Harrison County, Mississippi State Court Records
It is one of the duties of the clerks of the Harrison County trial courts (which have primary jurisdiction over cases originating in Harrison) to ensure that recordings of court proceedings are stored in accordance with statutory provisions. These recordings may be preserved as part of the court record (such as documents) or, in most cases, as complete case files. Some court clerks, for instance, those of the Chancery Court, also maintain land records, which are public records. However, other public records, such as vital records, are maintained by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) Bureau of Vital Records.
According to MS Code § 9-1-53, Harrison County court records may be in digital or hardcopy format. The retention and preservation of the Harrison County court records is per Mississippi Code § 25-59-17.
Are Harrison County Court Records Public?
Yes. The Mississippi Public Records Policy ensures that records maintained by judicial entities are available to the public. This policy covers Harrison County court records. Notwithstanding, it prohibits disclosure of information classified as confidential, sealed, or expunged. Examples include information relating to minors, driver's license numbers, financial information, and Social Security numbers.
Records that are not publicly available may only be accessed pursuant to a court order or by parties to the case and other individuals authorized by law.
What Information is Available in Harrison County Court Records?
Records of the courts in Harrison County comprise various legal documents and specific case details. Usually, a complete case file serves as a repository for all pertinent facts, encompassing elements such as litigant names, unique case identifiers, the initial dates of filing, and a comprehensive collection of pleadings, exhibits, petitions, and judicial orders and judgments.
Some case types contain additional records specific to the nature of the proceeding. For example, a probate court record may include asset inventories, guardianship and conservatorship documents, wills, appraisals, and other probate-related filings.
Harrison County Court Records Search
There are different ways to obtain Harrison County court records. However, inquirers need to consider the type of court record they are seeking, the scope of information required, and whether certified or plain copies are needed.
Here are the available options:
Online Access
As the name implies, this channel requires internet access. It also means the records provided are digital rather than hard copies, although users may print copies if needed. While arguably the most convenient option, as requesters may access records from any location using an internet-enabled electronic device, the information available through this channel is limited.
Mississippi uses a state-centralized system that courts throughout the state subscribe to. The Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) provides an e-filing and case management system. Users may file and access cases, view case updates, and download documents. Users must register and pay an annual subscription fee to maintain access. Viewing case records also requires payment of a nominal fee.
Users may also access the judgment roll maintained by the circuit clerk online. Additionally, the Harrison Chancery Court provides online access to its dockets.
In-Person Access
For researchers whose record needs cannot be met through online searches or who are unable to use that option, in-person access is available. To search for a case, inquirers need only identifying information, such as a party's name or case number. Basic inspection of records may be free, while copies are generally provided upon payment of the applicable fee. Inquirers may also use the public access computers, which may be available at the court clerk's office, to search electronic court records. Certified copies of case records can also be obtained in person on payment of the required fee.
Mail and Phone Requests
Courts in Harrison County accept requests for court records by mail. Requesters may submit a written request or a completed public records request form to the court clerk's office, including all information necessary to locate the requested record. This method typically involves a fee because copies of the requested Harrison County court records are mailed once located. Records requests are generally fulfilled within 14 days after the request is received and any applicable fees have been paid.
Fees for Court Records in Harrison County
Some searches and copies of Harrison County court records are not complimentary. Requesters are required to pay the applicable fees. These charges are statutorily authorized under Mississippi Code § 25-7-15. Examples include $5 for a minute book, 50 cents per page for record copies, $2 for copies from bond volumes or records, and $3 for a copy of a mandate.
Requests are fulfilled only after payment of the nominal fee.
Harrison County Courthouse Locations
Harrison County is home to two districts. Each district hosts
- A circuit court, which has general jurisdiction over major civil cases, criminal cases, and appeals
- A chancery court, which is a court of specialized jurisdiction focused on family law, property disputes, and estate matters
- County courts, which handle civil disputes involving damages up to $200,000, as well as criminal, youth, and administrative law matters. These courts share jurisdiction with circuit and chancery courts
- Justice courts, which oversee civil suits for delinquent mobile home taxes, traffic citations issued by the state Highway Patrol and Harrison County Sheriff's Department, and DUIs, among others.
The county also houses some municipal courts, which are courts of limited jurisdiction that handle only cases involving local ordinances and traffic matters.
