Forrest County Court Records
What Is Forrest County Court Records
Court records in Forrest County, Mississippi comprise the official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records include a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the judicial process from initiation through resolution. Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-61-3(b), public records include "all books, records, papers, accounts, letters, maps, photographs, films, cards, tapes, recordings or reproductions thereof, and any other documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics."
Forrest County court records typically contain:
- Case files with pleadings, motions, and responses
- Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
- Sentencing and probation records in criminal matters
- Settlement agreements in civil cases
These judicial records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax assessments, which are maintained by separate county departments. The Forrest County Circuit Clerk serves as the primary custodian for most court records within the county.
Records are maintained by various courts operating within Forrest County's jurisdiction:
- Forrest County Circuit Court (felony criminal cases, civil matters over $200,000)
- Forrest County Chancery Court (family matters, estates, land disputes)
- Forrest County Justice Court (misdemeanors, civil cases under $3,500)
- Hattiesburg Municipal Court (city ordinance violations, misdemeanors)
- Petal Municipal Court (city ordinance violations, misdemeanors)
- Forrest County Youth Court (juvenile matters)
The Mississippi Rules of Civil Procedure and the Mississippi Rules for Electronic and Photographic Coverage of Judicial Proceedings provide additional guidance on the creation and maintenance of court records throughout the state.
Are Court Records Public In Forrest County
Court records in Forrest County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.) and the constitutional principle of open courts established in Article 3, Section 24 of the Mississippi Constitution. The Mississippi Ethics Commission has consistently affirmed that "Mississippi law favors public access to public records," as noted in multiple cases involving the Forrest County Circuit Court Clerk.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (with limited exceptions for sealed records)
- Criminal case files (post-charging, excluding certain juvenile matters)
- Court dockets and hearing schedules
- Final judgments and court orders
- Property records and land transactions
- Probate and estate proceedings
However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Juvenile court proceedings (except as permitted under Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-261)
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Grand jury proceedings
- Adoption records
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Certain family court matters involving minors
- Records containing personal identifiers as defined in Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-2
Federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, which has jurisdiction over Forrest County, are governed by federal access rules rather than state law. These records are accessible through the PACER system.
The Mississippi Supreme Court has established additional rules governing public access to court records through the Mississippi Rules of Civil Procedure and specific administrative orders. Under current law, the presumption of openness may be overcome only when a compelling interest in confidentiality outweighs the public's right to access.
How To Find Court Records in Forrest County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Forrest County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county maintains multiple access points depending on the type of record sought and the court of origin.
For in-person requests at the Forrest County Circuit Clerk's office:
- Visit the Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form specifying the case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
- Allow staff time to locate and reproduce requested documents
Forrest County Circuit Clerk
630 North Main Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 545-6110
Forrest County Circuit Clerk
For mail requests:
- Prepare a written request including case information, specific documents needed, and contact information
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
- Enclose payment for estimated copy fees (check or money order)
- Mail to the appropriate court clerk's office
For records from municipal courts:
Hattiesburg Municipal Court
301 Klondyke Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 545-4938
Hattiesburg Municipal Court
Petal Municipal Court
119 West Eighth Avenue
Petal, MS 39465
(601) 544-6724
Petal Municipal Court
For Justice Court records:
Forrest County Justice Court
629 North Main Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 545-6090
Forrest County Justice Court
Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-5, public bodies must respond to records requests within seven working days. Requestors should note that research fees may apply for extensive searches or records dating back more than three years.
How To Look Up Court Records in Forrest County Online?
Forrest County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These online resources vary in scope and functionality depending on the court and record type.
The Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system provides access to circuit and chancery court records for participating counties, including Forrest County. To utilize this system:
- Visit the Mississippi Electronic Courts website
- Register for a user account (requires email address and contact information)
- Select Forrest County from the jurisdiction menu
- Search by case number, party name, filing date, or case type
- Pay applicable access fees for document viewing ($10 registration fee plus $0.20 per page)
For criminal case information, the Mississippi Court Information System (MCIS) offers a limited search function:
- Access the MCIS Public Portal
- Select "Criminal Case Search" from the menu options
- Choose Forrest County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter defendant name or case number
- Review basic case information (detailed documents require in-person requests)
The Forrest County Chancery Clerk maintains an online land records database:
- Navigate to the Forrest County Chancery Clerk website
- Select "Land Records Search" from the services menu
- Register for access (free registration required)
- Search by grantor/grantee name, property description, or document type
- View document images or order certified copies
Federal court records for cases involving Forrest County residents heard in federal court are available through the PACER system, which requires separate registration and charges $0.10 per page viewed.
