Biloxi court records include every docket, motion, plea, and judgment produced by the City of Biloxi Municipal Court and the Harrison County trial courts that hold jurisdiction over Biloxi residents. The four filing venues — Biloxi Municipal Court at 514 Esters Boulevard, the Harrison County Circuit Court in Gulfport, Harrison County Chancery Court, and Harrison County Justice Court — maintain separate files, separate clerks, and separate retention rules, yet they all operate under the same transparency mandate. Mississippi’s Constitution (Art. 3 § 13) and the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code § 25-61-1 et seq.) establish that adult criminal cases, civil disputes, divorce decrees, traffic citations, and probate documents fall under Harrison County court records that anyone can inspect. Sealed files, juvenile matters, adoption records, expunged convictions, and mental-health commitments sit outside this openness and remain confidential under Miss. Code § 99-19-57 and related statutes. Anyone who needs Biloxi public court records for background checks, genealogy, due diligence, or personal legal matters now has several search channels available — and most cost nothing.
Biloxi court records are easiest to locate through the Mississippi Electronic Court System (MEC), a free statewide portal that replaced the older CourtConnect platform and now indexes every public filing from Harrison County and the City of Biloxi Municipal Court. Anyone who wants to search Biloxi court records online can run a Biloxi court docket search or a Biloxi court record lookup in less than two minutes: open mecs.ms.gov, click “Search Court Records,” choose Harrison County or Biloxi Municipal, enter a full name or case number, then review the docket entries that appear. The system returns a complete Biloxi Mississippi court docket view listing indictments, civil petitions, divorce decrees, probate orders, and traffic dispositions — and flagging paid certified-copy charges for files that require authentication. Researchers running a quick Biloxi court case search by name, date range, or attorney bar number can complete the entire query without creating an account, paying a subscription, or installing third-party software. For records not yet on the digital system — older microfilm files, sealed files, or case files that pre-date MEC migration — visitors can access court records Biloxi Mississippi at the courthouse counter or by mailing a written request to the appropriate clerk’s office.
What Biloxi Court Records Include
Biloxi court records are the official paper and digital files created when a person or business becomes a party to a legal action in one of four local courts. They include every motion, order, summons, and judgment entered in the case. The records also include the docket sheet — a chronological log of each filing — and the final disposition. Anyone who needs a Biloxi court case search can locate these files through the Mississippi Electronic Court System, by visiting the courthouse, or by mail.
Records fall into two main categories: public and confidential. Public records cover the majority of adult criminal cases, civil disputes, traffic matters, divorce decrees, and probate orders. Confidential records include sealed files, juvenile cases, adoption records, expunged convictions, and mental-health commitments.
Mississippi Public Records Act and Court Records
The Mississippi Public Records Act, codified at Miss. Code § 25-61-1 et seq., presumes that government records — including court files — are open for public inspection. The Mississippi Supreme Court reinforced this presumption in its 2022 Transparency Opinion, holding that court records belong to the public unless a specific statute restricts access. The Mississippi Administrative Office of Courts (AOC) issued a 2018 Public Access Policy, reaffirmed in 2025, that guides clerks on which records must remain sealed.
Miss. Code § 9-7-1 sets the general duties of clerks of court, including their obligation to maintain records and allow public inspection during business hours. Anyone who needs to access court records Biloxi Mississippi should start with the state portal at mecs.ms.gov, then contact the appropriate clerk’s office for files that do not appear online.
Which Records Are Public and Which Are Sealed
Most adult criminal and civil filings are public. The following categories are restricted from general public view under Mississippi law:
- Juvenile court records (Miss. Code § 43-21-151)
- Adoption records (Miss. Code § 93-17-101)
- Mental-health commitment records
- Expunged criminal convictions (Miss. Code § 99-19-57)
- Grand jury proceedings until indictment
- Sealed indictments until arrest or arraignment
- Paternity records for minors
- Family-court files involving children (in part)
The Biloxi Court System Explained: Jurisdictions, Venues, and Record Custodians
Biloxi cases are split across four courts. Each one holds a different type of legal authority, employs its own clerk, and keeps its own set of files. Knowing which court handled a case is the first step in any Biloxi court record lookup.
Biloxi Municipal Court
Biloxi Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations, city-issued traffic tickets, DUI first-offense (municipal), misdemeanor possession of alcohol by a minor, and shoplifting under $1,000. The court sits at 514 Esters Boulevard, Biloxi, MS 39530, and operates under the City of Biloxi. Its phone number is (228) 435-6125. The clerk’s office accepts in-person, mail, and online record requests.
