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Newton County Public Defender
92 E. Broad Street
Decatur, MS 39327
Phone: (601) 635-2367

Individuals who do not qualify for a public defender may retain private counsel. The Mississippi Bar Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed attorneys.

Charging Decision:

The Newton County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, or decline prosecution. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to issue an indictment.

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:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, and pretrial conferences. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, and either party may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. Plea negotiations may result in a resolution prior to trial. Cases that proceed to trial may be resolved by jury verdict or bench trial. Upon conviction, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, and treatment programs.

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 by case complexity
Misdemeanors: resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
Felonies: may take six months to over a year depending on complexity
The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under both the Mississippi Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Important Contacts:

Newton County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
92 E. Broad Street
Decatur, MS 39327
Phone: (601) 635-2121
Newton County Sheriff's Office

Newton County Circuit Clerk
92 E. Broad Street, Suite 1
Decatur, MS 39327
Phone: (601) 635-2367
Mississippi Courts

Newton County District Attorney's Office
P.O. Box 351
Decatur, MS 39327
Phone: (601) 635-3031

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 discuss the case until counsel is present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends prior to consulting an 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 Newton County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Newton County is governed by Mississippi law and the records retention schedules established by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Local agencies are required to follow the applicable retention schedule for their record category.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions: Records of felony convictions are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety's criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). These records are part of the subject's permanent criminal history.

Misdemeanor Convictions: Misdemeanor conviction records are retained permanently at the state repository level. Local law enforcement and court retention periods may vary but are subject to the state retention schedule.

Dismissed Charges: Records of arrests where charges were dismissed remain in local law enforcement and court databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order. The state repository retains these records until notified of an expungement.

Acquittals: Court records of acquittals are retained permanently by the Circuit Clerk. Law enforcement booking records may be retained for a period of years and may be eligible for expungement.

Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests where no charges were filed are among the shortest-retention categories and may be eligible for expungement upon petition.

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Digital records maintained in records management systems and court electronic filing systems are retained according to the applicable schedule, which for felony and serious misdemeanor matters is often permanent. Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained for the period specified in the state retention schedule. Third-party commercial databases may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same update requirements as official government repositories.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained according to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History retention schedule. Investigative files are retained based on case outcome and offense classification. Contact: (601) 635-2121.

Circuit Clerk: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum period as specified in the retention schedule. Electronic records are retained permanently in most categories.

Mississippi Department of Public Safety: The state criminal history repository retains arrest and disposition records from all jurisdictions in Mississippi. Members of the public may access this information through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

FBI Database: The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level on a permanent basis. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across all databases. A dismissal may remain in databases unless expungement is obtained. An expungement order requires local agencies to destroy or seal records and directs the state repository to update its files; however, the FBI database may retain a notation of the record even after expungement. Third-party background check companies are not automatically notified of expungements and may continue to display records until updated.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Mississippi does not currently impose a shorter reporting period by state law. Arrests without convictions should not be treated as evidence of criminal conduct, and some jurisdictions prohibit adverse employment decisions based solely on arrest records.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Newton County Sheriff's Records Division at (601) 635-2121 or submit a written public records request to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.