Lincoln County Public Records / Lincoln County Arrest Records

Lincoln County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Lincoln County in 2026

LincolnMSRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Lincoln 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 case filings, bond information, and disposition records. Information presented reflects what has been made available through official sources and may not reflect the most current status of any individual 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 Lincoln County.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office maintains a jail roster that reflects in-custody inmates, booking dates, and charges. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office inmate search provides current booking information including the date of booking, charges filed, and additional custody details. The roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects individuals currently held at the facility. Members of the public may search by name to locate a specific individual.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Brookhaven Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Lincoln County. Arrest information from city police may appear in local press releases and public incident logs. Members of the public seeking arrest records originating from a city police department may submit a public records request directly to that department's records division.

Brookhaven Police Department
1790 Whitworth Dr
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 833-2424
City of Brookhaven

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Lincoln County Circuit Clerk maintains criminal case files associated with arrests that have proceeded to formal charges. Members of the public may search case records by defendant name to locate court filings linked to a specific arrest. Case records include charge information, hearing dates, dispositions, and sentencing data.

Lincoln County Circuit Clerk
300 S First St, Suite 101
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 835-3411
Mississippi Courts

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety administers a name-based background check service that provides criminal history information drawn from the state repository. This service includes arrest and conviction data from jurisdictions across Mississippi. A fee applies for name-based searches, and results may be released to third parties when the requesting party provides the required identifying and contact information. The Mississippi Department of Corrections inmate search allows members of the public to locate individuals currently in state custody by name or MDOC identification number.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
229 S First St
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 833-5231
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and booking number. Copy fees apply per page for printed records.

Clerk of Court:

Lincoln County Circuit Clerk
300 S First St, Suite 101
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 835-3411
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Mississippi Courts

By Mail:

Written requests submitted by mail to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office should include the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's complete contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.

By Phone:

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (601) 833-5231 during regular business hours. Phone inquiries provide limited information; callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Complex requests are referred to the records division for in-person or written follow-up.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may compel production of detailed records not otherwise available to the general public. Records obtained through discovery in active legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules.

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 Lincoln County

Arrest records in Lincoln County are public records under Mississippi law. Pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act, Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq., all public records maintained by government agencies are presumptively open to inspection by any person unless a specific exemption applies. Arrest records serve the purposes of government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening, and use in legal proceedings.

As the Mississippi Attorney General's Office has stated, "The Public Records Act reflects the Legislature's recognition that government is the servant of the people and not the master of them," affirming the broad right of public access to government-held information.

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 (restricted or sealed under Mississippi law)
Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
Sealed records (subject to court-ordered confidentiality)
Information pertaining to active investigations
Identities of undercover officers
Confidential informant information
Victim identifying information in applicable cases
Witness protection participants

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Mississippi Constitution and Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 establish the legal framework for public access to government records. Courts have recognized the balance between transparency interests and individual privacy rights. The First Amendment protects press access to arrest information, and due process principles govern the use of arrest records in legal and administrative proceedings.

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 and landlords using arrest records obtained through consumer reporting agencies must comply with FCRA requirements. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest does not establish guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction may be restricted in certain employment contexts under applicable state and federal law.

What's in Lincoln County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and race
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, where available, arresting officer name and badge number
Booking date, time, and booking number
Warrant information where applicable

Charges Information:

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

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status
Bond amount and bond type (cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond)
Release date and time if applicable
Release conditions where public

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
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected or investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted)
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not included in booking records
Court records: Document legal proceedings following the arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Aggregate information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

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

Members of the public may inspect public records at no charge. Fees apply when copies are requested. Under Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7, public bodies may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public records, provided those fees do not exceed the actual cost of reproduction.

Record Type	Standard Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.25–$1.00 (varies by office)
Certified copies	$1.00–$5.00 per document
Electronic records	Varies; may be provided at no charge
Search fee	Not permitted under current law
Inspection (in-person review)	No charge

Accepted payment methods at the Lincoln County Circuit Clerk and Sheriff's Office include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective agency. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest. Fees vary by record type and the office maintaining the record.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Lincoln 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. Under Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71, individuals who meet eligibility criteria may petition the court for expungement of certain arrest and conviction records.

Expungement is available in Mississippi for first-time offenders convicted of certain non-violent misdemeanors and felonies, arrests that did not result in conviction, charges that were dismissed, and cases where the individual was acquitted. Individuals convicted of sex offenses, capital offenses, or crimes involving violence are not eligible for expungement under current law.