Circuit Courts
Harrison County Circuit Court - 1st District
1801 23rd Avenue
Gulfport, MS 39502
Phone: (228) 865-1635
Fax: (228) 865-4099
Harrison County Circuit Court - 2nd District
730 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Biloxi, MS 39533
Phone: (228) 435-8233
Fax: (228) 435-8270
Chancery Courts
Harrison County Chancery Court - 1st District
1801 23rd Avenue
Gulfport, MS 39502
Fax: (228) 214-1513
Harrison County Chancery Court - 2nd District
730 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
Biloxi MS 39533
Phone: (228) 435-8220
Fax: (228) 435-8292
County Court of Harrison County - 1st District
1801 23rd Avenue
Gulfport, MS 39502
Phone: (228) 865-4230
Fax: (228) 865-6523
County Court of Harrison County - 2nd District
730 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
Biloxi, MS 39533
Phone: (228) 435-8232
Fax: (228) 435-8277
761 Esters Boulevard
Biloxi, MS 39530
Phone: (228) 435-3201
Fax: (228) 435-4784
Harrison County Justice Court - 1st District
1709 24th Avenue
Gulfport, MS 39502
Phone: (228) 865-4193
Fax: (228) 865-4216
Harrison County Justice Court - 2nd District
190 Lameuse Street
Biloxi, MS 39533
Phone: (228) 435-8250
Fax: (228) 435-8279
Municipal Courts in Harrison County
Public Safety Building
170 Porter Avenue
1st Floor, Biloxi, MS 39530
Phone: (228) 435-6125
Fax: (228) 435-6165
10383 Automall Parkway
D'Iberville, MS 39534
Phone: (228) 392-7966
Fax: (228) 392-8527
2218 15th Street
Gulfport, MS 39501
Phone: (228) 868-5855
Fax: (228) 868-5744
201 Jeff Davis Avenue
Long Beach, MS 39560
Phone: (228) 865-7840
Fax: (228) 863-2771
Pass Christian Municipal Court
105 Heim Avenue
Pass Christian, MS 39571
Phone: (228) 452-3307
Fax: (228) 452-3320
Criminal Records Access in Harrison County
One may conduct a criminal history search through the Mississippi Department of Safety, the official custodian of statewide criminal history records. Alternatively, one may contact the Harrison Sheriff's Office if only local criminal history is needed. The Mississippi Department of Safety provides a name-based search for $32. Inquirers can contact the Sheriff's Office directly for local criminal records.
On the other hand, Harrison County criminal court records are the property of the court that handled the case. The courts in the county provide access to these public records through the following channels:
- Online through the MEC case management system
- In person at the presiding courthouse or clerk's office
- By mail
Inquirers may choose any of the options to access the records. Where applicable, they must pay the required fee.
Harrison County Probate Records
There are two Chancery Courts in Harrison County: Harrison County Chancery Court - 1st District and Harrison County Chancery Court - 2nd District. Each court has jurisdiction over probate cases arising within its district. Matters heard include guardianships, conservatorships, wills, adoptions, and estates, among others. Estate cases are generally filed in the district where the deceased individual resided.
Harrison County probate records document proceedings relating to the administration and distribution of a deceased person's (decedent's) estate, as well as other matters heard by the Chancery Court. Some probate court case types are presumed public per court policy. However, a probate case file, or portions of it, may be confidential.
Recent probate records may be available through the MEC case management system. However, older records and certified copies may require an in-person search at the Chancery Courthouse where the case was filed.
Harrison County Family Court Records
Cases handled as Harrison County family law matters include divorce, termination of parental rights, name changes, division of property, and emancipation, to mention a few. These cases are adjudicated in the Chancery Court having jurisdiction over the matter.
Here's how one may obtain public family law records:
- Inquirers can use the MEC case search tool provided by the Mississippi judiciary to locate a case. They typically need to create an account, pay the nominal fee, and then access the record
- Inquirers can also visit the court to make inquiries, inspect the requested record, or obtain a copy for a fee
- Inquirers may send a request by mail to the Chancery Court clerk's office
Federal Court Records in Harrison County
Individuals seeking federal civil, criminal, or fraud court records can contact the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. This federal court has the authority to hear such cases arising from Harrison County.
Federal court records are available through the PACER case tool, in person, or by mail. While most federal court records are open to the public, searches and obtaining copies of records, whether plain or certified, may incur a fee. Requesters will need the name of a party involved in the case or a case number to locate a court record. The federal court for Harrison County is located at
Dan M. Russell, Jr. United States Courthouse
2012 15th Street
Suite 403
Gulfport, MS 39501
Phone: (228) 563-1700
