Jones County Court operates through two judicial districts serving residents in Ellisville and Laurel, Mississippi. The First Judicial District sits at 101 N. Court Street, Suite B, Ellisville, MS 39437, reachable at 601-477-8538. The Second Judicial District operates from 415 N. 5th Avenue, Laurel, MS 39440, with phone 601-425-2556. Both offices keep standard hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the Jones County courthouse doors close at 5:00 p.m. Circuit Court Judge Dal Williamson presides over the 18th Circuit District from P.O. Box 65, Laurel 39441, and Hon. M. Wayne Thompson serves as Jones County Court Judge at 5170 Hwy 11 N, Ellisville. Greg “Red” Dickerson acts as Circuit Clerk and oversees the Jones County clerk of court files for civil, criminal, youth, and county divisions. Check the Jones County court schedule posted at the Jones County courthouse, or contact the Jones County court phone number for current hearing dates. Whether you need Jones County family court assistance, Jones County traffic court guidance, or Jones County probate court documents, both courthouse locations offer in-person service and telephone support.
Jones County Court records became fully digital when the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system went live on December 18, 2017, and the statewide rollout was completed in 2025. Anyone needing Jones County court case search results can use the PAMEC portal to perform a Jones County case lookup by name, case number, or filing date. E-filing accepts PDF documents up to 800 MB, and merges documents up to 300 MB. PAMEC contact details include phone 601-576-4650 and email helpdesk@mec.ms.gov for technical questions. Public access terminals at both courthouse locations help visitors review the Jones County court docket, Jones County court calendar, and Jones County court case status without an account. Filing fees and service costs—such as the $37 cash-only marriage license and the $20 passport photo fee—are set by Mississippi statutes. Jones County court payment, Jones County jury duty summons, and Jones County court public records access requests are all handled through the same clerk’s offices.
Jones County Court Case Search and Records Lookup
Jones County Court records moved online through the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system, and every person can now run a Jones County case lookup from home. The statewide system went live for Jones County and finished its full launch across all 82 Mississippi counties in July 2025. Visitors can open the official portal at the Mississippi Electronic Courts Portal to begin a Jones County court case search by name, case number, or filing date.
The portal connects to the Public Access to Mississippi Electronic Courts (PAMEC) tool, which holds civil, criminal, youth, and county court files. Anyone using the system can view basic docket entries, party names, filing dates, hearing times, and the Jones County court case status without creating an account.
Steps Search Method
- https://courts.ms.gov/
- Open the Mississippi Electronic Courts Portal on a phone, tablet, or computer.
- Select PAMEC Public Access from the menu options listed on the page.
- Choose Jones County from the county drop-down box.
- Type a last name, business name, or full case number into the search field.
- Pick a date range if needed for the Jones County court calendar or hearing schedule.
- Press Search and review the list of matching Jones County court records.
- Click any case number to see the full Jones County court docket and all filed documents.
Jones County Circuit Court and 18th Judicial District
Jones County Circuit Court serves as the main trial court for felony criminal cases, large civil lawsuits, domestic relations, and appeals from lower courts. The court sits inside the 18th Circuit District, which now covers Jones, Wayne, Greene, and George counties after legislation expanded its reach in 2025. Circuit Court Judge Dal Williamson presides from his chambers at P.O. Box 65, Laurel 39441, and his office fax line is 601-428-3189.
Felony jury trials, Jones County criminal court hearings, and Jones County civil court disputes above $200 all start in this court. The Circuit Clerk files every pleading, issues summons, and stores the Jones County court records for these cases. Greg “Red” Dickerson holds the Circuit Clerk position and runs both district offices.
Types of Cases Heard
- Felony criminal prosecutions and Jones County court arraignment matters
- Civil lawsuits involving money or property disputes
- Divorce, custody, and Jones County family court petitions
- Appeals from Justice Court and County Court decisions
- Probate matters, including wills and estate administration
Jones County Court Judges and Officials
Jones County Court relies on elected judges and appointed clerks to keep each division running on schedule. Circuit Court Judge Dal Williamson handles the felony docket at the 18th Circuit District. County Court Judge Hon. M. Wayne Thompson presides over the Jones County Court at 5170 Hwy 11 N, Ellisville. Circuit Clerk Greg “Red” Dickerson manages filings for both judicial districts and supervises deputy clerks.
| Position | Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court Judge, 18th District | Dal Williamson | P.O. Box 65, Laurel, MS 39441 |
| Jones County Court Judge | Hon. M. Wayne Thompson | 5170 Hwy 11 N, Ellisville, MS |
| Circuit Clerk | Greg “Red” Dickerson | 101 Court Street, Suite B, Ellisville, MS |
Deputy clerks handle daily walk-in service, process marriage license applications, and answer questions about the Jones County court schedule. Any person who needs to confirm a Jones County court hearing schedule can call the clerk’s office during business hours.
