Union County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Union County in 2026
UnionMSRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Union County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party channels include arrest logs, jail rosters, criminal court filings, bond information, and disposition records. Access to specific records may vary depending on the custodial agency and the current status of the case.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following sections outline all available methods for locating arrest records in Union County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Union County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible jail roster through its online inmate inquiry portal. Members of the public may search current and recent bookings by name, with results displaying the primary charge, arrest date, booking agency, and case details. The roster is updated on a rolling basis as new bookings are processed.
- Search the Union County Sheriff's Office inmate inquiry portal by entering a full or partial name
- Available data includes: arrestee name, primary charge, arrest date, booking agency, and booking details
- The portal reflects current custody status and is updated as bookings occur
2. Local Police Departments
Union County encompasses the City of New Albany, which maintains its own police department. Arrest information originating from city police may appear in the county jail roster once the individual is booked into the county facility. Press releases and public notices from the New Albany Police Department may also contain arrest information.
New Albany Police Department
100 West Bankhead Street
New Albany, MS 38652
Phone: (662) 534-1044
New Albany Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Union County Circuit Clerk maintains criminal court case records that are linked to underlying arrests. Members of the public may search case filings by defendant name to identify court proceedings associated with a specific arrest. Case records include charge information, hearing dates, and disposition data.
Union County Circuit Clerk
109 Main Street
New Albany, MS 38652
Phone: (662) 534-1900
Union County Circuit Clerk
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains statewide criminal history records through the Criminal Information Center. Certified background checks reflecting arrest and conviction history across all Mississippi jurisdictions may be requested through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. A fee applies for certified criminal history reports, and requestors must provide identifying information including full legal name and date of birth.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Union County Sheriff's Office
109 Main Street
New Albany, MS 38652
Phone: (662) 534-1455
Union County Sheriff's Office
- Records division is located at the main office address above
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and any known booking information
- Copy fees apply per page; cash and money orders are accepted
Police Departments:
New Albany Police Department
100 West Bankhead Street
New Albany, MS 38652
Phone: (662) 534-1044
New Albany Police Department
- Records requests are submitted in person or in writing
- A valid photo ID is required
- Per-page copy fees apply
Clerk of Court:
Union County Circuit Clerk
109 Main Street
New Albany, MS 38652
Phone: (662) 534-1900
Union County Circuit Clerk
- Criminal records division is located at the courthouse
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Case file inspection is available during business hours
- Copy fees: $1.00 per page for standard copies; certification fees apply for certified copies
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Union County Sheriff's Office at 109 Main Street, New Albany, MS 38652. Requests should include:
- Full legal name of the arrestee
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Booking number (if known)
- Requestor's full name and return mailing address
- Payment for applicable copy fees (money order preferred)
Processing time for mailed requests is two to four weeks depending on volume and record availability.
By Phone:
- Union County Sheriff's Office: (662) 534-1455
- Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
- Phone inquiries provide limited information; staff may direct callers to the online portal or an in-person visit for complete records
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Detailed police reports and investigative files are accessible through these legal mechanisms even when restricted from general public release.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number (if known)
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, city police, or state agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Union County
Arrest records in Union County are public records under Mississippi law. Pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act, § 25-61-1 et seq., all records created or maintained by public bodies are presumed open to inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records fall within this presumption of openness because they document the exercise of governmental authority and serve the public interest in transparency, safety, and accountability.
As the Mississippi Supreme Court has recognized, public access to government records supports democratic accountability. The Mississippi Ethics Commission has stated that "the Public Records Act reflects the Legislature's recognition that government records belong to the people."
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at the time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted under § 43-21-261 of the Mississippi Youth Court Law
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Active investigation information that would compromise an ongoing case
- Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants
- Victim identifying information in certain categories of cases
- Witness protection participants
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Mississippi Constitution and the Public Records Act together establish the framework for public access to government records. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of historical openness. Courts balance transparency interests against individual privacy rights, with the presumption favoring disclosure for arrest records.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers conducting background screening (subject to FCRA restrictions)
- Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
- Licensing and regulatory agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords using arrest records obtained through consumer reporting agencies must comply with FCRA adverse action procedures. Mississippi does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law, but federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest alone does not establish guilt and may not be used as a definitive indicator of criminal conduct.