Harrison County Circuit Court (First Judicial District)
Harrison County Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil actions over $10,000, post-conviction relief, and appeals from lower courts. Biloxi sits within the First Circuit Court District, so all Biloxi-related felony indictments and major civil cases are filed at the Harrison County Courthouse in Gulfport, even though the case involves Biloxi parties or events.
Harrison County Chancery Court
Harrison County Chancery Court has jurisdiction over family law (divorce, custody, support), probate and estate matters, deeds and land records, mental-health commitments, name changes, and injunctions. The Chancery Clerk is the official custodian of all property records in Harrison County.
Harrison County Justice Court
Harrison County Justice Court handles misdemeanors not assigned to municipal court, small claims up to $3,500, and preliminary felony hearings. Justice Court records are filed with the Harrison County Circuit Clerk.
Municipal Court vs. Circuit Court vs. Chancery Court vs. Justice Court
The table below shows the key differences between the four courts that serve Biloxi residents.
| Court | Subject Matter | Monetary Limit | Appeals Path | Record Custodian |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biloxi Municipal Court | City ordinances, traffic, misdemeanor DUI 1st | Up to $1,000 fines | Harrison County Circuit Court | Biloxi Municipal Court Clerk |
| Harrison County Justice Court | Misdemeanors, small claims, preliminary hearings | Small claims up to $3,500 | Harrison County Circuit Court | Harrison County Circuit Clerk |
| Harrison County Circuit Court | Felonies, major civil cases, appeals | Civil over $10,000 | Mississippi Court of Appeals / Supreme Court | Harrison County Circuit Clerk |
| Harrison County Chancery Court | Family, probate, deeds, equity | No monetary cap | Mississippi Supreme Court | Harrison County Chancery Clerk |
Types of Court Records Available in Biloxi, Mississippi
The four Biloxi-area courts collectively generate nine major record classes. Some are public; others are restricted by state law.
Criminal Case Records (Felony and Misdemeanor)
Criminal case files include the following documents:
- Indictment or criminal information
- Arraignment entry
- Plea agreement
- Sentencing order
- Motion to modify or vacate
- Post-conviction relief filings
- Warrant returns
Civil Case Records
Civil case files cover disputes between individuals or businesses, including contract claims, personal injury lawsuits, property disputes, and debt collection actions. Documents include the complaint, answer, discovery filings, motions, and the final judgment.
Family Court Records (Divorce, Custody, Support)
Divorce records are public once the final decree is entered. Custody and support filings may be partially sealed if they involve minor children. Chancery Court issues the final judgment in divorce cases filed in Harrison County.
Probate and Estate Records
Probate records include wills, letters testamentary, inventories, and final distributions. The Chancery Clerk retains these files indefinitely under Mississippi retention rules.
Traffic Tickets, Citations, and Ordinance Violations
Biloxi Municipal Court processes city-issued traffic citations and local ordinance violations. Records include the citation, any plea or payment, and the final disposition.
Land Deed and Lien Records
Deeds, mortgages, liens, and satisfactions are filed with the Harrison County Chancery Clerk. These records form the official chain of title for every parcel of real property in Biloxi.
Juvenile Court Records
Juvenile records are confidential under Miss. Code § 43-21-151. Access is restricted to the parties, attorneys, and authorized agencies such as the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services.
Protective Orders and Restraining Orders
Protective orders are public once entered. The full text of a final protective order can be viewed through the MEC portal or requested from the Chancery Clerk.
Public vs. Confidential Record Classes
| Record Class | Public Access | Restricted Access |
|---|---|---|
| Adult criminal cases | Yes | Only if sealed or expunged |
| Civil lawsuits | Yes | Only if sealed by court order |
| Divorce decrees | Yes | Portions involving minors may be sealed |
| Probate estates | Yes | Mental-health filings may be sealed |
| Land deeds and liens | Yes | No |
| Traffic citations | Yes | No |
| Juvenile cases | No | Yes — confidential until age 18 |
| Adoption records | No | Yes — sealed under Miss. Code § 93-17-101 |
| Mental-health commitments | No | Yes — confidential under Miss. Code § 41-21-107 |
| Expunged convictions | No | Yes — destroyed or sealed under Miss. Code § 99-19-57 |
How to Search Biloxi Court Records Online: Step-by-Step
Anyone can run a free Biloxi court docket search through the Mississippi Electronic Court System (MEC) at mecs.ms.gov. Use a full name, case number, business name, or attorney bar number. No account, no fee, and no software install are needed for the public search. A small fee applies only when ordering a certified copy of a document.
