Forrest County Warrant Search
What Is a Search Warrant In Forrest County?
A search warrant in Forrest County, Mississippi is a legal document issued by a judicial officer that authorizes law enforcement personnel to search a specifically designated location and seize particular items or evidence described within the warrant. Search warrants represent a critical balance between effective law enforcement and the constitutional rights of citizens under the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
In accordance with Mississippi Code § 41-29-157, search warrants in Forrest County must be based on probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describe the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. Law enforcement officers must present sufficient evidence to a judge demonstrating probable cause that:
- Evidence of a crime exists at the location to be searched
- Contraband or fruits of a crime are present at the specified location
- Property designed or intended for use in committing a crime is at the location
- A person who is subject to arrest is present at the location
Search warrants differ significantly from other types of warrants issued in Forrest County:
- Arrest warrants authorize law enforcement to take a specific person into custody
- Bench warrants are court orders issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date
- Administrative warrants permit inspections of businesses or properties for regulatory compliance
The Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure, specifically Rule 4.1, governs the issuance and execution of search warrants throughout Mississippi, including Forrest County.
Are Warrants Public Records In Forrest County?
The public accessibility of warrants in Forrest County follows a nuanced framework governed by the Mississippi Public Records Act (§ 25-61-1 through § 25-61-17). Whether a warrant constitutes a public record depends on several factors including the warrant type, its current status, and applicable exemptions under state law.
Active warrants in Forrest County generally maintain confidential status during ongoing investigations to preserve investigative integrity and protect public safety. This confidentiality is supported by exemptions found in Mississippi Code § 25-61-12, which specifically addresses investigative reports and law enforcement records.
The public record status of warrants typically follows these guidelines:
- Executed search warrants generally become public records after execution and return to the court
- Arrest warrants may become public records after service or when included in court proceedings
- Sealed warrants remain confidential for the duration specified by the court
- Bench warrants are typically accessible as they relate to court proceedings
The Mississippi Supreme Court has established that while court records are presumptively open to public inspection, this right of access must be balanced against competing interests such as privacy rights and the integrity of ongoing investigations, as articulated in Mississippi Publishers Corp. v. Coleman.
Individuals seeking warrant information in Forrest County should note that even when warrants qualify as public records, practical access may require formal procedures through the appropriate judicial or law enforcement agencies.
How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Forrest County?
Individuals concerned about potential warrants in Forrest County may utilize several official channels to verify their warrant status. The Forrest County Sheriff's Office maintains the primary database of county warrants and provides multiple methods for warrant verification.
To determine if a warrant exists:
- Contact the Forrest County Sheriff's Office directly for the most accurate information
Forrest County Sheriff's Office
400 Forrest Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 544-7800
Forrest County Sheriff's Office
- Visit the Forrest County Circuit Clerk's office to inquire about potential warrants
Forrest County Circuit Clerk
630 North Main Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 545-6110
Forrest County Circuit Clerk
- Consult with a licensed attorney who can safely check warrant status on your behalf
- Contact the Hattiesburg Police Department if the potential warrant originated within city limits
Hattiesburg Police Department
300 Klondyke Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 544-7900
Hattiesburg Police Department
When making inquiries, individuals should be prepared to provide:
- Full legal name including any aliases or former names
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number (for verification purposes)
- Photo identification
Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 99-3-28, certain procedural protections exist for law enforcement officers, teachers, and other specified professionals regarding warrant issuance for actions performed in their official capacity.
How To Check for Warrants in Forrest County for Free in 2026
Members of the public may verify warrant status in Forrest County through several no-cost methods currently available. These services remain accessible to all citizens without requiring payment of fees.
The most direct method for free warrant verification involves:
- Visiting the Forrest County Justice Court during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
Forrest County Justice Court
700 Main Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 545-6150
Forrest County Justice Court
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Utilizing the public access terminals at the Forrest County Circuit Clerk's office to search court records
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Accessing the Mississippi Statewide Automated Court System (MSACS) through public terminals at the courthouse, which includes warrant information for participating jurisdictions
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Contacting the Forrest County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division by telephone during business hours
Forrest County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division
400 Forrest Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 544-7800 ext. 317
Forrest County Sheriff's Office
- Reviewing the Forrest County Sheriff's Office website which periodically publishes information about individuals with active warrants
When conducting warrant searches, individuals should be prepared to provide:
- Proper spelling of the full name being searched
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Additional identifying information that may help distinguish between individuals with similar names
The Mississippi Uniform Criminal Rules of Circuit Court Procedure, specifically Rule 3.02, governs aspects of warrant issuance and accessibility throughout the state.
What Types of Warrants In Forrest County
Forrest County courts issue several distinct types of warrants, each serving specific legal purposes within the criminal justice system. Understanding these warrant categories helps citizens navigate potential interactions with law enforcement.
