Harrison County Court Records Search
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Harrison County sits along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, with its county government split between two judicial districts — the 1st District in Gulfport and the 2nd District in Biloxi. The county’s court system includes Circuit Courts, Chancery Courts, County Courts, Justice Courts, a Youth Court, and several Municipal Courts. Two elected clerks maintain official case files: the Circuit Clerk oversees records for the Circuit Court and County Court, while the Chancery Clerk is custodian of all Chancery Court records, land documents, and equity filings. Understanding which clerk holds the records you need is the essential first step in any search.
Mississippi’s judiciary maintains resources through MississippiCourts.us that can help individuals locate publicly available court case information across the state. Within Harrison County, court records can be searched through electronic portals maintained by the state’s Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system, through online docket and judgment roll tools hosted by the county, or through direct contact with the relevant clerk’s office. Public-access terminals at both the Gulfport and Biloxi courthouses also allow in-person searches during business hours.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Harrison County?
Harrison County offers multiple pathways for locating court case information, depending on the court division and the type of case.
Online Search — Circuit Court and County Court
The Public Access to Mississippi Electronic Courts (PAMEC) system provides electronic access to Circuit Court and County Court records in Harrison County. Users can search by case number, party name, or filing date. To use PAMEC, you must register for an account online. There is an annual registration fee of $10 for public users.
Online Search — Chancery Court
The Harrison County Chancery Clerk maintains an online Chancery Court Docket that allows searches by party name or hearing date. When searching by name, enter at least the first three characters. Date searches are restricted to the current day and future dates — historical date searching is not available.
Judgment Roll Search
The Circuit Clerk provides a Judgment Roll Search tool that allows searches by plaintiff or defendant name to locate judgments recorded in Harrison County.
In-Person Requests
Both clerk offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The key locations are:
| Court/Office | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit Clerk — 1st District | 1801 23rd Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501 | (228) 865-1635 |
| Circuit Clerk — 2nd District | 730 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39530 | (228) 435-8233 |
| Chancery Clerk — 1st District | 1801 23rd Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501 | (228) 865-4092 |
| Chancery Clerk — 2nd District | 730 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39530 | (228) 435-8280 |
Mail Requests
Written requests should be directed to the appropriate clerk with the case number (if known), full names of the parties, and payment for any applicable copy fees. Mailing addresses:
- Circuit Clerk — 1st District: P.O. Box 998, Gulfport, MS 39502
- Circuit Clerk — 2nd District: P.O. Box 235, Biloxi, MS 39533
- Chancery Clerk — 1st District: P.O. Drawer CC, Gulfport, MS 39502
- Chancery Clerk — 2nd District: P.O. Box 544, Biloxi, MS 39533
Copy fees at the Circuit Clerk’s office are $1.00 per page for standard copies and $2.00 for certified copies.
Are Court Records Public in Harrison County?
Court records in Harrison County are generally open to the public under the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983 (Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 et seq.), which establishes a policy that public records must be available for inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. Under Mississippi Code § 9-1, court records encompass case filings, judgments, motions, orders, hearing transcripts, and evidentiary documents.
Several categories of records are exempt from unrestricted public access or require redaction before release:
- Sealed records: Any case file or document sealed by court order is not available to the public without judicial authorization.
- Ongoing investigations: Records related to active criminal investigations may be withheld until the investigation concludes.
- Juvenile records: Youth Court proceedings are confidential under Mississippi law.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and other protected personal data are typically redacted from public documents.
- Adoption records: Adoption files maintained by the Chancery Court are sealed and accessible only to authorized parties.
- Victim information: Records containing sensitive details about crime victims may be restricted.
The Chancery Clerk’s office also maintains a formal Public Records Request Form and Policy that outlines the procedures for submitting formal requests for county records.
Harrison County Criminal Court Records
Criminal prosecutions in Harrison County are handled by the Circuit Court (felonies and serious offenses) and the County Court (misdemeanors, preliminary hearings, bond settings, and certain non-capital felony transfers from Circuit Court). Justice Courts handle minor criminal matters, and Municipal Courts within Gulfport, Biloxi, D’Iberville, Long Beach, and Pass Christian process city ordinance violations and some misdemeanors.
Searching Criminal Cases
Criminal case information from the Circuit Court and County Court can be accessed through the PAMEC system. The Mississippi Judiciary website at courts.ms.gov also provides a general docket search tool accessible from the left sidebar, where users can enter a defendant’s name or case number to retrieve case status and hearing information.