Municipal court records for Hattiesburg and Petal currently require in-person requests as these jurisdictions do not maintain comprehensive online access systems at present.
How To Search Forrest County Court Records for Free?
Mississippi law provides for free public inspection of court records under Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7, which states that "each public body may establish and collect fees reasonably calculated to reimburse it for, and in no case to exceed, the actual cost of searching, reviewing and/or duplicating and, if applicable, mailing copies of public records." This provision ensures that while copy fees may apply, viewing records in person is generally available without charge.
Free access options in Forrest County include:
- In-person inspection at the Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM)
- Public access terminals at the Forrest County Courthouse for on-site electronic record viewing
- Limited case information through the Mississippi Judiciary Case Search (basic case information only)
- Public law library resources at the Forrest County Law Library located in the courthouse
For Justice Court records:
- Visit the Justice Court clerk's office in person
- Request to view specific case files
- Present identification to court staff
- Use provided viewing area to examine records
For Circuit and Chancery Court records:
- Go to the appropriate clerk's office
- Complete a records request form
- Wait for staff to retrieve requested files
- Review documents at designated tables
- Return materials to staff when finished
While online access through the Mississippi Electronic Courts system requires payment for document viewing, the public docket information is available without charge. Additionally, the Forrest County website provides free access to court schedules and general filing information.
Researchers should note that while inspection is free, any requested copies will incur standard fees as established by the Mississippi Legislature in Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-13.
What's Included in a Forrest County Court Record?
Forrest County court records contain various documents depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. The content of these records is governed by the Mississippi Rules of Court and relevant statutes defining required documentation.
Circuit Court criminal case files typically include:
- Indictment or information charging document
- Arrest warrant and affidavit
- Bond documentation
- Motions filed by prosecution and defense
- Court orders and rulings
- Trial transcripts (if applicable)
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing documents
- Probation reports (may be restricted)
- Appeal notices and briefs
Circuit Court civil case files generally contain:
- Initial complaint or petition
- Summons and proof of service
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Expert witness reports
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Court orders and judgments
- Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
- Appeal documentation
Chancery Court records often include:
- Petitions for divorce or child custody
- Property division agreements
- Child support worksheets
- Guardian ad litem reports
- Estate inventories and accountings
- Will probate documents
- Land dispute evidence
- Business dissolution papers
- Conservatorship reports
Justice Court records typically contain:
- Criminal complaints or citations
- Civil complaints for small claims
- Eviction notices and proceedings
- Judgment documentation
- Payment records for fines or restitution
Each court record also includes a docket sheet that chronologically lists all actions taken in the case, providing a roadmap of the proceedings from filing through disposition. Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-171, the circuit clerk must maintain "a general docket of all cases and matters, civil and criminal."
How Long Does Forrest County Keep Court Records?
Forrest County adheres to the records retention schedules established by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) under the authority granted by Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-1 et seq. These schedules dictate the minimum time periods for preserving various court documents.
Key retention periods for Forrest County court records include:
- Circuit Court felony case files: Permanent retention
- Circuit Court civil case files: 10 years after final disposition
- Chancery Court domestic relations cases: Permanent retention
- Chancery Court land records: Permanent retention
- Justice Court criminal cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Justice Court civil cases: 7 years after final disposition
- Municipal Court cases: 5 years after final disposition
- Traffic citations (non-DUI): 2 years after final disposition
- Court dockets and indexes: Permanent retention
- Grand jury records: Permanent retention
- Naturalization records: Permanent retention
The Local Government Records Retention Schedule published by MDAH provides comprehensive guidance on specific document types. Records designated for permanent retention are eventually transferred to the state archives for long-term preservation and access.
