Pearlriver County Court Records
What Is Pearlriver County Court Records
Court records in Pearl River County, Mississippi, are official documents generated by the judicial system in the course of legal proceedings. These records encompass a broad range of materials, including case files, docket sheets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, sentencing records, and any other documentation filed with or produced by a court of law. Court records are distinct from other categories of public records, such as property records maintained by the Chancery Clerk or vital records held by the Mississippi State Department of Health.
The following courts in Pearl River County maintain official court records:
- Circuit Court – handles felony criminal cases, major civil matters, and jury trials
- Chancery Court – handles equity matters, probate, guardianship, and domestic relations
- County Court – handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases under a specified monetary threshold, and youth court matters
- Justice Court – handles small claims, misdemeanors, and preliminary hearings
- Municipal Courts – handle ordinance violations and traffic matters within incorporated municipalities
Records maintained by these courts cover civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. Under Mississippi Code § 9-1-38, court clerks are required to maintain accurate and complete records of all proceedings within their respective jurisdictions.
Are Court Records Public In Pearlriver County
Court records in Pearl River County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to Mississippi's open records framework. The Mississippi Public Records Act, codified at Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 et seq., establishes the public's right to inspect and copy government records, including those maintained by the judiciary. Most civil case files, criminal case files following the filing of charges, judgments, orders, docket sheets, and hearing schedules are available for public inspection.
Members of the public should note the distinction between state and federal court records. Records from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi are governed by federal law and are accessible through the federal PACER system, not through county-level offices. State court records in Pearl River County are subject to Mississippi law and are maintained locally by the Circuit Clerk and Chancery Clerk.
Certain records are exempt from public disclosure under current law, including:
- Juvenile and youth court records
- Adoption records
- Mental health commitment records
- Records sealed by court order
- Victim identifying information in certain criminal cases
The Mississippi Supreme Court has adopted administrative rules governing access to court records, and clerks are required to comply with those rules when processing public records requests.
How To Find Court Records in Pearlriver County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Pearl River County may access them through several official channels. The process varies depending on the type of case and the court in which it was filed.
In-Person Access:
- Visit the Circuit Clerk's office for criminal and civil circuit court records
- Visit the Chancery Clerk's office for chancery, probate, and land records
- Visit the Justice Court Clerk for justice court matters
- Present a valid government-issued photo ID when requesting records
- Submit a written public records request if records are not immediately available at the counter
By Mail:
- Submit a written request specifying the case name, case number (if known), and the type of record sought
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and any applicable fees
Online:
- Use the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system for cases filed electronically
- Use the Mississippi Judiciary's online portal for available case information
Government Offices for Record Requests:
Pearl River County Circuit Clerk 200 South Main Street, Poplarville, MS 39470 (601) 403-2300 Pearl River County Circuit Clerk
Pearl River County Chancery Clerk 200 South Main Street, Poplarville, MS 39470 (601) 403-2300 Pearl River County Chancery Clerk
How To Look Up Court Records in Pearlriver County Online?
Several online portals currently provide access to Pearl River County court records, depending on the court and case type.
Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC): The Mississippi Electronic Courts system allows registered users to search and retrieve documents filed electronically in participating Mississippi courts. Attorneys and registered users may access full case documents, while members of the general public may search case information.
Mississippi Judiciary Case Search: The Mississippi Judiciary website provides a public case search tool that allows users to look up case information by party name, case number, or attorney. The portal includes information on circuit, chancery, and county court cases in participating counties.
Steps to search online:
- Navigate to the Mississippi Judiciary's official case search portal
- Select the appropriate court type and county (Pearl River)
- Enter the party name, case number, or other identifying information
- Review the case summary, docket entries, and available documents
- Download or print documents as needed; fees may apply for certified copies
Federal Cases: Cases filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi are accessible through the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) system. A PACER account is required, and per-page fees apply.
How To Search Pearlriver County Court Records for Free?
State law currently guarantees members of the public the right to inspect court records at no charge during regular business hours. Under Mississippi Code § 25-61-5, any person has the right to inspect public records without being required to pay a fee solely for the act of inspection. Fees may be assessed for copies or certified documents.
Free search options currently available include:
- In-person inspection at the Circuit Clerk's or Chancery Clerk's office during public counter hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
- Mississippi Judiciary public case search – basic case information is available at no cost through the official portal
- Justice Court records – may be inspected in person at the Justice Court Clerk's office at no charge
Fees are typically assessed for:
- Photocopies (per page)
- Certified copies of documents
- Exemplified or authenticated copies
What's Included in a Pearlriver County Court Record?