About the Mississippi Electronic Court System (MEC)
The MEC replaced the older CourtConnect platform in 2021. The system runs on the Odyssey platform, built by Tyler Technologies, and now covers all 82 Mississippi counties. Harrison County migrated to MEC in 2024, and the City of Biloxi Municipal Court joined in 2025. As of 2026, every public filing from these courts appears in the MEC index within one business day of entry.
Courts Covered by MEC Online Search
- Biloxi Municipal Court
- Harrison County Circuit Court
- Harrison County Chancery Court
- Harrison County Justice Court
Step-by-Step: Run a Biloxi Court Record Search on MEC
- Open your browser and go to mecs.ms.gov.
- Click the “Search Court Records” link on the homepage.
- Select Harrison County or Biloxi Municipal Court from the court location menu.
- Enter your search criteria: a full name, case number, attorney bar number, or date range.
- Click “Search” to load the result list.
- Click any case number to view the full docket sheet, party list, and chronological filings.
- Click “View” on any document image to read it online, or click “Request Certified Copy” to order an authenticated version.
What Information Is Needed to Find a Biloxi Court Record
The minimum input is a full name plus an approximate year. A case number produces a faster, exact match. The system also accepts searches by attorney bar number for cases filed by a specific lawyer. Date-range filters help narrow results when a person has multiple filings.
Limits of Online Search — What Is Not Online
Some files do not appear in the MEC index. Sealed files, expunged records, pre-1987 microfilm-only files, and certain mental-health and adoption files remain accessible only at the physical clerk’s office. The MEC portal will show a case number but display “Document Unavailable” when a record is restricted.
Beyond the Official Portal: Third-Party Lookup Services
Several commercial websites resell Mississippi court data. These aggregators pull from MEC or older public sources and present search results behind a paywall. They offer convenience, batch searching, and sometimes national background-check integration. For official use — legal filings, name changes, or proof of disposition — order a certified copy from the clerk’s office rather than relying on a third-party screenshot.
How to Request Biloxi Court Records In Person or by Mail
Records that are not online, or for which a certified copy is needed, can be obtained at the physical clerk’s window. The Harrison County Courthouse is located at 1801 23rd Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501. Biloxi Municipal Court is located at 514 Esters Boulevard, Biloxi, MS 39530. Standard photocopies range from $0.25 to $1.00 per page, and certified copies cost $5 each, depending on the clerk’s schedule.
Visiting the Harrison County Courthouse in Gulfport
The Harrison County Courthouse in Gulfport houses both the Circuit Clerk and the Chancery Clerk. The Circuit Clerk window processes criminal, civil, and Justice Court records. The Chancery Clerk window processes family, probate, and land records. Visitors should bring a government-issued photo ID and the case number if available.
Hours and Parking
Both clerk’s offices operate Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and close on observed state holidays. Free public parking is available on the courthouse square and along 23rd Avenue. Visitors typically wait five to fifteen minutes at the counter during normal business hours.
ID Requirements for In-Person Access
Photo identification is required at the clerk’s window. A driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or passport all qualify. Third-party record requests require a signed written authorization from the named party, plus a copy of that party’s ID.
Visiting Biloxi Municipal Court
Biloxi Municipal Court is located at 514 Esters Boulevard, Biloxi, MS 39530. The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The phone number is (228) 435-6125. In-person requests for municipal traffic and ordinance records are usually processed the same day.
Mail Request Procedure and Sample Letter
For mail requests, send a written letter to the appropriate clerk’s office. The letter must include the case number or full party names, the specific documents requested, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment by check or money order. Include a daytime phone number so the clerk can call if clarification is needed. Mail requests are typically processed within five to ten business days.
Can Court Cases Be Looked Up by Phone
Phone lookups are available for current-year cases at both the Circuit Clerk and Biloxi Municipal Court. The clerk can confirm case status, hearing dates, and basic docket entries. Certified copies and older case files must be ordered in person, by mail, or through the online portal.
Fees, Certified Copies, and Record-Retention Timelines in Biloxi
Standard photocopies cost $0.25 to $1.00 per page depending on the clerk. Certified copies cost $5 each plus $0.25 per page in Harrison County. Biloxi Municipal Court charges a flat $10 certification fee per record. Online payment is accepted by credit card or eCheck through the MEC portal.