The primary warrant types issued in Forrest County include:
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Arrest Warrants - Judicial orders authorizing law enforcement to take a specific person into custody based on probable cause that the individual has committed a crime. These warrants are typically requested by law enforcement and issued by judges or magistrates after review of supporting evidence.
-
Bench Warrants - Court-ordered directives issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court proceeding or violates court orders. Common triggers include:
- Failure to appear for arraignment, trial, or sentencing
- Non-compliance with court-ordered community service
- Failure to pay court-ordered fines or restitution
-
Search Warrants - Judicial authorizations permitting law enforcement to search specified locations for evidence related to criminal investigations, as governed by Mississippi Code § 41-29-157.
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Capias Warrants - Orders for immediate arrest, often issued when a defendant fails to appear after being released on bond.
-
Civil Warrants - Non-criminal warrants related to civil matters such as:
- Child support enforcement
- Contempt of court in civil proceedings
- Judgment enforcement
-
Probation/Parole Violation Warrants - Issued when individuals under court supervision violate the terms of their probation or parole.
-
Material Witness Warrants - Rare warrants issued to secure testimony from witnesses deemed essential to legal proceedings who may not appear voluntarily.
Each warrant type follows specific procedural requirements established under Mississippi law and the Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure.
What Warrants in Forrest County Contain
Warrants issued in Forrest County contain specific legally required elements that establish their validity and scope. In accordance with Mississippi Code § 99-25-13 and relevant case law, all properly executed warrants must include comprehensive identifying information and legal justification.
Standard components found in Forrest County warrants include:
- Case number and issuing court identification
- Date and time of issuance
- Name and description of the subject (for arrest warrants)
- Specific address or detailed description of premises to be searched (for search warrants)
- Detailed inventory of items subject to seizure (for search warrants)
- Criminal charges or allegations forming the basis for the warrant
- Signature of the issuing judicial officer (judge or magistrate)
- Expiration date or execution timeframe
- Bond amount (if applicable for arrest warrants)
Search warrants additionally contain:
- Affidavit detailing the probable cause justification
- Specific limitations on search parameters
- Instructions regarding timing of execution (day/night authorization)
- Return procedures for documenting seized evidence
Arrest warrants typically include:
- Physical description of the subject
- Last known address
- Date of birth and other identifying information
- Nature of the alleged offense
- Statutory citation of violated laws
The Mississippi Supreme Court has established that warrants must "particularly describe" their subjects to satisfy constitutional requirements, as reinforced in Petti v. State, which addresses the specificity needed in warrant documentation.
Who Issues Warrants In Forrest County
In Forrest County, the authority to issue warrants is vested exclusively in judicial officers as prescribed by Mississippi law and the state constitution. This authority follows a hierarchical structure within the county's judicial system.
The following judicial authorities may issue warrants in Forrest County:
- Circuit Court Judges - Possess comprehensive warrant-issuing authority for all case types within their jurisdiction. The 12th Circuit Court District, which includes Forrest County, has judges who regularly review and issue warrant applications.
Forrest County Circuit Court
630 North Main Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 545-6110
Forrest County Circuit Court
- County Court Judges - Authorized to issue warrants for matters within county court jurisdiction, including misdemeanors and preliminary hearings for felonies.
Forrest County Court
630 North Main Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 545-6130
Forrest County Court
- Justice Court Judges - Empowered to issue arrest and search warrants for cases within justice court jurisdiction, primarily handling misdemeanors and preliminary matters in felony cases.
Forrest County Justice Court
700 Main Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 545-6150
Forrest County Justice Court
- Municipal Court Judges - May issue warrants for violations of municipal ordinances and certain state laws within city limits, including Hattiesburg.
Hattiesburg Municipal Court
301 Klondyke Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 545-4930
Hattiesburg Municipal Court
The warrant issuance process adheres to Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 4, which establishes that judicial officers must independently evaluate probable cause before issuing any warrant. This evaluation typically involves reviewing sworn affidavits or testimony from law enforcement officers requesting the warrant.
How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Forrest County
Individuals seeking to verify outstanding warrants in Forrest County may utilize several official channels to obtain accurate information. The process varies depending on whether the search concerns oneself or another individual.
To locate outstanding warrant information:
- Contact the Forrest County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division directly:
Forrest County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division
400 Forrest Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 544-7800 ext. 317
Forrest County Sheriff's Office
- Visit the Forrest County Circuit Clerk's office in person to request a records search:
Forrest County Circuit Clerk
630 North Main Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 545-6110
Forrest County Circuit Clerk
- Check with the Forrest County Justice Court for warrants issued through their jurisdiction:
Forrest County Justice Court
700 Main Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 545-6150
Forrest County Justice Court
- For warrants related to Hattiesburg city ordinances or violations, contact:
Hattiesburg Municipal Court
301 Klondyke Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 545-4930
Hattiesburg Municipal Court
When conducting warrant searches, be prepared to provide:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number (for verification purposes)
- Photo identification when making in-person inquiries
Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-61-5, public records requests must be responded to within seven working days. However, warrant information may be subject to exemptions under § 25-61-12 if disclosure would impede an ongoing investigation.
