DeSoto County, MS
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Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.

Main

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  • Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.
    Main
  • Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.
    Main

Youth Court

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  • Yes. You may ask for a school excuse after your child’s hearing is completed.
    Youth Court
  • No. The Juvenile Court only handles custody matters that involve abuse, neglect, and delinquency issues. Juvenile Court does not handle matters between parents.
    Youth Court
  • No. Those matters are heard by a different court.
    Youth Court
  • Yes. The clerk of the court must issue a summons to the child named in the petition, the person or persons who have custody or control of the child; the parent or guardian of the child if such parent or guardian does not have custody of the child; and any other person whom the court deems necessary.
    Youth Court
  • Yes. The parent must be personally served unless service is waived, notarized,and returned to the court prior to the child’s court date.
    Youth Court
  • You should dress comfortably, but not too casually. Dress for court as if you were going to work or an important event. You might want to wear layered clothing since courtroom temperatures may vary considerably, requiring the removal or addition of a sweater or jacket. House slippers or pajamas are not permitted. Cellular phones are not allowed in the courtroom. Hats are only allowed to be worn in the courtroom for religious reasons.
    Youth Court
  • In all delinquency cases, you can request that an attorney be appointed for your child at no cost if you are unable to afford representation for your child. At the first appearance court date, you will be given the opportunity to swear out an affidavit requesting a free attorney be appointed for your child.
    Youth Court

Justice Court

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  • The jurisdictional limit in Justice Court is $3,500.
    Justice Court
  • The civil clerk can assist you to determine if your case is DeSoto County Jurisdiction; however, the final decision will be made by you.
    Justice Court
  • All you need is the defendant's name and address and the filing fee.
    Justice Court
  • Justice Court
  • You will need the full business name and the name of their agent of process.
    Justice Court
  • You can ask the business or call the secretary of state at (800) 256-3494.
    Justice Court
  • If the defendant was properly served and fails to appear, the judge can give you a default judgment.
    Justice Court
  • Ten days after court, you can flag the defendant's credit or garnish wages. You can check with the civil clerk for details on these processes.
    Justice Court
  • The court will notify you of the problem, and allow you time to get a new address for service. This process may require an additional fee.
    Justice Court
  • Yes. You can obtain one continuance by phone. All others must appear.
    Justice Court
  • The court accepts cash, cashier's check, money order, Visa or MasterCard. If paying by mail, be sure to include your ticket number with all payments. You can also pay online.

    Justice Court
  • No. The court cannot recommend or refer you to an attorney
    Justice Court
  • No. However, if you choose not to hire an attorney, you will be required to sign a form waiving your right to council.
    Justice Court
  • You can call the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office at (662) 429-1470.
    Justice Court
  • Payment is required in full by the date at the bottom of your ticket.
    Justice Court
  • Yes. You can file a case only if the incident took place within the county limits. If the incident took place in city limits, you will file in that city court.
    Justice Court
  • You can attend Driving School as long as you have no prior tickets in the last three years and the judge approves it.
    Justice Court
  • You may file an appeal within 30 days on the judge's ruling.
    Justice Court
  • No, all court proceedings must take place in open court to the public.
    Justice Court
  • No, this is ex parte communication and is not allowed in the court system.
    Justice Court
  • Your driver's license will be suspended and the judge may issue a warrant for your arrest.
    Justice Court

Sheriff

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  • To file a report, you can call the DeSoto County Sheriff's Department at 662-469-8027 and have a deputy come out to your location. You may also come to the sheriff's department at 3091 Industrial Dr. W. Hernando, MS 38632 to file a report.

    Sheriff
  • To obtain a copy of a report you may come to the sheriff's department to pick up a copy or call the sheriff's department at 662-469-8027. You must be listed as a complainant or victim in the report to get a copy and also have a valid ID with you. If you are an insurance company or attorney's office, you may mail a request on company letterhead to the Desoto County Sheriff's Department, Attn: Report Request 3091 Industrial Dr. W.. Hernando, MS 38632 and include a check for $10. Reports are generally completed and ready within 5-7 business days. Accident reports can also be obtained by visiting:

    Sheriff
  • For non-emergency calls, please call 662-469-8027 or 662-469-8500.

    Always call 911 for any emergency situation which requires a sheriff , fire department, or EMS response. 

    Sheriff

Chancery Clerk

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  • A TODD is a legal document that transfers an individual's interest in real property to one or more designated beneficiaries effective at the transferor's death, but does not change the ownership or right to the property until the death of the transferor. More information about TODDs is available on the Land Title Association of Mississippi website

    Chancery Clerk
  • The Chancery Clerk's office posts the Foreclosure Notices both in the courthouse on a bulletin board and online on our webpage. Follow the link included for more information.