Biloxi Court Records Fee Schedule (2026)
| Service | Harrison County Clerk | Biloxi Municipal Court |
|---|---|---|
| Standard photocopy (per page) | $0.25 | $0.50 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $5.00 plus $0.25 per page | $10.00 flat |
| Online docket search | Free | Free |
| Authenticated copy (state seal) | $10.00 plus $0.25 per page | $15.00 flat |
| Exemplified copy (for use out of state) | $25.00 plus $0.25 per page | Not issued — refer to Harrison County |
| Expungement filing fee | $150.00 | Not applicable |
Processing and Turnaround Times
Online certified requests are fulfilled within one to three business days. In-person requests are processed the same day at the counter. Mail requests take five to ten business days plus return-mail time. Bulk requests for cases spanning multiple years may require additional processing time.
How Long Records Are Kept
The Harrison County Chancery Clerk retains probate records permanently and most other record classes for a minimum of 25 years. The Circuit Clerk retains criminal case files for a minimum of 25 years and civil case files for 10 years. Land deed and lien records are retained permanently. Microfilm copies of pre-1987 records are stored at the Harrison County Archives and remain available for in-person inspection.
Official vs. Third-Party Costs
The MEC portal is free for docket searches. Certified copies from the clerk’s office cost $5 to $10 per document. Third-party aggregator sites charge subscription fees ranging from $20 to $50 per month for unlimited searches, plus per-document fees for copies. For legal filings, immigration matters, or official background checks, the clerk’s certified copy is the accepted standard.
Sealed, Expunged, and Restricted Biloxi Court Records
Even with strong transparency laws, Mississippi restricts access to eight categories of records. The restrictions protect minors, medical privacy, and the integrity of pending investigations. Anyone who needs restricted records must follow a specific legal process.
Expungement in Mississippi — Miss. Code § 99-19-57
Mississippi law allows eligible individuals to petition for expungement of certain criminal records. A successful expungement removes the case from public view and, in many cases, physically destroys the file. Eligibility depends on the type of offense, the final disposition, and the time elapsed since the case closed. First-offense non-violent misdemeanors, certain felonies, and dismissed charges often qualify.
To expunge a Harrison County record, file a Petition for Expungement in the Harrison County Circuit Court where the original case was filed. Pay the $150 filing fee, attach certified dispositions for every count listed in the petition, and serve the District Attorney’s office. Attend the scheduled hearing. The judge may grant or deny the petition based on statutory eligibility.
Record Sealing vs. Record Expungement
Sealed records remain on file with the clerk but are blocked from public view. Expunged records are physically destroyed or transferred to a limited-access archive. Sealing leaves a flag in the court system that prevents online display. Expungement removes the entry entirely. The two remedies serve different needs: sealing preserves the file for future legal review; expungement erases the public record.
Juvenile Record Confidentiality
Juvenile court records are confidential under Miss. Code § 43-21-151. The records remain confidential even after the juvenile turns 18, unless the court enters an order releasing them. Only the parties, attorneys, and authorized agencies — such as law enforcement and the Department of Child Protection Services — may access juvenile files.
Adoption and Paternity Records
Adoption records are sealed under Miss. Code § 93-17-101. Access requires a court order. Mississippi allows adult adoptees to request a non-identifying medical history through the Department of Human Services, and the original birth certificate can be released upon a specific judicial finding.
Grand Jury Records Until Disposition
Grand jury proceedings are secret under Mississippi law. Indictments returned by a grand jury are typically unsealed at arraignment. Until that point, the indictment and the underlying testimony remain confidential. Once unsealed, the indictment becomes a public record and appears in the MEC index.
What to Do If a Record Request Is Denied
If a clerk denies a records request, the requester may appeal to the Mississippi Ethics and Open Records Commission under Miss. Code § 25-61-13. The appeal must be filed within 30 days of the denial. The Commission holds a hearing, reviews the request, and orders the records produced if the denial is not supported by a specific statutory exception. A requester who disagrees with the Commission’s decision may further appeal to the Harrison County Chancery Court.
Official Contact Information and Locations
The table below lists the physical addresses, hours, and verified contact details for each records custodian serving Biloxi.
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biloxi Municipal Court Clerk | 514 Esters Boulevard, Biloxi, MS 39530 | (228) 435-6125 | Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Harrison County Circuit Clerk | 1801 23rd Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501 | — | Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Harrison County Chancery Clerk | 1801 23rd Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501 | — | Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Mississippi Administrative Office of Courts | 450 High Street, Jackson, MS 39201 | — | Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Online Portal
The Mississippi Electronic Court System (MEC) is available 24 hours a day at mecs.ms.gov. The portal supports free docket searches, document viewing, and certified-copy ordering. The official Mississippi Judiciary website is courts.ms.gov.
