What are Lincoln County Public Records?
Lincoln County public records are documents created for official business by government entities. According to § 25-61-3(b) of the Public Records Act, Lincoln County public records include all papers, photographs, cards, books, tapes, letters, maps, accounts, records, films, recordings, and other forms of documentary material. While most records are easily accessible, record custodians may refuse to disclose records that are exempted from disclosure according to law. Some of these records include:
- An individual’s personal details, including their social security number, home address, driver’s license, and telephone number
- Records received in confidentiality, such as attorney-client information
- Records restricted from public view by state or federal laws
- Information that may affect public safety or court proceedings
- Personal details of public personnel, such as law enforcement agencies or court personnel
In addition to government agencies, county public records may also be obtained from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. Users are able to search third-party websites remotely for multiple records at a time with just the name of the record subject and their last known location, including the city, county or state. Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Lincoln County Crime Statistics
The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting division provides crime statistics for Lincoln County. According to the 2019 UCR report, Lincoln law enforcement agencies reported 330 offenses, including 31 violent crimes and 299 property crimes. Reported specifics include 1 rape incident, 11 robberies, 19 aggravated assault cases, 86 burglary incidents, 203 larceny thefts, and 10 motor vehicle thefts. Compared with the 267 total published in 2018, crime activity in Lincoln County increased by 23.6%.
Are Lincoln County Criminal Records Public?
Lincoln County criminal records are not public records. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) only releases records to third parties specified on the criminal background Information release form. Lincoln criminal records cost $32.00 per copy, payable by money orders made out to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. Requestors should mail applications to:
MS Bureau of Investigation
ATTN: CIC/Background Checks
3891 Highway 468 West
Pearl, MS 39208
How to Obtain Lincoln County Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department creates and provides access to arrest records and police reports. Interested persons can submit requests by providing relevant names, dates, record descriptions, and other known information. Applicants can obtain Lincoln County arrest records and police reports by contacting the Sheriff’s Office using the following details:
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office
215 Justice Street
P.O. Box 587
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 833-5231
Fax: (601) 833-4492
Email: sheriff@co.lincoln.ms.us
Alternatively, requestors may obtain Lincoln arrest records and police reports from the Brookhaven Police Department located at:
440 Highway 51 South
Brookhaven, MS 39602
Phone: (601) 833-2424
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Lincoln County
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office maintains a public list of sex offenders registered in the county. Information on the local registry includes each offender’s full name, mugshots, date of birth, address, physical description, and offense details. Record seekers may also find sex offender details through the Mississippi Public Sex Offender Registry.
How to Find Lincoln County Inmate Records
Anyone interested in county inmate records can directly contact the Lincoln County Jail. Record seekers should provide the Jail Administrator with inmates’ names, booking dates, and charge details. Requestors should visit or otherwise contact the facility using the following details:
Lincoln County Jail
215 Justice Street
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 833-5251
Lincoln County Court Records
Lincoln County court records are documents created and held by the court. These records reveal information on criminal trials or civil lawsuits in any of the local courts. The Lincoln County court system comprises a Circuit Court, Chancery Court, Youth Court, Justice Court, and Municipal Court.
The Circuit Court in Lincoln has general jurisdiction over all cases beyond the jurisdictions of other courts. Chancellors appointed at the Lincoln County Chancery Court resolve domestic relations cases, probate matters, child support and custody, marriage termination, and the administration of estates.
Petty misdemeanors, violations punishable by fines, and civil cases with claims below $3,500.00 are under the Justice Court’s purview. The Youth Court judge in Lincoln, appointed by the Chancellor, is responsible for resolving crimes committed by juveniles. Lincoln County also has a Municipal Court located in Brookhaven City that has limited jurisdiction over lesser misdemeanors and traffic violations.
Locations of Lincoln County Courts
Lincoln County Circuit Court
301 S First Street, Room 205
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 835-3435
Fax: (601) 835-3482
Lincoln County Chancery Court
215 Justice Street
Brookhaven MS 39602
Phone: (601) 835-3411
Fax: (601) 835-3423
Lincoln County Youth Court
301 S First Street
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 835-3411
Fax: (601) 835-3423
Lincoln County Justice Court
308 S 2nd Street
P.O. Box 767
Brookhaven, MS 39602
Phone: (601) 835-3474
Fax: (601) 835-3494
Brookhaven Municipal Court
P.O. Box 560
Brookhaven, MS 39602
Phone: (601) 833-6262
Fax: (601) 833-4742
Are Lincoln County Court Records Public?
