Lowndes County, Mississippi State Court Records
Pursuant to Mississippi's open records framework, court records for Lowndes County are classified as public documents held by judicial authorities. In addition to these filings, the public may also access other government-maintained instruments, such as vital records and arrest data, from their respective custodians. Court records, however, are formally generated, archived, and overseen by the respective local courts as part of their statutorily mandated functions.
In accordance with § 9-1-51 of the Mississippi Code, a "court record" includes the content of a record or file relating to any case or matter docketed by a court. Examples include court minutes, papers, and other documents required by law to be filed with and kept by the court. Various provisions under Title 9 of the Mississippi Code assign recordkeeping responsibilities to court clerks. As a result, the clerk of a court serves as the official custodian of judicial (court) records for Lowndes County.
Are Lowndes County Court Records Public?
Yes. The public has access to records maintained by government entities, including the judiciary. The Mississippi Public Records Policy grants the public the right to inspect, copy, or reproduce Lowndes County court records. Nevertheless, state law exempts certain privileged records from public disclosure. These exemptions are intended to protect sensitive information whose confidentiality outweighs the public interest in disclosure.
Examples of confidential or partially restricted Lowndes County court records include
- Information relating to a defendant who will likely flee, harm themselves, or pose a danger to others, pursuant to § 41- 32-7
- Medical records, pursuant to § 41-61-63
- Personal information of victims and other sensitive personal data, such as financial account data, Social Security numbers, and driver's license numbers
Statutorily exempted records are generally accessible only to the subject of the record, law enforcement, court personnel, and individuals authorized by court order.
What Information is Available in Lowndes County Court Records?
Court case information available to the public in Lowndes County includes the case number, filing date, and the court where the matter was heard. Records also identify the parties involved in the case, including the plaintiff, defendant, attorneys, and presiding judge. Additionally, publicly accessible Lowndes court records contain filed documents such as pleadings, dockets, evidence admitted into the record, transcripts of court proceedings, court orders, and final judgments.
Lowndes County Court Records Search
To retrieve a Lowndes County court record, inquirers have three options made available by the court in the county:
- Digital Search: Lowndes County court records may be accessed electronically through the state's case management system. This option provides access to most court records; however, access is subscription-based. Individuals must create an account and pay the required fee. The system is maintained by the Mississippi Judiciary.
Chancery Court records are available through a separate case management system, rather than the general platform. Records can be searched by name or by specific case data.
- Physical Search: Inquirers may visit the Lowndes County courthouse, the courthouse where the case was heard, or the specific clerk's office to inspect public court records
- Mail Search: Lowndes County court records may also be requested by mail. Requesters are generally required to submit a written request to the court that adjudicated the matter. The request should incorporate a self-addressed stamped envelope.
To search via any of these channels, inquirers usually need a party name, a case number, or the file date.
Fees for Court Records in Lowndes County
Lowndes County public agencies are permitted under Mississippi Code § 25-61-7 to charge nominal fees for record searches, copies, and related services. As such, the following fees may apply when requesting Lowndes County court records:
- Online searches: Subscription fee
- Paper copies of court records: 50 cents to $2 per page
- Documents: $1 per document
Some courts may charge different or no fees for access to records. For example, searches conducted through the Chancery Court's online database are provided at no cost.
Lowndes County Courthouse Locations
Lowndes County has several courts, each handling specific types of cases.
- The Lowndes County Circuit Court deals with serious civil cases involving $200,000 or more, felony criminal cases, and appeals from the County Court.
- The Lowndes County Chancery Court handles family and domestic cases. It also oversees equity appeals from the Lowndes County Court.
- The Lowndes County County Court hears appeals from the Justice Court, civil cases involving $3,500 to $200,000, and eminent domain involving land taken for public use.
- The Lowndes County Justice Court handles felony preliminary, misdemeanors outside city limits, small civil cases of $3,000 or less, traffic violations, and wildlife or highway patrol citations. It also performs marriage ceremonies.
- The Lowndes County Youth Court deals with cases involving minors under 18, including delinquency, abuse or neglect, and cases where a child needs supervision.
- The Municipal Courts in Lowndes County, including Caledonia and Columbus Municipal Courts, handle local ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and minor misdemeanors.
Contact Information:
Lowndes County Courthouse
505 2nd Avenue North
Columbus, MS 39703
Phone: (662) 329-5900
Fax: (662) 329-5935
Lowndes County Courthouse
505 2nd Avenue North
Columbus, MS 39703
Phone: (662) 329-5800
County Court of Lowndes County
Lowndes County Courthouse
505 2nd Avenue North
Columbus, MS 39703
Phone: (662) 329-5900
Fax: (662) 329-5935
Lowndes County Courthouse
505 2nd Avenue North
Columbus, MS 39703
Phone: (662) 329-5945
Fax: (662) 329-5935
309 South Martin Luther King Drive
Columbus, MS 39701
Phone: (662) 329-5929
Fax: (662) 245-4619
Caledonia Municipal Court
Caledonia, MS 39740
Phone: (662) 356-4117
Fax: (662) 356-9122
1501 Main Street
Columbus, MS 39701
Phone: (662) 244-3500
Criminal Records Access in Lowndes County
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS), Criminal Information Center (CIC), serves as the state's repository for criminal history records, maintaining records for all counties in Mississippi, including Lowndes.
Lowndes County criminal court records, on the other hand, are maintained by the court that handled the case.
Although both record types may contain information about arrests and criminal court proceedings, they are distinct records and differ in scope and detail.
Criminal records may be obtained through the following channels:
Lowndes County Criminal History Records
Access options:
- Online
Lowndes County Criminal Case Records
Access options:
- Online
- At the courthouse or clerk's office
- By mail
Lowndes County Probate Records
A probate hearing in Lowndes County is a court proceeding related to the distribution of a deceased person's estate. Probate cases are adjudicated by the Chancery Court, and records from these proceedings become part of the county's probate records.
Like most court records, probate records are subject to the Mississippi Public Records Policy. However, some records and documents may be confidential or restricted from public access.
Individuals seeking a probate record may search the judiciary's digital case management system, inspect records in person (especially when copies of documents are needed), or submit a written request to the court.
Lowndes County Family Court Records
Family law cases involve domestic and family-related matters. In Lowndes County, family law cases are generally handled by the Chancery Court, which has jurisdiction over most family law proceedings. Family law records contain information about court filings, hearings, and judgments. The table below summarizes key information about family law records:
|
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Record Custodian |
Chancery Court |
|
Record Type |
Family law records |
|
Access Methods |
Online, in person, and by mail |
|
Governing Law |
Mississippi Public Records Policy |
|
Type of Cases Handled |
Divorce, child custody, child visitation, adoption, property division, and related matters |
|
Availability |
Generally open to the public; however, some records are confidential |
|
Access to Certified Copies |
Available only to parties to the case and authorized individuals in person at the courthouse |
Federal Court Records in Lowndes County
Federal court records are documentary materials created and maintained by federal courts during legal proceedings. These records detail cases that fall under federal jurisdiction. Every county falls within the jurisdiction of a federal court that handles federal cases stemming from that county. For Lowndes County, this court is the Northern District of Mississippi United States District Court.
Like most court records, federal court records generated in Lowndes County are publicly accessible, subject to legal restrictions. The court provides several ways to access its records, including online through PACER, in person at the courthouse, or through the clerk's office. Fees may apply when obtaining copies of records, and PACER access may also require payment of applicable fees.