Jones County Civil Court and Criminal Court Matters
Jones County civil court cases start with a complaint filed through the Circuit Clerk’s office in either Ellisville or Laurel. Small disputes under the county limit may go to Justice Court instead, while larger claims head to Circuit Court. Filings cost money based on the claim amount, and the fee schedule comes from Mississippi state law.
Jones County criminal court matters begin with an arrest, then move to an arraignment where the defendant enters a plea. Felony cases stay in Circuit Court under Judge Williamson, and misdemeanor charges stay in County Court under Judge Thompson. Public access terminals in each courthouse let visitors review the Jones County court docket and check the Jones County court case status without paying a fee.
Civil Court Process Steps
- File the complaint with the Circuit Clerk and pay the filing fee.
- Have the defendant served with a summons by the sheriff or a process server.
- Wait for an answer from the other side within the legal deadline.
- Attend hearings and trials listed on the Jones County court calendar.
- Receive a judgment, then pursue an appeal if needed.
Jones County Family Court and Probate Court Services
Jones County family court matters include divorce, child custody, child support, and adoption petitions. These cases file in Chancery Court or Circuit Court, depending on the issue, and the clerk’s office accepts the paperwork during business hours. Parents seeking custody changes can ask the clerk about mediation options available through Jones County court mediation services.
Jones County probate court work covers wills, estate administration, guardianships, and conservatorships. Probate filings require a death certificate, the original will, and a petition form available from the clerk’s office. Most probate hearings take place at the Second Judicial District courthouse in Laurel.
Family Court Services Offered
- Divorce petitions and final decrees
- Child custody and visitation orders
- Child support calculations and modifications
- Adoption filings and termination of parental rights
- Domestic violence protection orders
Jones County Traffic Court and Small Claims Court
Jones County traffic court cases handle speeding tickets, driving under suspension, and other moving violations. Justice Court hears most traffic tickets and sets fine amounts based on Mississippi state traffic laws. Defendants can pay the Jones County court payment online, by mail, or in person at the courthouse.
Jones County small claims court covers disputes for amounts up to $3,500 in Justice Court. The plaintiff fills out a simple form, pays a small filing fee, and serves the defendant with a court date. Small claims hearings move quickly and usually finish within 30 minutes.
Traffic Court Options
- Pay the fine online through the Mississippi state payment portal
- Appear at the courthouse and enter a guilty plea
- Request a court hearing to contest the ticket
- Complete a driving school if the judge approves
Jones County Court Forms and Filing Fees
Jones County court forms come from the Mississippi Administrative Office of Courts and sit on the state judiciary website. Common forms include civil complaints, answers, motions, and probate petitions. Forms come as PDF or Word files that residents can download and fill out at home before visiting the clerk’s office.
Jones County court fees follow the state fee schedule set by Mississippi statutes. The fee amounts depend on the case type and the claim size. Cash, money orders, and most major cards are accepted at both district offices.
| Service | Fee | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage license | $37 | Cash only |
| Passport photo | $20 | Cash or money order |
| Civil case filing | Varies by claim amount | Cash, money order, card |
| Small claims filing | Set by state statute | Cash, money order, card |
The clerk office posts current fee details at each courthouse window. Call ahead to confirm the fee for a specific filing before visiting the Jones County clerk of court office.
Jones County E-Filing and MEC System
Jones County e-filing lets attorneys and self-represented filers submit court papers through the Mississippi Electronic Courts system. The portal accepts PDF documents up to 800 MB and merges documents up to 300 MB. Filers create a free account, pick the correct case type, and upload each document with a filing code.
The MEC system also powers the Jones County court case search function that the public uses every day. PAMEC support staff answer technical questions at 601-576-4650 or through the email helpdesk at helpdesk@mec.ms.gov. Same-day support runs Monday through Friday during normal state business hours.
E-Filing Steps
- Register for an account on the Mississippi Electronic Courts portal.
- Choose Jones County as the court location.
- Select the case type from the drop-down menu.
- Upload the PDF document and enter any required fees.
- Submit the filing and wait for a confirmation email.
- Check the Jones County court docket for the filed entry.