    Chancery Clerk
  • Review our Plat Requirements document.

    Chancery Clerk
  • Please download the handout prepared by the Chancery Clerk's office.

    Chancery Clerk
  • Please download the handout prepared by the Chancery Clerk's Office with detailed instructions for how to perform this search.

    Chancery Clerk

Emergency Services

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  • For burn permits, please call 662-469-8080.
    Emergency Services

Planning Department

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  • Please contact the Planning Department at (662) 469-8157 for the zoning of your property.
    Planning Department

GIS

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  • GIS stands for Geographic Information System.
    GIS
  • The fees vary depending on the request and types of data.
    GIS

Civil Process

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  • There is a $35.00 processing fee to serve one paper to one defendant. Any additional papers to be served on the defendant or another defendant at the same address is an additional $1.00. Checks or money orders are accepted made payable to DeSoto County Sheriff's Department.
    Civil Process

Animal Services

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  • DeSoto County Animal Services covers the unincorporated areas of the County. We do not cover the cities of Hernando (662-429-9096), Olive Branch (662-895-4582), Southaven (662-796-2491 Ext #3) or Horn Lake (662-393-5857).You must call your city's Animal Services office for assistance.
    Animal Services

Procurement

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  • We’re excited to announce the launch of our new Vendor Self‑Serve (VSS) portal! 

    This platform gives you real-time access to your purchase orders, invoices, and payments, and lets you easily upload important documents like W‑9 forms and address updates. Best of all, it ensures your vendor information stays current and accurate.

    Key Details:

    • Vendor Self‑Serve (VSS) is now the exclusive way to register as a vendor with DeSoto County.
    • You will need to create your VSS profile. To get started, you’ll need your Vendor Number, which can be found on any of your past purchase orders or checks.
    • If you can’t locate your Vendor Number after reviewing the attachment, we’re happy to help—just reach out, and we'll provide it.

    Feel free to contact the Finance Department if you have any questions or need assistance getting started. https://selfservice.desotocountyms.gov/vss/Vendors/

    Procurement

Jail

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  • Visit our online jail docket for inmate information.

    Jail
  • Visit our online jail docket for all inmate information.

    Jail
  • We have a video visitation system. You can come to the jail visitation area to make an appointment or schedule an appointment online on Securus Technologies website. Visitation s Monday-Friday between the hours of 9:00 am-10:30 am, 1:00 pm- 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm- 9:00pm. Visit Securus Techologies' website for more information on visiting from home.
    Jail
  • Money can be deposited on an inmate's account via the commissary kiosks that are located in the jail lobby as well as the visitation area. Cash and Credit Card are the only tender accepted. Checks and Money Orders are not accepted. Visit the below website to deposit money online to an inmate's account.
    Jail
  • The Jail South Location was constructed in 2012 and all the inmates are booked and released there. Since this location is relatively new, Google maps and other mapping sites have not accurately maped the area. Therefore, if you put 3091 Industrial Drive West Hernando, MS into your smartphone or gps. It will guide you to the Jail South Location.. Also, if you call 662-469-8570 the automated phone line will give you directions.
    Jail

Board of Supervisors

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  • Please view our voting district map to find out what district you are in.
    Board of Supervisors
  • The minutes are recorded in the office of the Chancery Clerk, which is located on the 1st floor of the DeSoto County Courthouse at 2535 Highway 51 S in Hernando. The minutes are also published online.
    Board of Supervisors
  • Contact the County Administrator's office at (662) 469-8180.
    Board of Supervisors
  • Board meetings are regularly scheduled for the first and third Monday of each month. Please refer to the Board of Supervisors calendar for specific dates. The agenda is published in the Agenda Center on the Thursday prior to the meeting.
    Board of Supervisors
  • Board Meetings are held in the Board Room on the 3rd floor of the DeSoto County Administration Building at 365 Losher Street in Hernando.
    Board of Supervisors
  • Many public records are currently available on the County's web site at no cost. Read more about public records requests on the Board of Supervisor's web page.
    Board of Supervisors

Juvenile Justice Facility

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  • Shampoo and deodorant in clear containers, white thermal underwear, prescription medication, stamps and envelopes.
    Juvenile Justice Facility
  • Juveniles can receive one fifteen minute phone call a day from parents and legal guardians only.

