Warrants are public records in Franklin County, Mississippi, pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that most governmental records, including warrants, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Franklin County judicial system maintains these records in accordance with state transparency requirements.
Public access to warrant information serves multiple governmental and civic purposes. The availability of warrant records helps maintain accountability within the justice system and provides citizens with the ability to verify law enforcement activities. Franklin County's adherence to public records laws ensures that individuals can obtain information about warrants through established channels while balancing privacy considerations as required by statute.
Certain warrant information may be temporarily sealed or restricted if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation or endanger law enforcement personnel. Such restrictions are governed by Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-12, which provides for temporary exemptions when disclosure would impede law enforcement proceedings.
Warrant records maintained by Franklin County authorities typically contain several standard components as required by Mississippi law. The documentation generally includes:
Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 99-3-28, warrants must contain sufficient particularity regarding the alleged offense and the identity of the subject. This statutory requirement ensures that warrants provide adequate notice and legal justification for the authorized action.
Franklin County residents may access warrant information without charge through several official channels. The Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure (MRCrP) Rule 3.1 provides for public access to non-sealed warrant information. Free search options include:
Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information such as full name, date of birth, and other relevant details to facilitate accurate record searches. Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7, agencies may require proper identification before releasing certain records.
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for executing warrants within county jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants are official documents issued under the authority of Miss. Code Ann. § 99-3-1, which authorizes peace officers to execute arrest warrants throughout the county.
Sheriff warrants in Franklin County are categorized according to their purpose and legal basis:
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office maintains warrant records at their headquarters located at 1 Main Street, Meadville, MS 39653. Execution of warrants follows procedures established in Miss. Code Ann. § 99-3-7, which governs the manner and timing of warrant service.
Franklin County has implemented updated procedures for warrant verification effective January 1, 2025. Pursuant to administrative policies adopted by the Franklin County Board of Supervisors, individuals may determine their warrant status through the following methods:
Individuals seeking warrant information should be aware that certain identifying information will be required to process requests. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains additional resources regarding statewide warrant procedures.
Outstanding warrants in Franklin County may be verified through established governmental channels. Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-5, which governs the public's right to inspect public records, the following methods are available:
Individuals with outstanding warrants may be subject to immediate arrest. The Mississippi Department of Corrections provides additional information regarding warrant enforcement and custody procedures for those with active warrants.
The Division of Child Support Enforcement, operating under the Mississippi Department of Human Services, maintains records related to child support warrants and enforcement actions. These specialized warrants are issued when individuals fail to comply with court-ordered child support obligations.
Franklin County Circuit Clerk's Office
70 Main Street
Meadville, MS 39653
(601) 384-2320
Franklin County Circuit Clerk
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
1 Main Street
Meadville, MS 39653
(601) 384-2323
Franklin County Sheriff
Franklin County Justice Court
70 Main Street
Meadville, MS 39653
(601) 384-2330
Franklin County Justice Court
Warrant searches may also reveal information about individuals registered with the Mississippi Sex Offender Registry who have outstanding warrants for registration violations.