The contents of a court record vary by case type and court. The following outlines what is typically included in each category:
Civil Court Records:
- Complaint or petition, summons, and proof of service
- Answers, counterclaims, and cross-claims
- Motions and supporting briefs
- Court orders and rulings
- Judgment and any post-judgment filings
- Docket sheet reflecting all case activity
Criminal Court Records:
- Indictment, information, or charging document
- Arrest warrant and bond information
- Plea agreements
- Trial transcripts and exhibits
- Sentencing orders and probation terms
- Conviction records
Probate and Chancery Records:
- Wills and petitions for probate
- Inventory and appraisement of estate assets
- Guardian and conservatorship orders
- Final decrees of distribution
Family Court Records:
- Divorce petitions and decrees
- Child custody and support orders
- Adoption records (restricted)
- Domestic violence protective orders
Traffic and Misdemeanor Records:
- Citation or charging document
- Disposition and fine information
- License suspension orders
How Long Does Pearlriver County Keep Court Records?
Pearl River County courts retain records in accordance with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History records retention schedules and applicable state statutes. Retention periods vary by record type and court.
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony criminal case files | Permanent |
| Civil judgment records | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor case files | 5–10 years |
| Traffic violation records | 3–5 years |
| Probate records | Permanent |
| Chancery court decrees | Permanent |
| Justice court records | 3–5 years |
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History publishes official records retention schedules applicable to county courts. Clerks are required to follow these schedules and may not destroy records prior to the expiration of the applicable retention period without authorization.
Types of Courts In Pearlriver County
Pearl River County is served by a hierarchy of state courts, from courts of limited jurisdiction at the local level to the Mississippi Supreme Court at the apex of the state judicial system.
Pearl River County Circuit Court 200 South Main Street, Poplarville, MS 39470 (601) 403-2300 Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pearl River County Circuit Court
Pearl River County Chancery Court 200 South Main Street, Poplarville, MS 39470 (601) 403-2300 Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pearl River County Chancery Court
Pearl River County Justice Court 200 South Main Street, Poplarville, MS 39470 (601) 403-2460 Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pearl River County Justice Court
City of Picayune Municipal Court 203 Goodyear Boulevard, Picayune, MS 39466 (601) 798-9770 Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. City of Picayune Municipal Court
Mississippi Court of Appeals P.O. Box 22847, Jackson, MS 39225 (601) 359-2020 Mississippi Court of Appeals
Mississippi Supreme Court 450 High Street, Jackson, MS 39201 (601) 359-3694 Mississippi Supreme Court
The court hierarchy proceeds from Municipal and Justice Courts (limited jurisdiction) → County Court → Circuit and Chancery Courts (general jurisdiction) → Mississippi Court of Appeals → Mississippi Supreme Court.
What Types of Cases Do Pearlriver County Courts Hear?
Each court in Pearl River County exercises jurisdiction over specific categories of cases as defined by Mississippi law.
Circuit Court:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil cases involving amounts exceeding $200,000
- Jury trials in civil and criminal matters
- Appeals from County and Justice Courts
Chancery Court:
- Divorce, legal separation, and child custody
- Probate of wills and administration of estates
- Guardianship and conservatorship
- Real property disputes and equity matters
- Mental health commitments
County Court:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil cases up to $200,000
- Youth court matters
- Appeals from Justice Court
Justice Court:
- Misdemeanor offenses
- Civil claims up to $3,500
- Small claims matters
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Traffic violations outside municipal limits
Municipal Court (Picayune):
- Municipal ordinance violations
- Traffic citations within city limits
- Misdemeanor offenses occurring within the municipality
How To Find a Court Docket In Pearlriver County
A court docket is the official log of all filings, hearings, and actions taken in a case. Members of the public may access Pearl River County court dockets through the following methods:
Online:
- Use the Mississippi Judiciary case search portal to search dockets by party name or case number
- Select "Pearl River" as the county and the appropriate court type
- Review the docket entries listed chronologically for the selected case
In Person:
- Visit the Circuit Clerk's office at 200 South Main Street, Poplarville, MS 39470
- Request access to the docket book or case file for the matter of interest
- Public terminals may be available for on-site electronic docket searches
By Phone:
- Contact the Circuit Clerk at (601) 403-2300 to inquire about case status and scheduled hearings
- Contact the Chancery Clerk at the same number for chancery and probate dockets
Docket information for federal cases filed in the Southern District of Mississippi is available through the PACER system upon registration.
Which Courts in Pearlriver County Are Not Courts of Record?
A court "not of record" is a court that does not maintain a verbatim transcript or official record of its proceedings in the same manner as courts of record. Decisions from courts not of record are subject to de novo review on appeal, meaning the appellate court considers the matter anew rather than reviewing a transcript.
In Pearl River County, Justice Courts and Municipal Courts are currently classified as courts not of record under Mississippi law. Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 9-11-1, justice courts exercise limited jurisdiction and do not maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings. Appeals from justice court are heard de novo in the County Court or Circuit Court.
Municipal courts similarly operate as courts not of record. Defendants convicted in municipal court have the right to appeal to the County Court or Circuit Court for a new trial on the merits.
Courts of record in Pearl River County include the Circuit Court, Chancery Court, and County Court, all of which maintain official transcripts and records of proceedings as required by state law.