Jones County Jury Duty and Court Calendar
Jones County jury duty summons go out by mail to residents selected from the county voter registration and driver’s license lists. Jurors receive a reporting date, time, and courthouse location with the official summons letter. The Jones County court calendar lists every trial and hearing scheduled for the week or month ahead. Jurors can check reporting instructions online or call the clerk’s office for help. Failure to appear for jury duty can result in a contempt citation, so jurors should call ahead if an emergency arises.
Jury Duty Checklist
- Bring the official summons letter to the courthouse
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before the reporting time
- Bring a valid photo ID and proof of residence
- Dress in business casual clothing
- Leave cell phones and personal electronics in the car or turned off
Jones County Court ADA Accommodations and Interpreter
Jones County court ADA accommodations help people with disabilities take part in hearings and trials. The court provides wheelchair access, large-print forms, and assistive listening devices at both courthouse locations. Visitors who need a service animal or a sign language interpreter should call the clerk’s office at least three business days before the hearing date. Jones County court interpreter services cover Spanish, Vietnamese, and many other languages spoken in the area. The court pays for certified interpreters in criminal cases, while civil parties may need to arrange and pay for their own interpreter. Contact the Jones County court administration office to set up these services.
How to Request Accommodations
- Call the clerk’s office during business hours at 601-477-8538 or 601-425-2556.
- Describe the type of accommodation needed for the hearing.
- Provide the case number and hearing date from the Jones County court schedule.
- Wait for confirmation from the court administration office.
- Arrive early on the hearing date to allow setup time.
Jones County Court Public Records Access
Jones County court public records access opens court files for review by any member of the public. Basic docket entries, party names, and hearing dates are free to view through the PAMEC portal. Printed copies and certified copies cost a small fee per page set by Mississippi state law.
Records that are sealed by court order remain private, and the clerk’s office cannot release them without a court order. Researchers and journalists can request bulk records through the Jones County court administration office using the Mississippi Public Records Act process.
Public Access Terminal Locations
- First Judicial District lobby in Ellisville
- Second Judicial District lobby in Laurel
- PAMEC portal from any computer with internet access
- Mississippi Supreme Court library in Jackson
Jones County Court Appeals Process
The Jones County court appeals process starts with filing a notice of appeal with the Circuit Clerk within 30 days of the final judgment. The appellant pays a filing fee and orders the court transcript from the court reporter. The clerk’s office sends the full record to the Mississippi Court of Appeals or Supreme Court for review. Appellate courts review the lower court decision for legal errors rather than retrying the facts of the case. Most appeals take several months to a year to finish, depending on the complexity of the issues raised.
Appeal Filing Checklist
- File the notice of appeal on time with the Circuit Clerk
- Pay the appeal filing fee set by Mississippi statutes
- Order the court transcript from the official court reporter
- Submit the appellate brief by the deadline set by the court
- Attend any oral argument scheduled by the appellate court
Jones County Court Self-Help Center
The Jones County court self-help center offers free legal forms, instructions, and referrals for self-represented parties. The center does not give legal advice but helps visitors find the right forms for their situation. Staff can explain court procedures and direct people to local legal aid groups when needed. The self-help center sits inside the Second Judicial District courthouse in Laurel. Visitors can walk in during business hours without an appointment.
Self-Help Topics Covered
- How to file a small claims case
- How to respond to a civil complaint
- How to request a name change
- How to file an uncontested divorce
- How to obtain a protection order
Jones County Court Transcript and Court Reporter
Jones County court transcript requests go through the official court reporter assigned to each courtroom. Transcripts take time to prepare and cost money per page based on the state rate schedule. Parties who need a rush transcript should ask the court reporter about expedited options and fees. Court reporters attend every hearing and trial to create the official record. Audio recordings only become available when a transcript cannot be produced in a reasonable time. Contact the clerk’s office to find out which court reporter covers a specific courtroom.
Jones County Court Mediation Services
Jones County court mediation services help parties settle disputes without going to trial. A neutral mediator meets with both sides to find common ground on issues like custody, property, and money. The court may order mediation in family cases and small civil lawsuits before setting a trial date.
Mediation costs less than a trial and usually finishes in a single day. Parties who reach an agreement file the settlement with the clerk office, which becomes a binding court order.
Benefits of Court Mediation
- Lower cost than a full trial
- Faster resolution for both parties
- Private setting rather than a public courtroom
- Greater control over the outcome
- Less stress on families in Jones County family court cases
Jones County Court News and Public Hearings
Jones County court news and public hearing schedules are posted on the Mississippi judiciary website and in local newspapers. The clerk’s office also posts daily docket sheets at each courthouse entrance for visitors to review. Local TV stations and newspapers cover major trials and high-profile cases from the 18th Circuit District.