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case from the Lincoln County Circuit Clerk.
Confirm eligibility based on the charge type, disposition, and waiting period required under Mississippi law.
File a Petition for Expungement in the Lincoln County Circuit Court. Forms are available through the Circuit Clerk's office.
Pay the applicable filing fee.
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 court grants the petition, provide certified copies of the expungement order to the Sheriff's Office, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and any other agencies holding the record.

Lincoln County Circuit Clerk
300 S First St, Suite 101
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 835-3411
Mississippi Courts

Lincoln County District Attorney's Office (22nd Circuit District)
P.O. Box 1368
Brookhaven, MS 39602
Phone: (601) 835-3460

Mississippi Department of Public Safety – Criminal Information Center
P.O. Box 958
Jackson, MS 39205
Phone: (601) 933-2600
Mississippi Department of Public Safety

What Happens After Arrest in Lincoln County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Lincoln County Jail, operated by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office at 229 S First St, Brookhaven, MS 39601. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the booking facility, the individual undergoes a standard intake process that includes recording of personal information, photograph (mugshot), fingerprinting, criminal history and outstanding warrant checks, personal property inventory, medical screening, and housing classification. The booking process typically takes one to 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 individual of the charges, determines bond or bail, and advises the individual of the right to counsel. Hearings may be conducted via video conference.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash and is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full amount; the defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear, based on community ties, employment, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.
No Bond: Individuals charged with serious violent offenses, those deemed a flight risk or danger to the community, or those subject to probation violations or immigration holds may be held without bond.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release, which typically takes one to eight hours. Written conditions of release and a court date are provided. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody and is assigned housing within the facility.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Lincoln County Public Defender's Office
301 S First St
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 835-3480

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for appointment of a public defender. Eligibility is based on income. Private attorneys may visit clients at the jail by appointment, and all consultations are confidential.

Charging Decision:

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

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs such as drug court or pretrial intervention, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or a combination thereof.

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 charge complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months
Felonies: May take six months to over one year
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Mississippi Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Important Contacts:

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
229 S First St
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 833-5231
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office

Lincoln County Circuit Clerk
300 S First St, Suite 101
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 835-3411
Mississippi Courts

Lincoln County District Attorney's Office
P.O. Box 1368
Brookhaven, MS 39602
Phone: (601) 835-3460

Lincoln County Public Defender's Office
301 S First St
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 835-3480

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 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 Lincoln County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Lincoln County is governed by Mississippi state law and the records retention schedules established by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Under Mississippi law, public records retention schedules determine the minimum period for which records must be maintained before authorized destruction.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, Mississippi Criminal Information Center, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for a minimum of five years depending on the offense and the maintaining agency.

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of three to five years.
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged.
Records remain in state and local databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order.

Acquittals:

Court records are retained permanently in most cases.
Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of three years.
Individuals acquitted of charges may petition for expungement under current Mississippi law.

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum of three years.
Individuals whose charges were not filed may be eligible for expungement.

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained according to the applicable records retention schedule.
Digital records management systems retain data for extended periods, and electronic court records are maintained permanently in many cases.
Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial websites are not controlled by law enforcement and may retain records indefinitely regardless of case outcome.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum three to five years; felony-related records retained permanently.
Arrest reports: Minimum three years; longer for serious offenses.

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Permanent retention.
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum five years.
Electronic records: Permanent in most cases.

State Repository:

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Criminal Information Center maintains arrest and conviction records from all jurisdictions statewide. Retention is permanent for conviction records and varies for non-conviction records.

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:

Conviction: Permanent retention across all databases.
Dismissal: Records remain unless expunged; may not appear on standard background checks.
Expungement: Local records are sealed or destroyed; the state repository updates its records; the FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement.
No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after three years in some cases.

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 statewide "ban the box" law applicable to all private employers, though certain public employment restrictions apply. Arrests without conviction carry no legal presumption of guilt and their use in employment decisions is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidance.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (601) 833-5231 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A formal public records request submitted in writing may be required, and applicable fees for copies may apply.

Lookup Arrest Records in Lincoln County

Lincoln County jail inmate roster — Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
Mississippi Department of Corrections inmate search — search by name or MDOC ID number
Mississippi name-based criminal background check — Mississippi Department of Public Safety