Carthage-ms-leake-county-ms-jail-docket represents the official list of people held at the Leake County Correctional Facility in Mississippi. This jail list changes every day as police make new arrests and courts release people on bail. The jail sits at 399 C. O. Brooks Street in Carthage, Mississippi. It is a medium-security building where adults stay while they wait for their court dates or serve short sentences. Sheriff Randy W. Atkinson and his team run the building. They keep records of every person brought in by the Carthage Police Department or the Leake County Sheriff’s Office. These records include the person’s name, why they were arrested, and how much money they need for bail.
Topical Authority Improvement Plan
- Add sections on Carthage Justice Court vs. Leake County Circuit Court roles.
- Include Mississippi bail bond laws and how they apply to the Carthage docket.
- Explain the differences between misdemeanor and felony holds in Leake County.
- List specific items allowed in inmate mail to reduce rejected letters.
- Describe the MDOC partnership for state inmates held in Carthage.
Intent Map
People searching for this term usually want to see if a friend or family member is in jail. They need to see the charges and the bond amount. Some users want to find out when a person has court. This content meets those needs by providing direct contact data, address details, and explaining how the booking system works. It helps people who need to pay bail or send money for snacks and phone calls. It also serves legal teams looking for public arrest records in Leake County.
How the Carthage MS Jail Docket Works
The jail docket is a public record. It shows who is currently in a cell. When a police officer arrests someone in Carthage, they take them to the intake area. Staff write down the person’s name and take a photo. This photo is a mugshot. They also take fingerprints. The staff looks at the person’s history to see if they have other crimes. All this data goes onto the docket. The docket stays updated as the person moves through the legal system. If a judge changes the bail amount, the docket shows the new price. If the person goes to court, the docket might show the next date they have to appear. This helps the public stay informed about local law enforcement activities.
Details of the Leake County Correctional Facility
The building at 399 C. O. Brooks Street can hold between 120 and 150 people. It has different areas for different types of inmates. Some people stay in the general area. Others stay in protective areas if they are in danger. The jail has about 35 officers who work there. They make sure everyone is safe and follows the rules. They do headcounts many times a day to make sure no one is missing. They also search the cells for things that are not allowed. These searches help keep the jail quiet and safe for the staff and the inmates. The facility processes about 35 new people every month. This means the list of names is always moving. People go home, and new people arrive daily.
The Booking Process in Leake County
Booking is the first step when someone goes to jail. It takes time. Officers must check for weapons or drugs when a person arrives. They take away the person’s clothes and give them a jail uniform. They put the person’s money and phone in a safe bag. The person gets these items back when they leave. A nurse or medic checks the person to see if they are sick. This is important so that no one else gets sick in the jail. After the medical check, the person can make a phone call. This call is usually to a family member or a bail bondsman. The docket will show “booked” once this part is done. This lets the public know the person is officially in the system.
Finding a Name on the Leake County Inmate List
You can see the list by going to the jail or looking at official websites. The sheriff’s office keeps the most current names. You can call 601-298-9003 to ask if someone is there. You must give them the person’s full name and birth date if you know it. This helps them find the right person. Sometimes two people have the same name. The birth date helps tell them apart. The list will show what the person did wrong. This is called the “charge.” It might say something like “speeding” or “theft.” It will also show the bond amount. The bond is the money paid to get out of jail early. If the docket says “No Bond,” it means the person must stay until they see a judge. This happens for serious crimes or if the person missed court before.
Types of Bonds in Carthage MS
There are three main ways to pay a bond in Leake County. A cash bond means you pay the full amount to the court. You get this money back if the person goes to all their court dates. A property bond uses land or a house as a promise. If the person runs away, the court can take the property. A professional bond is when you hire a bail bondsman. You pay them a small part of the total money, usually ten percent. They pay the rest for you. They keep your money as their fee. The jail docket tells you how much the bond is so you can decide which way to pay. The staff at the jail cannot tell you which bondsman to use. You must look them up in a phone book or online.