Digital records maintained in the Mississippi Electronic Courts system are subject to the same retention requirements as their paper counterparts. The electronic system includes archival capabilities to ensure compliance with state mandates.
Records may be destroyed only after the minimum retention period has elapsed and following proper procedures outlined in Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-171, which requires approval from the Board of Supervisors and notification to the Department of Archives and History.
Researchers seeking historical court records beyond the standard retention periods should contact:
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
200 North Street
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 576-6850
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
Types of Courts In Forrest County
Forrest County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority. These courts operate within Mississippi's unified court system as established by the state constitution and statutes.
Forrest County Circuit Court
630 North Main Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 545-6110
Forrest County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over civil cases involving amounts exceeding $200,000, felony criminal prosecutions, and appeals from lower courts. It operates within the 12th Circuit Court District of Mississippi.
Forrest County Chancery Court
630 North Main Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 545-6060
Forrest County Chancery Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
The Chancery Court handles equity matters including divorce, child custody, property disputes, estates, guardianships, and mental commitments. It operates within the 10th Chancery Court District.
Forrest County Justice Court
629 North Main Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 545-6090
Forrest County Justice Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Justice Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes under $3,500, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felony cases.
Hattiesburg Municipal Court
301 Klondyke Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 545-4938
Hattiesburg Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
This court handles city ordinance violations, misdemeanors committed within city limits, and initial appearances for felonies committed in Hattiesburg.
Petal Municipal Court
119 West Eighth Avenue
Petal, MS 39465
(601) 544-6724
Petal Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
This court handles city ordinance violations, misdemeanors committed within Petal city limits, and initial appearances for felonies.
Forrest County Youth Court
626 North Main Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 545-6140
Forrest County Youth Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Youth Court handles matters involving minors including delinquency, child abuse/neglect, and status offenses.
Appeals from these courts follow Mississippi's judicial hierarchy:
- Municipal and Justice Court decisions may be appealed to Circuit Court
- Circuit and Chancery Court decisions may be appealed to the Mississippi Court of Appeals
- Final appeals are heard by the Mississippi Supreme Court
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, which has jurisdiction over federal cases in Forrest County, is located in Hattiesburg:
United States District Court, Southern District of Mississippi
William M. Colmer Federal Building
701 North Main Street, Suite 200
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 583-2432
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Mississippi
What Types of Cases Do Forrest County Courts Hear?
Each court within Forrest County's judicial system has jurisdiction over specific case types as defined by Mississippi law. This jurisdictional division ensures efficient administration of justice according to case complexity and subject matter.
Forrest County Circuit Court handles:
- Felony criminal prosecutions (murder, robbery, drug trafficking)
- Civil lawsuits with damages exceeding $200,000
- Appeals from Justice and Municipal courts
- Jury trials in both civil and criminal matters
- Post-conviction relief petitions
- Civil rights cases
- Complex commercial litigation
- Medical malpractice claims
- Product liability lawsuits
Forrest County Chancery Court presides over:
- Divorce proceedings and property division
- Child custody and support determinations
- Adoptions and termination of parental rights
- Estate administration and will probate
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Land title disputes and property partitions
- Business entity formations and dissolutions
- Tax disputes with county authorities
- Mental commitment proceedings
- Injunctive relief requests
Forrest County Justice Court adjudicates:
- Misdemeanor criminal offenses
- Civil disputes with damages under $3,500
- Traffic violations occurring in unincorporated areas
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Small claims proceedings
- Eviction actions and landlord-tenant disputes
- Peace bond applications
- Fish and game violations
- DUI cases (first and second offense)
Municipal Courts (Hattiesburg and Petal) handle:
- City ordinance violations
- Misdemeanor offenses committed within city limits
- Traffic violations occurring within city boundaries
- Initial appearances for felony arrests
- Code enforcement violations
- Public intoxication and disorderly conduct
- Shoplifting (misdemeanor level)
- Animal control violations
- Noise complaints and nuisance violations
Forrest County Youth Court addresses:
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Child abuse and neglect cases
- Status offenses (truancy, runaway, curfew violations)
- Child protection matters
- Termination of parental rights (in conjunction with Chancery Court)
- Juvenile drug court proceedings
The jurisdictional boundaries between these courts are established by the Mississippi Code, primarily in Title 9 (Courts) and Title 11 (Civil Practice and Procedure). Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-81, Circuit Courts have "original jurisdiction in all actions when the principal of the amount in controversy exceeds $200,000...and concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all matters civil and criminal of which the justice courts have jurisdiction."