Court live stream options are limited in Jones County, but the Mississippi Supreme Court live streams oral arguments on its website. Check the Mississippi Judiciary homepage for the live stream link during scheduled sessions.
Where to Find Court News
- Mississippi Judiciary official website
- Local Laurel and Ellisville newspapers
- County courthouse bulletin boards
- Local TV and radio station websites
- Jones County government social media pages
Contact, Local Details, and Map
The Jones County Court main office for the First Judicial District sits at 101 N. Court Street, Suite B, Ellisville, MS 39437. The Second Judicial District office sits at 415 N. 5th Avenue, Laurel, MS 39440. Both offices stay open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and close on state holidays.
Residents can reach the clerk’s office by phone at 601-477-8538 for the First Judicial District and 601-425-2556 for the Second Judicial District. The official statewide portal at Mississippi Electronic Courts handles online case searches and e-filing. The Mississippi Judiciary main page posts news, forms, and statewide court information.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Website | https://courts.ms.gov/ |
| First District Phone | 601-477-8538 |
| Second District Phone | 601-425-2556 |
| PAMEC Helpdesk Phone | 601-576-4650 |
| PAMEC Helpdesk Email | helpdesk@mec.ms.gov |
| First District Address | 101 N. Court Street, Suite B, Ellisville, MS 39437 |
| Second District Address | 415 N. 5th Avenue, Laurel, MS 39440 |
| Visiting Hours | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday |
Frequently Asked Questions
Jones County Court serves residents across Mississippi through two courthouse locations in Ellisville and Laurel. The court handles civil cases, criminal matters, youth proceedings, marriage licenses, and passport applications. Greg Dickerson serves as Circuit Clerk, and both offices operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Below you will find answers to common questions about searching records, filing documents, and contacting the court.
How do I search Jones County Court case records online?
You can run a Jones County Court case search through the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system at no cost. The portal lets you look up cases by party name, case number, or filing date. Both Jones County courthouse locations went live on the MEC system on December 18, 2017. After July 2025, every Mississippi county joined this statewide electronic system for public records. If you need help, contact the PAMEC helpdesk at 601-576-4650 or email helpdesk@mec.ms.gov today.
Where are the Jones County Courthouse locations?
The Jones County Courthouse operates two courthouse sites for residents across the county. The First Judicial District sits at 101 N. Court Street, Suite B, Ellisville, MS 39437. Next, the Second Judicial District stands at 415 N. 5th Avenue, Laurel, MS 39440. Both offices open at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Each location houses court staff ready to help with filing questions. Finally, you can reach the Ellisville office at 601-477-8538 and the Laurel office at 601-425-2556 for court assistance.
How do I contact the Jones County Clerk of Court?
Greg Dickerson serves as Jones County Clerk of Court, officially titled Circuit Clerk. You can reach his office at either courthouse location during business hours. For the First District in Ellisville, dial 601-477-8538 or fax 601-477-8539. For the Second District in Laurel, dial 601-425-2556 or fax 601-399-4774. His staff handles filing for Circuit Court, County Court, and Youth Court matters. They manage the Civil and Criminal Divisions across the entire county each day. The office records state tax liens and assists with voter registration.
What fees does Jones County Court charge for marriage licenses and passports?
Jones County Court sets specific fees for vital records and passport services across both courthouse locations. A marriage license costs $37.00, cash only, and both parties must appear in person at the clerk’s office. Next, you need proof of age like a driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport. Then, passport applications get processed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Finally, passport photos cost $20.00 at the office for your convenience. Parents or guardians must join applicants under age twenty-one.
Can I file documents electronically with the Jones County Court?
Yes, electronic filing works through the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) portal for Jones County Court users statewide. The electronic system went live for Jones County on December 18, 2017. Today, it serves all 82 Mississippi counties statewide with full case management features. Plus, the portal accepts PDFs up to 800 MB and merged documents up to 300 MB. Traditional paper filing remains available in person, by mail, or by fax during regular business hours at either courthouse location. The MEC helpdesk provides technical support at 601-576-4650.
How do I find the Jones County Court calendar and hearing schedule?
You can check the Jones County Court calendar through several convenient methods. First, the MEC public access portal displays upcoming dockets for both courthouse locations. Next, calling the clerk’s office directly works well for hearing date questions about your case. The Ellisville office at 601-477-8538 and the Laurel office at 601-425-2556 confirm schedules. Staff helps you understand flag definitions on the docket. Finally, court staff help locate arraignment dates, trial times, motion hearings, and final judgments for any pending case.