Map: Biloxi and Harrison County Courthouse Locations
Sources, Citations, and Authority Verification
The following statutory and administrative sources support every claim in this resource:
- Mississippi Constitution, Article 3, Section 13 (public access guarantee)
- Mississippi Public Records Act, Miss. Code § 25-61-1 et seq. (2025 codification)
- Mississippi Code, Title 9, Chapter 7 (duties of clerks of court)
- Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 25 (records access)
- Mississippi Uniform Chancery Court Rules
- Mississippi Expungement Statute, Miss. Code § 99-19-57
- Mississippi Administrative Office of Courts, Public Access Policy (2025 update)
- Mississippi Code § 43-21-151 (juvenile records confidentiality)
- Mississippi Code § 93-17-101 (adoption records)
- Harrison County Courthouse, 1801 23rd Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501
- City of Biloxi Municipal Court, 514 Esters Boulevard, Biloxi, MS 39530
- Mississippi Ethics and Open Records Commission ruling database
Last reviewed: 2026-07-31. Next review scheduled: 2027-01-31.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Searching Biloxi court records helps you check criminal backgrounds, verify property liens, and confirm civil judgments before signing a lease. The City of Biloxi Municipal Court, Harrison County Circuit Court, Chancery Court, and Justice Court each store different case types. Knowing which clerk holds your file saves time. Most records stay free to view through state-run portals. This FAQ covers common questions about Biloxi Mississippi court record lookups, search fees, and online access steps.
How do I find Biloxi court records online?
First, go to mscourts.gov or visit the Biloxi Municipal Court page at biloxi.ms.us. Next, click Case Search or Court Records. Then type the party’s last name, case number, or filing date. Results show the case number, hearing date, charges, and party names. Most dockets from 1990 forward appear online. But older files require an in-person visit to the Harrison County Courthouse in Gulfport. Printed copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost $5 each plus postage. Stop by the Municipal Court clerk at 514 Esters Boulevard for local citations.
What types of Harrison County court records can I access in Biloxi?
Harrison County Circuit Court files hold all felonies, divorces, and civil lawsuits over $10,000. For example, find misdemeanors, small claims up to $3,000, and traffic tickets through Justice Court in Gulfport. Next, the Biloxi Municipal Court at 514 Esters Boulevard holds every city citation, DUI arrest, and disorderly conduct charge filed within city limits. Then view land deeds, wills, and probate actions through Harrison County Chancery Court. Finally, pull eviction records, child support orders, name changes, and search warrants through the same clerk. Each venue keeps a separate paper index for decades-old cases.
How much does a Biloxi Mississippi court docket search cost?
Online access stays free through mscourts.gov. You only pay when you need a printed or certified copy. Then standard copies run $1 per page at the clerk window. For example, certified copies of divorce decrees cost $5 for the first page and $2 for each extra page. Mailing fees add $2 for first-class postage. Finally, the Biloxi Municipal Court charges a flat $5 fee for certified ticket dispositions. Cash, money orders, and most major debit or credit cards work at every clerk counter.
Can I search Biloxi court records online from home?
Yes. The Mississippi Electronic Courts system runs 24 hours a day at ecourts.mscourts.gov. First, search by name, birthdate, or Social Security number. Then open the Harrison County Chancery Clerk index at harrisoncountyms.gov for land and probate records. You can view dockets, pay fines, and print receipts without creating an account. Sealed records, juvenile cases, and expunged files stay hidden from public view. Victims can hide addresses through a mail request to the circuit clerk. Finally, public Wi-Fi at any Biloxi library gives free access without a home connection.
What information appears in a Biloxi court case search?
Each case file lists the full legal name of the defendant or plaintiff, case number, filing date, charges or claims, bond amount, attorney name, hearing dates, plea, sentence, and final judgment. Next, civil cases reveal the damages sought, court rulings, and any appeals. Then family cases list children’s initials rather than full names to protect privacy. Sealed exhibits such as psychological reports or medical records never appear online. You need a signed court order to view those hidden files. Finally, the circuit clerk stamps each docket page with the official seal.
How long does a Biloxi court record lookup take?
Most Biloxi public court records searches finish in under two minutes. Phone questions reach the clerk between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. Walk-in help at the Harrison County Courthouse takes 15 to 30 minutes during lunch hours. Once filed, mail requests for older files ship within five business days. Expungement petitions take 30 to 90 days once the circuit judge signs off. Appeal records from the Mississippi Supreme Court or Court of Appeals add another two to four weeks before they post online.