What's in Union County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex/gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest (street address or general area)
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Mississippi Highway Patrol, etc.)
- Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Mississippi statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
- Gang-related designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, if made part of the public record
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction (Circuit Court, County Court, or Justice Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report contents)
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Investigative techniques or methods
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted by law)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in booking records
- Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
- Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Union County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Union County depends on the custodial agency and the format of the requested records. Under § 25-61-7 of the Mississippi Public Records Act, public bodies may charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of producing copies but may not charge for the time spent inspecting records.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.25–$1.00 per page |
| Certified copies (Circuit Clerk) | $1.00 per page + $1.00 certification |
| Electronic records (where available) | Varies by agency |
| Certified criminal history (state) | $25.00 per request (MDPS) |
| In-person inspection | No charge |
- Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Circuit Clerk include cash, money order, and personal check
- The Mississippi Department of Public Safety accepts payment by credit card for online criminal history requests
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest; requestors must submit a written waiver request to the custodial agency
- Online jail roster searches through the Sheriff's Office portal are available at no charge
- Court case index searches through the Circuit Clerk are available for in-person inspection at no charge
How To Delete Arrest Records in Union County
Mississippi law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access). Expungement results in the destruction or removal of the record from public databases, while sealing restricts access without physical destruction. Under Mississippi law, expungement is the primary remedy available to eligible individuals.
Pursuant to § 99-19-71 of the Mississippi Code, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:
- Charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted
- No charges were filed following arrest
- The individual successfully completed a first-offender diversion program
- Certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period
- Certain non-violent felony convictions after a waiting period (subject to eligibility requirements)
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a certified copy of the arrest record and court disposition from the Union County Circuit Clerk
- Confirm eligibility based on the charge type, disposition, and any applicable waiting period
- File a Petition for Expungement in the Union County Circuit Court
- Serve the petition on the district attorney's office and the arresting agency
- Attend the scheduled hearing; the court will grant or deny the petition
- If granted, the court order is served on all agencies holding the record, including the Mississippi Criminal Information Center
Union County Circuit Court
109 Main Street
New Albany, MS 38652
Phone: (662) 534-1900
Union County Circuit Court
Union County District Attorney's Office (17th Circuit District)
109 Main Street
New Albany, MS 38652
Phone: (662) 534-1960
17th Circuit District Attorney
Individuals seeking expungement are advised to retain private legal counsel or contact the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project for assistance. The Mississippi Bar Association's lawyer referral service may be reached at (601) 948-4471.
What Happens After Arrest in Union County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Union County Jail, located at 109 Main Street, New Albany, MS 38652. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if the investigation requires it.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process begins and takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume. The process includes:
- Recording of personal identifying information
- Advisement of Miranda rights (if not previously given)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint collection and submission to state and federal databases
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
- Personal property inventory and storage
- Exchange of personal clothing for jail uniform
- Medical and brief mental health screening
- Housing classification assignment
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Mississippi law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge within 48 hours of arrest for an initial appearance. At this hearing:
- The individual is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
- Bond or bail is determined
- Rights are formally advisement
- The hearing may be conducted via video conference
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond:
- The full bond amount is paid in cash to the jail or clerk
- The amount is refunded at case conclusion, minus applicable fees
- Amount is set by the judge or magistrate at the initial appearance
Surety Bond:
- A licensed bail bondsman posts the full amount
- The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, at present set at 10% of the bond amount in Mississippi
- The bondsman assumes liability for the full amount if the defendant fails to appear
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):
- The individual is released on a written promise to appear
- No monetary payment is required
- Granted based on community ties, employment, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment
No Bond:
- The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants
Conditions of Release:
- Scheduled check-in with pretrial services
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring in certain cases
- Pretrial supervision requirements
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Is Posted:
- Processing and release takes one to eight hours
- Personal property is returned
- A written court date is provided
- Written conditions of release are issued
- Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant
If Bond Is Not Posted:
- The individual remains in custody pending trial or case resolution
- Housing assignment is made within the facility
- Inmate orientation, commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Union County Public Defender
109 Main Street
New Albany, MS 38652
Phone: (662) 534-1900
Mississippi Office of State Public Defender
Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Defendants complete an indigency application at the initial appearance.
