Court records in DeSoto County, Mississippi can be searched through several online tools and official resources. DeSotoCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. Additional access points include the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system, the offices of the Circuit Clerk and Chancery Clerk, the Justice Court Clerk's office, and public terminals available at the courthouse in Hernando.
DeSoto Court System & Jurisdictions
DeSoto County operates three main court levels, each handling different case types. Knowing which court manages your case is essential before searching any docket.
Circuit Court
The DeSoto County Circuit Court is the county's general jurisdiction trial court. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil lawsuits where the amount in controversy exceeds the jurisdictional limit of lower courts
- Appeals from Justice Court and County Court
The Circuit Clerk's office maintains all Circuit Court and County Court records. Since October 25, 2021, the office has used the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system for e-filing and case management.
Chancery Court
The Chancery Court handles equity matters, including:
- Divorce, custody, and family law cases
- Adoptions and guardianships
- Estate and probate matters
- Land disputes and property-related actions
- Mental commitments
The Chancery Clerk's office is divided into three departments: Land Records, Court Records, and Taxes. Chancery Court records are also accessible through MEC.
Justice Court
DeSoto County Justice Court is divided into criminal and civil divisions. It has jurisdiction over:
- Civil cases involving amounts of $3,500 or less
- Evictions and unlawful entry and detainer actions
- Misdemeanor criminal offenses
- Traffic violations
- Initial appearances, preliminary hearings, and search warrants
Justice Court cases can be searched through the Justice Court Public Inquiry portal, which allows searches of both criminal and civil cases.
DeSoto Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
DeSoto County does not publish a unified online court calendar covering all courts in a single portal. How you find scheduled hearings depends on the court level:
- Circuit and County Court: Court schedules and upcoming hearing dates are managed by the Circuit Court Administrator. Contact the Circuit Clerk's office at 662-469-8007 for specific docket call dates, trial settings, or to confirm whether a case is on the calendar for a given day or week.
- Chancery Court: Hearing dates for Chancery matters are set by the Chancery Court judge's office. Contact the Chancery Clerk for scheduling information.
- Justice Court: The Justice Court Public Inquiry system may show case status details. For specific court dates, contact the Justice Court Clerk at 662-429-1325.
Registered users of the MEC system can view case activity and scheduled events for Circuit, County, and Chancery Court cases. Attorneys and individuals can subscribe to MEC to search records remotely.
How to Get a Copy of a DeSoto Court Document
The process for obtaining court documents depends on which court holds the record and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy.
Circuit and County Court Records
- Online (MEC): All civil and criminal cases, including judgment rolls, must be accessed through the Mississippi Electronic Courts system. Users must register through MEC to access case information. Some documents may be viewable or downloadable through the system.
- In person: Visit the Circuit Clerk's office to request certified or uncertified copies. Bring the case number or party names to help staff locate the file.
- By mail: Send a written request specifying the case number, party names, and the documents needed to:
Chancery Court Records
Chancery Court records — including divorce decrees, estate filings, and guardianship orders — can be requested through the Chancery Clerk's office. Land records such as deeds and liens are searchable through the DeSoto County Public Records Search portal maintained by the Chancery Clerk.
Justice Court Records
Contact the Justice Court Clerk's office directly for copies of Justice Court case documents.
Certified vs. uncertified copies: Certified copies bear the clerk's seal and signature and are typically required for legal proceedings, while uncertified copies are suitable for personal reference. Ask the clerk which type you need, as certified copies carry an additional fee.
Restricted Records
Certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Juvenile cases
- Sealed or expunged records
- Adoption records
- Mental health commitment proceedings
The clerk's office can confirm whether a specific record is publicly available.
DeSoto Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court document copies and certifications in Mississippi are generally set by statute. The following table reflects common fees charged by county clerk offices. Contact the specific clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated.
| Service | Approximate Fee | Office |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 | Circuit Clerk / Chancery Clerk |
| Certified copy | $1.00–$5.00 per document (varies) | Circuit Clerk / Chancery Clerk |
| Certification fee (seal and signature) | $1.00–$3.00 | Circuit Clerk / Chancery Clerk |
| Record search fee | Varies; contact clerk | Circuit Clerk / Chancery Clerk |
| MEC system access | Registration required; fees may apply | Mississippi Electronic Courts |
| Justice Court document copies | Contact clerk for current fee | Justice Court Clerk |
Payment methods: Contact each clerk's office for accepted payment forms. In-person requests typically accept cash, money orders, or checks. Mail requests should include a check or money order payable to the appropriate clerk's office. Confirm whether credit or debit cards are accepted before visiting.
For police and arrest records, requests must be directed to the law enforcement agency that generated the report, per the county's public records request policy. The DeSoto County Sheriff's Office handles records generated by its deputies, while municipal police departments handle their own reports.