Court records in Lincoln County are open to the public and are available at the Clerk’s Office in each courthouse. However, the Clerk’s Office may restrict access to records sealed or expunged by a court, or restricted by law. Confidential records include:
- Juvenile information
- Private details of law enforcement personnel
- Record where disclosure would disrupt the court’s normal proceedings.
How to Obtain Lincoln County Civil Court Case Records
Lincoln County civil court case records are available at the court that heard the case. Interested persons can obtain records by submitting requests that contain names, dates, charge details, and the court’s judgment. Applicants should forward requests to either of the following:
Circuit Clerk
301 S First Street, Room 205
Brookhaven MS 39601
Phone: (601) 835-3435
Fax: (601) 835-3482
Email: dbairfield@co.lincoln.ms.us
Chancery Clerk
301 S First Street, Rm 111
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 835-3411
Fax: (601) 835-3423
Email: amcgehee@co.lincoln.ms.us
Civil court records created at the Municipal Court are available at the Court Clerk’s Office. Interested persons can call the office at (601) 833-6262 to obtain the documents. Alternatively, requestors may access Lincoln County civil court records online through the Mississippi Electronic Court (MEC).
How to Obtain Lincoln County Criminal Court Case Records
Lincoln County criminal court case records are available at the Circuit or Municipal Court. Anyone interested may provide either Clerk’s Office with record descriptions. Requestors may also have to pay copy fees. Parties should submit requests to the office of the circuit court clerk or the municipal court clerk.
The State of Mississippi Judiciary also provides access to local criminal court records through its Mississippi Electronic Court (MEC) system.
What are Lincoln County Vital Records?
Lincoln County vital records contain information on the major life milestones of county residents. Examples of vital records in Lincoln are birth, adoption, marriage, divorce, and death records. Generally, the Vital Records Office of the Mississippi State Department of Health maintains a statewide repository for birth, death, and other vital records. However, interested persons can contact the Chancery and Circuit Clerks for marriage and divorce records. Lincoln vital records may also be available online.
Divorce Records
Lincoln County divorce records are available at the Chancery Clerk’s Office. Information required to obtain these records includes the names of both parties to the divorce, dates, case numbers, and judgment details. Access to these records is only open to the divorced parties, their relatives, and legal representatives. Eligible parties interested in Lincoln County divorce decrees may contact the Chancery Clerk using the details below:
301 S First Street Rm 111
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 835-3411
Fax: (601) 835-3423
Email: amcgehee@co.lincoln.ms.us
Lincoln County Marriage Records
Lincoln County marriage records are available at the Circuit Clerk’s office. Requestors can complete the Application for Marriage Records forms to obtain these records via mail or in person using the address details below:
Mail-in
Mississippi Vital Records
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215-1700
Walk-in
222 Marketridge Drive
Ridgeland, MS
Phone: (601) 206-8200
Office Hours: Monday to Friday (8 am - 4 pm)
Record seekers should note that only the married parties and their direct relatives can access Lincoln County marriage certificates. Lincoln County marriage certificates cost $17.00 for the first copy, and $6.00 for each extra copy requested at the same time. Mail requestors can pay by sending personalized checks or money orders made out to ‘Mississippi Vital Records.’ On the other hand, the Circuit Clerk’s Office receives cash, debit card, or credit card payments from in-person requestors.
Birth Records
Lincoln County birth records created since 1912 are available at the MSDH Vital Records Office. According to state law, parties authorized to obtain copies include the person named on the record, their relatives, and legal representatives. Eligible persons should mail or visit the Vital Records Office with completed copies of the Application for Birth Records. The first copy of a certified Lincoln County birth certificate costs $17.00, while extra copies of the same record cost $6.00 each if ordered simultaneously. The Vital Records Office receives payments via cash, money orders, credit cards, debit cards, or checks. However, cash payments are restricted to in-person requestors.
Death Records
The MSDH Vital Records Office maintains Lincoln County death records issued since 1912. Requestors eligible to receive these records include the decedent’s spouse, a parent listed on the record, siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren. Legal guardians, parties authorized by court order, legal representatives, and the funeral home that took possession of the body are also eligible. Applicants can obtain copies of death certificates by sending completed copies of the Application for Death Certificate to the Mississippi vital records office.
Parties should note that certified copies of death records cost $17.00 each, payable by cash, money orders, credit cards, debit cards, or checks. Extra copies requested at the same time cost $6.00 each.