How To Find a Court Docket In Forrest County
Court dockets in Forrest County provide the official schedule of proceedings and case listings for each court. These dockets are essential tools for tracking case progress and upcoming hearings. Multiple access methods are available to the public seeking docket information.
For Circuit and Chancery Court dockets:
- Visit the Mississippi Electronic Courts website
- Register for an account or log in with existing credentials
- Select "Forrest County" from the jurisdiction menu
- Choose "Court Calendar" from the available options
- Filter by date range, judge, or case type
- View the docket information online or print for reference
Alternatively, physical docket books may be inspected in person:
- Visit the appropriate clerk's office during business hours
- Request to view the current docket book
- Provide the approximate date or case information
- Review the docket entries under staff supervision
For Justice Court dockets:
- Contact the Justice Court clerk at (601) 545-6090
- Provide the date of interest or case information
- Request docket information for specific proceedings
- Visit in person to view the complete docket book
Municipal Court dockets can be accessed by:
- Calling the court clerk's office (Hattiesburg: 601-545-4938; Petal: 601-544-6724)
- Visiting the court's website for posted docket information
- Appearing in person at the court clerk's office
- Providing case number or defendant name for specific case inquiries
Weekly court schedules are typically posted on bulletin boards at the Forrest County Courthouse and respective municipal court buildings. These public postings include judge assignments, courtroom locations, and scheduled hearing times.
For federal cases involving Forrest County residents, docket information is available through the PACER system maintained by the U.S. Courts.
Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-171(1), the circuit clerk must "keep and preserve all records filed in the clerk's office," including docket books that provide "a correct and convenient index" of all cases. Similar requirements apply to other court clerks under their respective statutory provisions.
Which Courts in Forrest County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Mississippi's judicial system, certain courts are designated as "courts not of record," meaning they do not maintain comprehensive verbatim transcripts of proceedings and operate under simplified procedural rules. This distinction is established in Miss. Code Ann. § 9-9-1 et seq., which defines the structure and authority of Mississippi's courts.
Within Forrest County, the following are courts not of record:
- Forrest County Justice Court
- Hattiesburg Municipal Court
- Petal Municipal Court
These courts share several key characteristics:
- Proceedings are not typically recorded by court reporters
- Judges are not required to be licensed attorneys (though many are)
- Appeals from these courts result in de novo trials (completely new proceedings) in Circuit Court
- Simplified rules of procedure apply compared to higher courts
- Jury trials, when available, typically involve six jurors rather than twelve
Justice Courts derive their authority from Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-9, which states that "justice court judges shall have jurisdiction concurrent with the circuit court over all crimes occurring in the county whereof the punishment prescribed does not extend beyond a fine and imprisonment in the county jail." Despite being courts not of record, Justice Courts must maintain docket books and case files as required by Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-11.
Municipal Courts operate under the authority of Miss. Code Ann. § 21-23-1, which establishes their jurisdiction "concurrent with the county court, if any, and the justice court of the county in all criminal matters arising from the corporate limits of the municipality."
When a case is appealed from these courts to the Circuit Court (a court of record), the entire matter is heard anew as if it originated in the higher court. This process is outlined in Miss. Code Ann. § 11-51-91, which provides that "all appeals from courts of justices of the peace, mayors, or police courts shall be tried anew, on a de novo basis, in the court to which they are taken."
Courts of record in Forrest County include:
- Forrest County Circuit Court
- Forrest County Chancery Court
- Forrest County Youth Court (operates as a division of County Court)
These courts maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings, follow formal rules of evidence and procedure, and appeals from these courts are based on the official record rather than de novo review.