Newton County Court Records Search

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    Newton County, Mississippi is served by a multi-tiered court system headquartered in Decatur. Courts across the county generate a substantial volume of legal records each year — from criminal prosecutions and civil disputes to family law determinations and probate proceedings. These records form the official legal history of cases resolved in Newton County and are maintained by the Circuit Clerk and Chancery Clerk, each with distinct jurisdictional responsibilities.

    Finding the right court is the first step when researching Mississippi court records. MississippiCourts.us can help you navigate the state court system and locate publicly available case information. Beyond that, Newton County records are accessible through in-person visits to courthouse offices, written requests by mail, and the statewide Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system, which now supports electronic filing and public case access across all 82 Mississippi counties — including both the Circuit and Chancery Courts in Newton County.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Newton County?

    Newton County's courthouse is at 92 West Broad Street in Decatur. Most records requests start with either the Circuit Clerk or the Chancery Clerk, depending on the nature of the case. The Circuit Clerk handles criminal and civil circuit-level records, while the Chancery Clerk covers equity, domestic and family matters, probate, and property records.

    Online Search via PAMEC

    The Public Access Mississippi Electronic Case Management (PAMEC) component of MEC allows public users to search docket information and view digital case documents remotely. The Newton County Circuit Court went live on MEC on September 16, 2024, meaning cases filed from that date forward are electronically accessible. To use PAMEC:

    1. Register for an account at the MEC registration portal
    2. Pay the annual registration fee of $10
    3. Log in and search by case number, party name, or docket entry
    4. View documents at a cost of $0.20 per page

    In-Person Access

    Both clerk offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Contact details for each:

    OfficeAddressPhoneFax
    Circuit Clerk (Mike Butler)92 West Broad St, Decatur, MS 39327(601) 635-3368(601) 635-3210
    Chancery Clerk (Chrissie Buffington)92 West Broad St, Decatur, MS 39327(601) 635-2367(601) 635-3479
    Justice CourtP.O. Box 69, Decatur, MS 39327(601) 635-2927(601) 635-4047

    Mail Requests

    You can also request records by mail. Include the full name of each party involved, the approximate year of filing, and the case number if you have it. Mailing addresses are P.O. Box 447 for the Circuit Clerk and P.O. Box 68 for the Chancery Clerk, both in Decatur, MS 39327. Contact the relevant clerk's office in advance to confirm applicable copy fees before sending payment.

    Municipal Courts

    For cases handled at the municipal level, reach out to the appropriate court directly:

    • Decatur Municipal Court — 66 7th St, P.O. Box 307, Decatur, MS 39327 | Phone: (601) 635-2761 | Fax: (601) 635-4012
    • Chunky Municipal Court — P.O. Box 186, Chunky, MS 39323 | Phone: (601) 655-8376

    Are Court Records Public in Newton County?

    Mississippi's general public records law — the Mississippi Public Records Act, Miss. Code Ann. §§ 25-61-1 et seq. — broadly classifies government records as open to public inspection. However, the judiciary operates under a distinct and separate framework. Judicial records access in Newton County is governed by the Mississippi Supreme Court's Statement of Policy Regarding Openness and Availability of Public Records, which applies to all trial and appellate court records statewide.

    Under this policy, court records are generally presumed to be public — but the policy explicitly carves out categories that are not open for public inspection. In Newton County, the following records are restricted or confidential:

    • Juvenile records — sealed by statute; accessible only by court order or authorized individuals
    • Adoption proceedings — confidential by law; access requires a court order
    • Grand jury records — protected from disclosure
    • Mental health and commitment records — governed by separate statutory protections
    • Sealed or expunged case files — removed from public access by court order
    • Records containing sensitive personal data — Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, bank account information, victim identities, and confidential informant identities are subject to redaction

    For records that remain open, any member of the public may review them in person at the clerk's office during regular business hours or search them through MEC/PAMEC. Expect to pay fees set by the clerk's office for certified copies.

    Newton County Criminal Court Records

    Newton County falls within the Eighth Circuit Court District, which covers Leake, Neshoba, Newton, and Scott counties. Two judges — the Honorable Mark Duncan and the Honorable Caleb E. May — preside over the Newton County Circuit Court. The Circuit Court has original jurisdiction over all felony criminal matters and serious misdemeanor cases. Lower-level misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and bond hearings are handled by the Justice Court, while municipal courts address violations of local ordinances.

    Circuit Court Criminal Records

    The Circuit Clerk at 92 West Broad Street, Decatur, maintains all criminal case filings — including indictments, motions, plea agreements, judgments, and sentencing orders. The Newton County Circuit Clerk's website provides general information about the office and its services. Records filed after September 16, 2024 are electronically accessible via PAMEC; earlier records require an in-person visit or mail request.

    Sheriff's Office and Arrest Records

    The Newton County Sheriff's Office is the primary custodian of arrest records, booking information, and jail records in the county.

    Newton County Sheriff's Office
    Address: 300 Access Road, Decatur, MS 39327
    Phone: (601) 635-4401
    Fax: (601) 635-5768
    Website: newtoncountyms.net/sheriff
    Jail Administration: (601) 635-3501

    Arrest records and incident reports may be requested directly from the Sheriff's Office. Bring a government-issued photo ID and, if available, the individual's full name and approximate arrest date.

    Criminal Background Checks

    For a statewide criminal history search, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety administers a name-based background check system through ms.gov. This service is commonly used for employment screening and licensing. Fingerprint-based checks are also available through the DPS Criminal Information Center for a more comprehensive records review.