Criminal Court Locations
| Court | Address | Phone | Fax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court — 1st District | 1801 23rd Ave, Gulfport, MS 39501 (P.O. Box 998, Gulfport, MS 39502) | (228) 865-1635 | (228) 865-4099 |
| Circuit Court — 2nd District | 730 Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39530 (P.O. Box 235, Biloxi, MS 39533) | (228) 435-8233 | (228) 435-8270 |
| County Court — 1st District | 1801 23rd Ave, Gulfport, MS 39501 (P.O. Box 1461, Gulfport, MS 39502) | (228) 865-4230 | (228) 865-6523 |
| County Court — 2nd District | 730 Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39530 (P.O. Box 235, Biloxi, MS 39533) | (228) 435-8232 | (228) 435-8277 |
Criminal Assessments and Fees
The Harrison County Circuit Clerk publishes a detailed fee schedule for criminal matters. Key assessments include:
- Felony assessment: $280.50
- Misdemeanor assessment (Circuit or County Court): $121.75
- Traffic assessment: $90.50
- Drug and alcohol assessment: $50.00
- Crime Victims Compensation Fund: $10.00 minimum (at the judge’s discretion)
- Sheriff fee: $45.00
- Appearance bond fee: 2% of bond amount, minimum $20.00
- Searching criminal records per name: $10.00
Harrison County Sheriff’s Office
The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records and provides public records services through its Public Records Department.
Sheriff’s Office — Public Records
Address: 10451 Larkin Smith Drive, Gulfport, MS 39503
Phone: (228) 896-0626
Fax: (228) 896-0625
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
To request a copy of a police report, download the request form from the Sheriff’s public resources page and submit it by mail or in person with a valid state-issued ID. For criminal history and background checks, download the Criminal History Request Form and submit it in person only.
Statewide Criminal Background Checks
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains the Criminal Information Center, which processes fingerprint-based statewide criminal background checks. To request a search:
- Complete the Release Background Authorization Form.
- Have the form signed in the presence of a notary public.
- Enclose a $32 money order and a photocopy of a state ID or driver’s license.
- Mail to: Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Attn: Criminal Information Center/Background Checks, 3891 Highway 468 West, Pearl, MS 39208.
A name-based background check is also available online for $32, payable by credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express).
Expungement Resources
The Sheriff’s Office provides downloadable forms for record expungement, including an Expungement Handbook, Expungement Statutes, a Motion form, and an Order form.
Harrison County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Harrison County is distributed across several courts depending on the amount in dispute and subject matter. The Circuit Court handles civil lawsuits without a monetary cap, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, and appeals from lower courts. The County Court has concurrent jurisdiction with the Circuit Court for civil cases up to $200,000. Justice Courts address civil matters within their statutory limits (generally up to $3,500).
Civil Filing Fees — Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk’s fee schedule lists the following costs for a standard civil filing:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Clerk Fee | $85.00 |
| Comprehensive Electronic Court Systems Fund (CECSF) | $10.00 |
| Law Library | $7.50 |
| Steno Fee | $10.00 |
| Civil Legal Assistance Fund (CLAF) | $5.00 |
| Court Administrators Fund | $2.00 |
| State Court Education Fund | $2.00 |
| Records Retention | $1.00 |
| State Constituents Fund | $0.50 |
| Jury Tax | $3.00 |
| Total Civil Filing (Complaint) | $166.00 |
Additional fees include garnishment ($36.00), judgment debtor action ($36.00), renewal of judgment ($36.00), foreign judgment filing ($166.00), transfer/change of venue ($86.00), and appeal to the Mississippi Supreme Court ($200.00, payable to the MS Supreme Court).
Process Service Fees
- Service per defendant or witness at each address: $45.00 (payable to the Sheriff)
- Each additional defendant or witness at the same address: $5.00
- Service through the Insurance Commissioner: $25.00
- Service through the Secretary of State (C/T Corporation via Hinds County Sheriff): $25.00
Miscellaneous Fees
- Copies per page: $1.00
- Certified copies: $2.00
- Abstract of judgment: $1.50
- Enrollment of judgment: $6.00
- Cancellation of judgment: $1.00 (certified: $2.00)
Civil court records can be searched through the PAMEC system or by visiting the Circuit Clerk’s office at either the Gulfport or Biloxi courthouse.