    Juvenile Justice Facility
  • A juvenile has the right to a detention hearing within 48 hours of being arrested, not counting weekends or holidays, and an adjudication hearing within 21 days.
    Juvenile Justice Facility
  • Parents and legal guardians only.
    Juvenile Justice Facility
  • Clergy can visit with a valid picture ID and prior approval by your parent or legal guardian.
    Juvenile Justice Facility

Circuit Court

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  • The 17th Judicial District court is held in DeSoto County at the Courthouse located at 2535 Highway 51 South, Hernando, MS 38632.
    Circuit Court
  • You must register online through the MEC website.
    Circuit Court

County Court

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  • Please read this document explaining Domestic Abuse Protection Orders.
    County Court

Voter Registration

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  • Find Your Polling Place and Sample Ballot

    Click the link above and type in your address where it says 'Type address here.' Once your address comes up, there is election and polling information, along with the sample ballot for your address. 


    Voter Registration
  • You can register in person or mail the voter registration form to the Circuit Clerk’s office located in the DeSoto County Courthouse at 2535 Hwy 51 South, Room 200 Hernando, MS 38632.

    Voter Registration
  • Any of the following IDs may be used: A driver's license A photo ID issued by a branch, department or entity of the State of Mississippi A United States Passport A government employee ID card A firearms license A student photo ID issued by an accredited Mississippi university, college or community/junior college A United State military ID A tribal photo ID Any other photo ID issued by any branch, department, agency or entity of the United States government or any State government A Mississippi Voter Identification card
    Voter Registration
  • Any eligible voter who does NOT have an acceptable form of photo ID qualifies for a FREE Mississippi Voter Identification card.
    Voter Registration
  • To get a FREE Mississippi Voter ID card, the voter must bring any ONE of the following to the Circuit Clerk’s office: • Any expired but valid photo identity document having the voter’s name and photograph issued by the U.S. government or any U.S. state • A birth certificate or any other document with the voter’s full legal name, date and place of birth • A Social Security card • A Medicare card • A Medicaid card • A Mississippi Voter Registration Card • Any of the following, as long as it includes the voter’s name and current address: • Utility bill issued within the preceding six (6) months • Bank statement issued within the preceding six (6) months • Paycheck issued within the preceding six (6) months • Government check issued within the preceding six (6) months • IRS Form W-2, Wages and Tax Statement issued within the current calendar year.
    Voter Registration
  • FREE transportation will be available to voters who need help getting a Mississippi Voter ID card. For more information about this program, contact the Secretary of State's Voter ID toll-free hotline at 1-855-868-3745 or 1-844-678-6837; visit www.MSVoterID.ms.gov or email MSVoterID@sos.ms.gov.
    Voter Registration

Fire Services

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  • For burn permits, please call 662-469-8080.
    Fire Services

I-269 Corridor Study

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  • Although the study will consider regional development influences in DeSoto County as a whole, it will primarily focus on a defined study area. The defined study area includes approximately 112,700 acres of land within DeSoto County, roughly bounded from 2 miles north and 2 miles south of the existing alignment of Interstate 69 and the proposed alignment of Interstate 269, and from Highway 61 to the Marshall County line. Click the link to view the Study Area Map.
    I-269 Corridor Study

Sheriff's Department Community Relations

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  • Public Information Officer, Tish Clark, of the DeSoto County Sheriff's Department at  email: Tclark@desotocountyms.gov.

    Sheriff's Department Community Relations

Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

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  • DeSoto County EMS billing department can be reached at (662) 469-8016.
    Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Veteran Services

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  • No. The Veteran Services Office is a department within DeSoto County, and the mission of this office is to assist all Veterans, Service Members, Surviving Spouses, and Veterans' families with obtaining all deserved Federal and State benefits of which they qualify.
    Veteran Services

Chancery Court

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  • Follow the Mississippi Rules of Court for the Third Chancery District. These rules are found on the Supreme Court's website https://courts.ms.gov/research/rules/rules.php

    Chancery Court
  • DeSoto County maintains Chancery Court records in MEC (Mississippi Electronic Courts). You can come into the office and use our free public terminals or you can register for a user ID with the Supreme Court on their website https://www.pamecapps.mec.ms.gov/onlinereg/

    Chancery Court

Stormwater

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  • Stormwater is rainwater that collects on our rooftops, parking lots, road ways and other impervious (hard) surfaces. This water flows into the storm drainage system to our local rivers and streams untreated. As stormwater flows along, it picks up harmful pollutants (such as automotive fluids, trash, pet waste, fertilizers, and pesticides) which can harm our drinking water and the wildlife that live in and near our rivers and streams.


    Stormwater
  • Non‐point source (NPS) pollution refers to water pollution from diffuse sources. Non‐point source water pollution affects a water body from sources such as polluted runoff from agricultural areas draining into a river, or wind‐borne debris blowing out to sea. Although these pollutants have originated from a point source, the long‐range transportability and multiple sources of the pollutant make it a non‐point source of pollution. Non‐point source pollution can be contrasted with point source pollution, where discharges occur to a body of water or into the atmosphere at a single location.