Visiting Someone at the Leake County Jail
If you want to see someone in the jail, you must follow strict rules. You need a photo ID like a driver’s license. You cannot have a criminal record that makes the jail staff worry. They will check your background before you can go inside. You must dress in a way that is not showing too much skin. Do not wear hats or hoodies. General inmates have visits on weekdays from 9:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon. If the person is in protective custody, you can only see them on Saturdays. That time is from 10:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon. You should call before you go. Sometimes the jail is on “lockdown.” This means no visitors can come inside because of a safety problem. Calling first saves you a trip.
Sending Mail to Inmates in Carthage
Writing letters is a good way to stay in touch. Use the address: 399 C. O. Brooks Street, Carthage, MS 39051. You must put the inmate’s name on the envelope. Do not put stickers or glitter on the letter. Do not spray it with perfume. The staff will open and read the mail. They look for secrets or plans to break rules. They do this to keep the jail safe. Do not send cash in the mail. It might get stolen or lost. If you want to give the person money, use the kiosk in the lobby or a website. The person can use that money to buy snacks, soap, or extra clothes from the commissary. The commissary is like a small store inside the jail. It sells things the jail does not give for free.
The Role of Sheriff Randy W. Atkinson
The Sheriff is the boss of the jail and the county police. He is elected by the people of Leake County every four years. His office is at 316 C. O. Brooks Street. He makes sure the jail follows Mississippi laws. He manages the money used to run the jail. This money pays for food, electricity, and the salaries of the guards. The Sheriff also makes sure the jail is clean. If an inmate has a big problem, the Sheriff’s team looks into it. They also work with the Carthage Police and state troopers. When a different police department catches someone, they bring them to the Sheriff’s jail. The Sheriff’s team then adds them to the Carthage-ms-leake-county-ms-jail-docket.
Legal Rights and Court Dates
Every person on the jail list has rights. They have the right to a lawyer. If they cannot pay for one, the court will give them one for free. This lawyer is a public defender. Inmates also have the right to medical care. If they get hurt or have a toothache, the jail must help them. They have the right to eat and drink water. Most people stay in jail until their trial. A trial is when a judge or jury decides if they did the crime. The docket will show when the trial is. It might take months for a trial to happen. During this time, the person stays on the docket list. Once the trial ends, they either go home or go to a big state prison if the crime was very bad.
Court Systems in Leake County
The Carthage Justice Court handles small crimes. These are called misdemeanors. If someone is caught with a tiny bit of drugs or gets into a small fight, they go here. The Leake County Circuit Court handles big crimes. These are called felonies. These include things like stealing a car or hurting someone badly. The jail docket will show which court is handling the case. This is important for families to know. Each court has its own building and its own judge. You can go to the court to watch the hearing. Most hearings are open to the public. You can see the person talk to the judge. This is when the judge decides if the bond should be lower or higher.
Healthcare Inside the Facility
The jail has a medical wing. It is not a full hospital, but it can handle basic health needs. Nurses check the inmates’ blood pressure and give them their medicine. If someone has a serious disease like diabetes, the medical team makes sure they get insulin. This keeps people from getting very sick while they wait for court. If there is a big emergency, the jail calls an ambulance. The inmate goes to the local hospital in Carthage. Guards stay with the inmate at the hospital the whole time. They make sure the person does not try to leave. This medical care is paid for by the county taxes.
Daily Life for Inmates in Carthage MS
Life in jail follows a tight schedule. Inmates wake up early, usually around 5:00 or 6:00 in the morning. They eat breakfast together. After breakfast, they must clean their cells. Some inmates have jobs in the jail. They might work in the kitchen or the laundry room. Working helps the time go by faster. It also helps the jail run smoothly. In the afternoon, they might get to go outside to the recreation yard. They can walk around or play basketball. This is the only time they get fresh air. They eat dinner early and then go back to their cells for the night. There are no TVs in the cells, but there might be one in the common room that everyone shares. They must be quiet when the lights go out.