How To Check Federal Warrants In Forrest County
Federal warrants operate under a separate jurisdiction from county warrants and follow distinct procedures for issuance and execution. These warrants stem from federal criminal investigations and alleged violations of federal law rather than state or local statutes.
To verify the existence of federal warrants that may be executable in Forrest County:
- Contact the United States Marshals Service for the Southern District of Mississippi:
U.S. Marshals Service - Southern District of Mississippi
501 East Court Street, Suite 1.150
Jackson, MS 39201
(769) 969-5100
U.S. Marshals Service
- Inquire with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Jackson Field Office, which covers Forrest County:
FBI Jackson Field Office
1220 Echelon Parkway
Jackson, MS 39213
(601) 948-5000
FBI Jackson Field Office
- Consult the federal Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system, which provides case and docket information for federal courts:
PACER Service Center
(800) 676-6856
PACER
- Contact the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi:
U.S. District Court - Southern District of Mississippi (Hattiesburg Division)
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
Important considerations regarding federal warrants:
- Federal warrants are issued pursuant to the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, specifically Rules 4 and 41
- Federal warrants can be executed anywhere in the United States, regardless of the issuing district
- The U.S. Marshals Service is the primary agency responsible for executing federal arrest warrants
- Federal search warrants may be executed by various federal law enforcement agencies depending on jurisdiction
Federal warrant information is subject to restrictions under federal privacy laws and ongoing investigation exemptions.
How Long Do Warrants Last In Forrest County?
The duration of warrants in Forrest County varies by warrant type and is governed by Mississippi state law and court rules. Unlike some legal documents, most warrants do not contain built-in expiration dates and remain valid until formally addressed through legal channels.
The standard duration guidelines for warrants in Forrest County are as follows:
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Arrest Warrants - Remain active indefinitely until one of the following occurs:
- The subject is apprehended
- The warrant is recalled by the issuing court
- The underlying case is dismissed
- The statute of limitations for the underlying offense expires
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Bench Warrants - Typically remain in effect until:
- The subject appears before the court
- The court recalls or quashes the warrant
- The underlying case is resolved or dismissed
-
Search Warrants - Under Mississippi Code § 41-29-157(a)(3), search warrants must be executed within a specific timeframe:
- Must be executed and returned within 10 days of issuance
- Become invalid if not executed within this 10-day window
- May specify shorter execution periods at the judge's discretion
-
Civil Warrants - Generally remain active until:
- The civil matter is resolved
- The court issues an order canceling the warrant
- The underlying judgment expires (typically after 7 years under Mississippi law)
The Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure, specifically Rule 4.4, addresses aspects of warrant execution and return requirements that impact their effective duration.
It is important to note that while a warrant may remain legally valid for extended periods, practical considerations such as resource allocation and case prioritization may affect how aggressively older warrants are pursued by law enforcement agencies.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Forrest County?
The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Forrest County varies based on case urgency, judicial availability, and the complexity of the investigation. The process follows established procedures under Mississippi law and the Fourth Amendment requirements for probable cause.
Under normal circumstances, the search warrant process in Forrest County typically follows this timeline:
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Preparation Phase (1-24 hours):
- Law enforcement officers gather evidence establishing probable cause
- Officers prepare the warrant application and supporting affidavit
- Documentation undergoes internal review by supervisors and/or prosecutors
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Judicial Review (1-24 hours):
- The completed application is presented to an authorized judicial officer
- The judge reviews the application and supporting documentation
- The judge may question the officer under oath about the facts presented
- If satisfied that probable cause exists, the judge signs the warrant
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Execution Phase (Within 10 days):
- Per Mississippi Code § 41-29-157(a)(3), the warrant must be executed within 10 days of issuance
- Officers must provide the return documentation to the court after execution
In emergency situations, expedited procedures may be available:
- Telephonic warrants may be obtained in urgent circumstances, allowing officers to provide sworn testimony by phone
- Electronic submission systems may be utilized to speed the review process
- On-call judges may be available during non-business hours for time-sensitive matters
Factors that may extend the warrant procurement timeline include:
- Complex investigations requiring extensive documentation
- Multiple locations or subjects involved in the warrant
- Judicial calendar constraints
- Need for specialized review (e.g., for sensitive locations like medical facilities)
The Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure, particularly Rule 4.1, governs the procedural requirements for search warrant applications throughout the state, including Forrest County.