    Expungement

    Under Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71, Mississippi permits expungement of qualifying misdemeanor and, in limited circumstances, certain felony convictions. Petitions are filed in the court where the original conviction occurred, and the statutory filing fee is $150 under Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-72. Once an expungement is granted, the record is removed from public access. Information on eligibility is available through the Mississippi Access to Justice Commission.

    Newton County Civil Court Records

    Civil litigation in Newton County is divided between the Circuit Court and the Chancery Court depending on the nature of the claim. The Circuit Court has original jurisdiction over civil matters not vested exclusively in another court — including personal injury suits, breach of contract claims, and tort actions. The Chancery Court handles equity claims, property disputes, quiet title actions, and certain contract matters. Minor civil disputes may be filed in Justice Court.

    Justice Court Small Claims

    The Newton County Justice Court has jurisdiction over small claims civil matters involving amounts of $3,500 or less, as well as misdemeanor criminal cases and traffic offenses outside municipality limits. Judges Justin Chaney and Scott Round preside. To pay Justice Court fines online, visit myfinepayment.com.

    Civil Filing Procedures

    To file a civil complaint in Circuit Court, submit the petition and applicable filing fees to the Circuit Clerk. Filing fees for civil complaints in Mississippi Circuit Courts are set under Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-13. Call the Circuit Clerk directly at (601) 635-3368 to confirm current fee amounts before filing. If you're requesting copies of existing civil case files, have the case number or the names of the parties ready when you contact the office.

    Property Records

    Real property records — including deeds, mortgages, construction liens, federal tax liens, Lis Pendens notices, and military discharges — are recorded with and maintained by the Newton County Chancery Clerk. These documents are the foundation for real estate title research in the county. Two online tools support remote property research:

    For records not available through these portals, contact the Chancery Clerk directly at 92 West Broad Street, Decatur, MS 39327, Phone: (601) 635-2367

    Newton County Family Court Records

    Family and domestic relations matters in Newton County fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Chancery Court. The Honorable Robert M. Logan, Jr. presides over the 2nd Chancery Court District. Divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, adoption, guardianships, lunacy and commitment hearings, and minor insurance settlements all go through the Chancery Court.

    Divorce Records

    Divorce decrees and related case documents are public records in Newton County, maintained by the Chancery Clerk. To request a copy, contact the Chancery Clerk's office in person or by mail. Provide the full names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce.

    Newton County Chancery Clerk
    In-person: 92 West Broad Street, Decatur, MS 39327
    Mail: P.O. Box 68, Decatur, MS 39327
    Phone: (601) 635-2367 or (601) 635-3370
    Fax: (601) 635-3479
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

    Marriage Records

    Marriage records are restricted vital records under Mississippi's Rules Governing the Registration and Certification of Vital Events. Access is limited to persons with a legitimate and tangible interest, including the named parties, their immediate family members, legal representatives, or those holding a court order.

    The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) Vital Records division maintains marriage records from January 1, 1926, through June 30, 1938, and from January 1, 1942, to the present. Records for marriages occurring in Newton County between June 30, 1938, and January 1, 1942, may only be on file with the Newton County Circuit Clerk.

    To order a certified marriage certificate by mail:

    1. Complete the marriage certificate application form
    2. Prepare a check or money order payable to Mississippi Vital Records
    3. Include a copy of your valid government-issued photo ID
    4. Mail everything to: Mississippi Vital Records, P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700

    For questions: Phone: (601) 206-8200

    The fee is $17.00 for the first certified copy, with each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously costing $6.00. Walk-in service is available at 222 Marketridge Drive, Ridgeland, MS, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Online ordering through VitalChek is also available with an added convenience fee.

    Birth and Death Records

    Certified copies of birth and death records for Newton County are issued by the MSDH Bureau of Vital Records, which has maintained statewide vital records since November 1, 1912. Both record types are restricted to individuals with a direct and legitimate interest. The fee is $17.00 for the first certified copy and $6.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.

    Eligible individuals requesting birth certificates should complete the birth certificate application form and mail it with a valid photo ID and the applicable fee to the Vital Records mailing address above. For death certificates, the application and instructions are available on the MSDH website.

    Adoption Records

    Adoption proceedings are sealed by law in Mississippi and are not available for public inspection. Access requires a court order issued by the Chancery Court. If you need guidance on the process, contact the Chancery Clerk directly.

    Newton County Probate Court Records

    Probate jurisdiction in Newton County rests with the Chancery Court, and the Chancery Clerk is the official custodian of all probate and estate administration files. The Chancery Court handles the full range of probate matters, including:

    • Administration of testate estates (with a will) and intestate estates (without a will)
    • Probate of wills and issuance of letters testamentary or letters of administration
    • Appointment of administrators and executors
    • Guardianships of minor children and incapacitated adults
    • Conservatorships
    • Trust administration

    How to Open a Probate Case

    To initiate probate proceedings in Newton County, file a petition in the Chancery Court of the county where the decedent was domiciled. For estates with a will, the original will must accompany the petition. The Chancery Clerk's office can provide the required forms and walk you through the procedures for opening an estate or guardianship matter.

    Requesting Existing Probate Records

    Most probate records in Newton County are public documents and may be reviewed in person at the Chancery Clerk's office or requested by mail. When submitting a request, provide the full name of the deceased or ward and the approximate year the matter was filed. The clerk's office will confirm whether the record is available and advise on any applicable fees.

    Newton County Chancery Clerk
    Address: 92 West Broad Street, Decatur, MS 39327
    Mailing: P.O. Box 68, Decatur, MS 39327
    Phone: (601) 635-2367 | (601) 635-3370
    Fax: (601) 635-3479
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

    Probate records filed after the Chancery Court's MEC implementation date are accessible electronically through the PAMEC portal for registered users. Older records that predate electronic filing remain available through in-person visits or written requests to the Chancery Clerk's office.