Inmate Phone Calls and Communication
Inmates cannot receive phone calls. They can only make them. They use special phones in the housing units. These calls are not free. A family member must set up an account with a company like Securus or GTL. You put money on the account, and the inmate can then call your number. The jail records these calls. Do not talk about the crime on the phone. The police can listen to the recordings and use them in court. If you try to do a three-way call, the system will hang up. This is a rule to prevent inmates from calling people they are not allowed to talk to. Letters are much cheaper than phone calls if you have a lot to say.
Public Records and the Freedom of Information
The Carthage-ms-leake-county-ms-jail-docket is part of public record laws. Mississippi law says that the public has a right to know who the government is holding in jail. This keeps the police from hiding people. It makes the system fair. You do not need a special reason to see the docket. You can ask for a copy of a mugshot or an arrest report. You might have to pay a small fee for the paper and the ink. Most people just look at the online lists because it is faster. The information on these sites is usually updated every few hours. If you see a mistake on the list, you should tell the Sheriff’s office. They want the records to be correct.
How to Search for Specific Records
To find a record, start with the official Leake County website. Look for the “Sheriff” or “Jail” tab. If you cannot find an online list, use third-party sites like StateCourts.org or Jail Exchange. These sites collect data from the jail and put it in one place. They show the bond, the charges, and the booking date. Be careful with some sites that ask for money to see a name. Public records should be free to view. If a site asks for a credit card just to see a name, it is better to call the jail directly at 601-298-9003. They will give you the basic details for free over the phone.
Official Contact and Location Information
Leake County Correctional Facility
Address: 399 C. O. Brooks Street, Carthage, MS 39051
Phone: 601-298-9003
Fax: 601-298-9006
Leake County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 316 C. O. Brooks Street, Carthage, MS 39051
Phone: 601-267-7361
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Visiting Hours:
General Population: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Protective Custody: Saturday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Official Website: leakecountyjail.org
Map Location:
The facility is located in the heart of Carthage, near the intersection of Highway 35 and Highway 16. It is behind the main courthouse area.
Authority and Entity Expansion List
- Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC): Explain how state prisoners are managed within county jails.
- Bail Bond Fees: List the standard 10% fee regulated by Mississippi state law.
- Carthage Police Department: Describe their role in the initial arrest before transfer to the county jail.
- Inmate Trust Accounts: Detail the process of using the lobby kiosk to deposit funds.
- Victim Notification (VINE): Explain how victims can sign up for alerts when an inmate is released.
- Public Defender Office: Provide contact details for legal aid in Leake County.
- Mississippi Criminal Code: Cite specific codes for common charges like DUI or Simple Assault.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find out when someone on the Carthage MS jail docket has court?
Court dates are not always listed on the main jail roster. To find a court date, you should call the court clerk. If the charge is a misdemeanor, call the Carthage Justice Court. If the charge is a felony, call the Leake County Circuit Court. You can also ask the inmate’s lawyer. The jail staff might have the date, but their main job is to hold the inmate, not to manage the court’s calendar. Sometimes dates change at the last minute. The judge might be sick or have too many cases. Checking with the clerk of court the day before the hearing is the best way to be sure. You can also look for the person’s name on the Mississippi electronic courts website, but not all Leake County cases are on that system yet. Always have the case number ready if you have it. This makes the clerk’s job easier and gets you an answer faster. If you show up to court, be sure to arrive early. You must go through a metal detector and turn off your cell phone before entering the courtroom.
What does it mean if the docket says “Hold for Other Agency”?
A “Hold for Other Agency” means the person might be finished with their Leake County charges, but another city or state wants them. For example, if a person has a warrant in Jackson, Mississippi, Leake County will keep them until Jackson police come to pick them up. This can also happen if the person is a runaway or has a federal problem. Sometimes it means they are going to a state prison soon. These holds can keep a person in jail even if they pay their bail for the Carthage charges. You cannot pay a bond to get rid of a “hold” from another agency. The person must wait for the other agency to decide what to do. This process can take a few days or even a week. If the other agency does not come to get the person within a certain amount of time, the jail might have to let them go. You should talk to a lawyer if you see this on the docket. They can call the other agency and find out why the hold is there. This helps you know how much longer the person will be in a cell.
