⚖️ Circuit Clerk
Heather Turner, Circuit Clerk
(662) 563-6210
⚖️ Clerk of the Circuit and Courts
The Circuit Clerk is the official clerk for the Circuit Court (which handles felony criminal cases and major civil lawsuits) and, in many counties, the County Court (which handles misdemeanors and less complex civil cases).
- Case Filing & Records: Receives and files all legal documents for civil lawsuits (such as personal injury and contract disputes) and criminal cases (felonies and appeals from lower courts).
- Court Proceedings: Attends all sessions of the court, keeps a general court docket, and maintains official Minute Books to record the judge’s orders, proceedings, and judgments.
- Writ & Process Issuance: Issues all official court process, including summonses to notify parties of a lawsuit andsubpoenas to require witnesses to appear in court.
- Fines and Fees: Collects and disburses court costs, fines, fees, and restitution payments ordered by the court.
- Judgment Records: Maintains a permanent record of all court judgments and executions.
👥 Jury Management
The Circuit Clerk’s office is responsible for managing the jury system for the courts.
- Juror Selection: Draws and summons citizens to serve on the Grand Jury (which hears evidence and decides if charges should be filed) and Petit Juries (which hear trials and render verdicts).
- Jury Qualification: Qualifies the juries before the judge and handles the administrative duties for summoned jurors.
- Payment: Issues the county warrants (checks) and certificates of service for citizens who complete jury duty.
🗳️ Election Administration
The Circuit Clerk plays a central and vital role in the election process for the county.
- Voter Registration: Serves as the official registrar for county voters, handling new applications, updates, and maintaining the master voter rolls.
- Election Support: Works closely with the County Election Commission to manage the process, including providing election information and assisting with voter precinct and district information.
- Candidate Filing: Collects the required filing fees and qualifying papers from candidates seeking county or district elected offices.
- Absentee Voting: Oversees the process for absentee voting prior to all elections.
💍 Public Services
The Clerk’s office provides certain direct services to the public as mandated by law.
- Marriage Licenses: Issues marriage licenses and maintains the official records of marriages within the county.
- Professional Licenses: Records various medical and professional licenses for individuals practicing in the county.
- Passport Applications: Many Circuit Clerk offices, including some in Mississippi, serve as an official Passport Acceptance Facility.
🏛️ Contact Information for the Offices
Panola County has two judicial districts with separate courthouses for the Circuit Clerk’s Office:
email: hturner@panolacoms.com