Private Attorney:
Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Mississippi Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service. Attorney visits at the jail are confidential and may be arranged through the jail administration.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Union County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to:
- File formal charges by information or indictment
- Request additional investigation
- Decline to prosecute
- File different or additional charges
For felony charges, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
- Discovery: Exchange of police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio/video recordings between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial Motions: Motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or compel discovery
- Pretrial Conferences: Meetings between counsel and the court to assess case status and explore resolution
- Plea Negotiations: The prosecutor may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal defects
- Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal
- Plea Agreement: Defendant accepts a guilty or nolo contendere plea to agreed charges
- Trial: Jury or bench trial; verdict of guilty or not guilty; sentencing follows a guilty verdict
Sentencing (If Convicted):
The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by charge complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months
- Felonies: Resolved within several months to over a year
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment and Mississippi Constitution
Important Contacts:
Union County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
109 Main Street
New Albany, MS 38652
Phone: (662) 534-1455
Union County Sheriff's Office
Union County Circuit Clerk
109 Main Street
New Albany, MS 38652
Phone: (662) 534-1900
Union County Circuit Clerk
17th Circuit District Attorney's Office
109 Main Street
New Albany, MS 38652
Phone: (662) 534-1960
Mississippi Attorney General
Mississippi Office of State Public Defender
239 North Lamar Street, Suite 604
Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: (601) 576-4290
Office of State Public Defender
What to Do If You Are Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely stating that you wish to do so
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Union County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Union County is governed by Mississippi law and the records retention schedules established by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Under the Mississippi Public Records Act and applicable retention schedules, different categories of arrest records are subject to different retention periods depending on the outcome of the case and the nature of the charges.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, Mississippi Criminal Information Center, and the FBI's Interstate Identification Index
- Records are maintained indefinitely and appear on background checks without time limitation
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Circuit Clerk and state repository
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of five years and may be retained permanently in digital systems
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of three to five years
- Court records: Retained permanently unless expunged by court order
- State repository: Records remain unless the individual obtains an expungement order
Acquittals:
- Court records: Retained permanently
- Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of three years
- May be sealed or expunged upon petition
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records: Retained for a minimum of two to three years
- Eligible for expungement petition in most circumstances
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards: Retained per the applicable retention schedule, at minimum three to five years
- Photographs: Retained for the duration of the associated record
Digital Records:
- Records management systems and computer-aided dispatch logs: Often retained permanently
- Mugshot databases: Retention varies by platform and agency policy
- Court electronic records: Retained permanently in most instances
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not controlled by law enforcement
- The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current records; however, third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following expungement
Retention by Agency:
Union County Sheriff's Office
109 Main Street
New Albany, MS 38652
Phone: (662) 534-1455
Union County Sheriff's Office
- Booking records: Minimum five years; felony-related records retained permanently
- Arrest reports: Minimum five years
- Investigative files: Retained based on case outcome and charge classification
Union County Circuit Clerk
109 Main Street
New Albany, MS 38652
Phone: (662) 534-1900
Union County Circuit Clerk
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum five years
- Electronic records: Permanent retention in most instances
State Repository:
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety's Criminal Information Center maintains arrest records from all jurisdictions statewide. Records are retained in accordance with state policy and are accessible to law enforcement agencies and authorized requestors through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
FBI Database:
The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level records that are accessible to law enforcement nationwide. Federal retention is permanent for most arrest records. These databases are used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and law enforcement inquiries.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention in all primary databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: Remains in databases unless expunged; not reported on most standard background checks
- Expungement: Local records are sealed or destroyed; the state repository updates its records; the FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement
- No Charges Filed: Subject to the shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after two to three years in some systems
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Mississippi does not currently impose additional state-level restrictions on the reporting period for conviction records. Arrests without convictions are not reported as convictions, and employers subject to FCRA requirements must treat them accordingly.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Union County Sheriff's Records Division at (662) 534-1455 to inquire about the status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted under § 25-61-1 may be required to obtain formal confirmation of record retention or destruction.