Harrison County Family Court Records
Harrison County does not operate a separate family court. Family law matters — including divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, guardianship, paternity, name changes, and domestic relations — fall under the jurisdiction of the Harrison County Chancery Court. The 8th Chancery Court District serves Harrison County with four Chancellors: Jim Persons (Place 1), Jennifer Schloegel (Place 2), Margaret Alfonso (Place 3), and Carter Bise (Place 4).
Accessing Family Court Records
Family case records are maintained by the Chancery Clerk, Angela Thrash. Records can be requested through the following methods:
- Online docket search: Use the Chancery Court Docket to look up scheduled hearings by party name (minimum three characters) or date.
- In-person: Visit the Chancery Court Clerk’s counter at either the Gulfport courthouse (1801 23rd Avenue, Phone: (228) 865-4092) or the Biloxi courthouse (730 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Phone: (228) 435-8280).
- By mail: Send a written request with the case number and party names to the appropriate mailing address listed above.
Filing fees for Chancery Court are established by Mississippi Code Ann. § 25-7-9 and must be paid at filing. The Chancery Clerk’s website provides an interactive fee calculator and the option to print a full fee list. Common family law filings include divorce (contested and uncontested), child custody/visitation, child support, adoption (contested and uncontested), paternity, and termination of parental rights.
Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses are issued by the Harrison County Circuit Clerk’s office. Both parties must apply together in person at either the Gulfport or Biloxi location.
Requirements:
- Valid photo ID for both applicants (driver’s license, birth certificate, military ID, passport, or other official document)
- Fee: $38.00 (cash or credit card; an additional $1.50 service fee applies for card payments)
- If either party was divorced within the last six months, a copy of the divorce decree is required
- Parental consent is required if either applicant is under 21
- The license is valid only in Mississippi
- Licenses are not issued after 4:45 p.m.
A certified copy of a marriage license costs $17.00, with additional certified copies at $6.00 each. A certified copy of a marriage record is $1.00. Online marriage license record searches are available by judicial district.
Divorce Records
Divorce records are maintained by the Chancery Clerk’s office where the case was filed. Individuals seeking a copy should contact the Chancery Court Clerk at the appropriate district. The Mississippi State Department of Health does not maintain divorce records but can be contacted for marriage verifications.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are issued by the Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records office. Birth certificates cost $17 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy. Applicants must complete the official birth certificate application and provide valid photo ID. Death certificate applications can be submitted using the death certificate form. Certified birth certificates are available only to individuals with a legitimate and tangible interest, as defined by state vital records rules, including the registrant, parents, spouse, siblings, grandparents, and legal guardians.
Harrison County Probate Court Records
Mississippi does not have a separate probate court. All probate matters in Harrison County — including estate administration, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and heirship determinations — are handled by the Chancery Court under the supervision of the Chancery Clerk.
Types of Probate Filings
The Chancery Court processes the following probate-related matters, among others:
- Testate estates (with a will) and intestate estates (without a will)
- Muniment of title
- Guardianships and conservatorships (including joint guardianship and conservatorship filings)
- Accountings
- Will contests
- Heirship determinations
- Minor’s settlements
Searching Probate Records
Probate case information can be located through the online Chancery Court Docket search, which displays hearing schedules, party names, courtroom assignments, and presiding judges. For copies of specific filings such as wills, inventories, or final accountings, contact the Chancery Court Clerks Department at either the Gulfport office (Phone: (228) 865-4092, Fax: (228) 865-4054) or the Biloxi office (Phone: (228) 435-8280, Fax: (228) 435-8281).
The Chancery Clerk’s office also houses historical and current land records online, which may be relevant to probate matters involving real property. The Land Records Index Search system allows searches by grantor, grantee, legal description, or recording information. Gulfport records are available from May 13, 1985, and Biloxi records from December 18, 1985. Document images can be purchased at $0.50 per page by credit card, and the entire document must be purchased.
A Historical Records Portal provides access to older land records and related filings.
Public Guardian
Harrison County maintains a Public Guardian through the Chancery Court system. The current Public Guardian is Cassidy Anderson, reachable at (228) 214-2222 (Fax: (228) 214-2221) in the Gulfport office.
Guardianship and Conservatorship
Filing fees for guardianship and conservatorship proceedings are set by statute and can be calculated using the Chancery Clerk’s online fee calculator. All fees must be paid at the time of filing. Individuals needing assistance with guardianship matters may contact the Public Guardian’s office or consult the Chancery Court Clerks Department.