    Stormwater
  • Nutrients can enter stormwater in a variety of ways, including activities from landscaping, leaks from sanitary sewers and septic systems, and animal wastes.

    Stormwater
  • No. Stormwater does not get treated at the waste water treatment plant. Stormwater flows untreated to our local rivers and streams.

    Stormwater
  • Any hard or disturbed surfaced area that either prevents or slows down the natural entry of water into the soil. Rooftops, buildings, streets, parking lots, sidewalks, asphalt, concrete, other paving, driveways, compacted gravel, patios, artificial turf and storage areas are all examples of impervious surfaces. These improvements affect natural infiltration, create more runoff, increase the rate of runoff and alter runoff patterns of stormwater that drains from an area.

    Stormwater
  • Polluted stormwater runoff is the number one cause of water pollution in Mississippi. Stormwater is not treated before it enters our waterways. This pollution creates numerous costs to the public and wildlife. 

    Polluted water can also hurt wildlife that lives in and around creeks, streams and rivers. Soil erosion covers up fish habitats, fertilizers can cause algae to grow, and oil and chemicals can make fish and animals sick. Having pollutants entering our waterways not only hurts our drinking water, but also harms our environment as well.

    The amount or quantity of stormwater is also a problem. When rain water falls on hard surfaces, such as parking lots and roads, it cannot seep into the ground. It runs off to lower areas. This water runoff can cause flooding if there is not adequate drainage to safely carry the water from these hard surfaces to rivers, lakes and streams. Flooding can cause damage to yards, buildings, and vehicles. Flooding can also lead to health hazards, such as mold and disease.

    Stormwater
  • Stormwater is managed by using “Best Management Practices” or BMPs. BMPs are designed to help keep pollutants out of runoff and slow down high volumes of runoff. However, preventing pollution from entering waterways is much more affordable than cleaning it up afterwards. This is the basis of our public education program, and is one of the BMPs that are used.

    There are also laws that require people and businesses that disturb the soil to take steps to prevent erosion, as well as laws that make dumping materials into waterways illegal. There are laws about litter, picking up after pets, and dumping materials into storm drains that also help to prevent pollution.

    Stormwater
  • Environmental regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency and Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality require that new developments use BMP’s to control the runoff rate, so that it is not more than before development began. This can be done using a variety of ways, from detention ponds to underground filtration units. Our ordinance also states the requirements and that new development must manage and control stormwater.

    Stormwater
  • We can find a lot of different pollutants in the storm drainage system, including: paint thinner, paint, used motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides and fertilizers, sediments containing heavy metals, paper trash and bottles, human and animal feces, dead animals, and food wrappers.

    Stormwater
  • How much is the Stormwater permitting fee? $100/ac

    How much is the re-inspection fee? $100

    Can I pay the fees online?  Yes click here

    Who do I make the check out to?  DeSoto County Stormwater

    Where do I mail the check?

    DeSoto County

    Dept of Road Management & Engineering

    c/o Mrs. Cathy Barham

    2373 Gwynn Rd

    Nesbit, MS 38651

    Stormwater
  • I need to file a stormwmater complaint. Fill out the following Drainage Complaint Form.

    I need to speak to the Stormwater Manager.  Contact Road Manager Robert Jarman at 662.469.8730

    I need help obtaining a permit.  Contact Civil Engineer Scott Young 662.469.8736

    I need to know the status of a permit.  Contact Stormwater Coordinator Cathy Barham at 662.469.8731

    I need a stormwater inspection.  Contact Lead Drainage Inspector Coby Ayers at 662.469.8747

    I need a driveway culvert inspection.  Contact Surveyor Jack Etheridge at 662.469.8739

    What is the Stormwater Hotline? 662.429.8025

    What is considered normal business office hours? 7:00 am ‐3:30 pm Monday‐Friday

    Stormwater

Agri-Education Center Rentals

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  • 1170 Starlanding Road West, Nesbit, MS 38651

    Agri-Education Center Rentals
  • Yes! The Center offers ample onsite parking for visitors, including designated areas for trailers and RVs.

    Agri-Education Center Rentals
  • The facility is ideal for:

    • Agricultural programs and demonstrations
    • Community meetings and workshops
    • Cooking and nutrition classes
    • Livestock and equestrian events
    • Educational events and field days
    • Outdoor festivals, races, and more
    Agri-Education Center Rentals
  • For all rental inquiries, availability, or event questions, please contact:

    Niki Schoggen, Event Coordinator
    Phone: 662-469-8065
    Email Niki Schoggen

    Or

    Fill out this form to inquire about our venues


    Agri-Education Center Rentals
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