Can I send books or magazines to someone in the Leake County Jail?
Yes, but there are very specific rules for sending reading materials. You cannot just mail a book from your house. The jail only allows books that come directly from a store like Amazon or a bookstore. They must be new and have a soft cover. Hardcover books are not allowed because they can be used as a weapon or to hide items inside the cover. Magazines are usually okay if they do not have pictures of naked people or show violence. The staff will check every page of the book before the inmate gets it. If they find anything bad, they will throw the book away or put it in the inmate’s property bag until they go home. Inmates like getting books because there is not much else to do during the day. It helps them keep their minds busy. If you want to send a book, make sure you put the inmate’s full name and ID number on the shipping label. This ensures the book goes to the right person. If the person is moved to a different jail, the book might not follow them. Check with the jail staff before you spend money on a book to make sure the person is still there.
What happens if someone on the jail list needs medical help?
The Leake County Correctional Facility must provide medical care to all inmates. When a person is booked, they fill out a form about their health. If they take daily medicine for something like high blood pressure or asthma, they must tell the staff. The jail nurse will verify the prescription with the person’s doctor. Then, the jail will give the medicine at the right times. Inmates can also ask to see a doctor by filling out a “sick call” slip. A nurse will see them first. If the problem is serious, a doctor will check them. If an inmate has an emergency, like a heart attack, the guards call 911 immediately. The county pays for the basic medical care, but if the inmate has private insurance, the jail might try to use that first. It is very important for family members to tell the jail if a loved one has a serious health problem. This helps the staff keep the person safe and healthy while they stay in the facility. No one should be denied help if they are truly sick or hurting.
How do I get someone’s property after they are arrested and put on the docket?
When someone is arrested, the police take their keys, wallet, phone, and other personal items. These are stored in the jail property room. If the inmate wants you to have their things, they must sign a release form. This form gives the jail permission to hand the items to you. You cannot just show up and ask for the property. Once the form is signed, you can go to the jail during business hours. You must show your ID to the officer. They will check the form and then bring the bag of items to you. Usually, the jail will not give you the person’s clothes unless they are going to state prison for a long time. They mostly give back things like car keys so someone can move the person’s car. If the person has a lot of money in their wallet, the jail might put it into an inmate account instead of giving it to you. The inmate can then use that money or sign a check to give it to you. Each jail has its own way of doing this, so calling the property officer first is a smart move.
What is the difference between the Leake County Jail and a State Prison?
The Leake County Jail is for people who just got arrested or have short sentences. Most people here are waiting for their court date. If a judge sentences someone to three years or less, they might stay at the county jail. If the sentence is longer than three years, they go to a state prison run by the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC). State prisons are much bigger and have more programs like school or job training. The jail in Carthage is smaller and meant for short stays. Some people stay in the Carthage jail even if they have a long sentence because the state prisons are too full. These people are called “state inmates.” The state pays the county to keep them there. The rules for state inmates can be different from the rules for local inmates. For example, state inmates might have different visiting days or be allowed to work on crews that clean the roads. You can see on the Carthage-ms-leake-county-ms-jail-docket if someone is a state inmate or a local inmate by looking at their sentencing information.
How can I pay for an inmate’s phone calls or snacks?
You can add money to an inmate’s account in three ways. First, you can use the kiosk machine in the lobby of the jail at 399 C. O. Brooks Street. This machine takes cash or credit cards. You just need the inmate’s name. Second, you can go to a website like Tiger Commissary or the jail’s official site to pay online. This is the fastest way if you do not live in Carthage. Third, you can sometimes use the phone to add money. The money is split into two parts. One part is for the commissary. This is for buying food, socks, and soap. The other part is for phone calls. The phone account is usually handled by a company like Securus. You must make sure you put the money in the right place. If you put it all in the commissary account, the inmate cannot use it to call you. They can only use it to buy things. Always check the fees before you pay. These companies often charge a few dollars every time you add money. It is cheaper to add a large amount once than a small amount many times.