Arkansas Arrest Records

According to A.C.A. § 12-12-1503 (2), Arkansas arrest records refer to official documents relating to the apprehension and detention of individuals for misdemeanors and felonies resulting in:

• Conviction
• Acquittal
• Deferral
• Suspension.

However, arrest records do not include those where:

• The arrestee was acquitted
• Charges were dismissed, not prosecuted, and entered into the central repository
• The arrest information shows that five years have elapsed from the date of the felony arrest.

Arkansas arrest records provide detailed information about law enforcement agencies' apprehension and detention of individuals. In Arkansas, arrest records are accessible through law enforcement agencies, such as:

• County sheriff's offices like the Pulaski County, Benton County, and Washington County Sheriff's Offices
• City Police Departments
• Arkansas State Police – Criminal Background Checks (ARCH)
• Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC)
• Arkansas Judiciary ARConnect Case Search Portal.

Are Arrest Records Public in Arkansas?

Yes. In Arkansas, the state police maintain the criminal records of individuals arrested and convicted of crimes. Under A.C.A. § 12-12-1501 et seq, the Arkansas State Police provides all conviction information and felony arrest records to any person who sends in a request and pays the required fee without requiring written consent of the subject of the request (A.C.A. § 12-12-1506 (d)). Furthermore, as a public entity, the Arkansas State Police is mandated under the state's Freedom of Information Act to provide these records upon request by eligible persons.

Suppose someone requests information about their criminal arrest history. In that case, they may be able to access any pending felony arrests in Arkansas within the last five years (if the person has not yet gone to trial). The requester may also receive information about individuals who are required to register as sex offenders, as well as any other information allowed under the FOIA (A.C.A. § 25-19-101 et seq).

However, according to A.C.A. § 12-12-1504, arrest records that are not publicly available include:

• Arrests that ended in the case being dismissed, not prosecuted, or where the subject was found not guilty
• Arrest records that are already sealed or expunged
• Criminal history and arrest information that has not been processed
• Any other record withheld from public disclosure by a court injunction under the state's FOIA or other state laws
• Arrest records of juveniles (Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq). Some exceptions include:
  • If the juvenile were tried as an adult, their arrest record would be public
  • If a written order from the juvenile division of the circuit court authorizes the release
  • If the record is necessary to obtain services for the minor or ensure school or public safety
  • If there is a written order by the circuit court authorizing the release.

Arkansas Arrest Statistics

The Arkansas Crime Information Centre utilizes the incident-based reporting method within the Arkansas Uniform Crime Reporting (U.C.R). Program to report arrest information provided by law enforcement agencies in the state for both Group A and Group B offenses. In 2024, Arkansas recorded around 49,800 Group A arrests. These arrest breaks down into:

• 18,135 arrests for crimes against persons
• 17,795 arrests for crimes against society
• 13,870 arrests for crimes against property.

For Group B offenses, agencies reported around 56,766 arrests in 2024, consisting of 38,810 males and 17,956 females.

In 2023, Arkansas law enforcement agencies reported 51,297 arrests for Group A crimes. This total included:

• 17,460 arrests for crimes against persons
• 4,227 for crimes against property
• 19,057 arrests for crimes against society
• 10,553 other arrests.

Additionally, there were 58,065 arrests for Group B offenses.

Percentage difference in Arkansas arrests (2023 vs 2024)

Arrest reports provide official details of the apprehension and detention of individuals for arrestable incidents. They give a breakdown of the reasons and manner in which individuals were apprehended and taken into custody.

Find Public Arrest Records in Arkansas

In line with state laws that allow for requesting criminal history and arrest information, Arkansas provides multiple options for individuals to find arrest records at both the state and county levels. The Arkansas Criminal History (ARCH) Search is the state's official Online criminal background check portal, which the Arkansas State Police provides. To find a public arrest record using the ARCH system, one needs to have the signed written consent of the subject of the record.

Any person using the ARCH system should note that each search attracts a non-refundable charge of $24.00 and an additional $24.00 on every additional search result. The fees for accessing arrest records through the ARCH system are payable through debit or credit cards only, and payment applies even if the search did not yield any results. The ARCH system only performs online searches and provides uncertified copies of records. Hence, record seekers cannot use it to make in-person or mail requests.

Individuals seeking access to Arkansas arrest records may need to:

• Visit the Search ARCourts portal. The Arkansas ARCourts system allows searchers to view arrest records and active warrants in the state. Alternatively, interested individuals may send mail, fax, or email requests, which should include the person's name, judgments, or other case information that may aid staff members in locating the specific records to:
  The Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts Information Systems Division
  625 Marshall Street, Suite 1100,
  Little Rock,
  AR 72201
  Phone: (501) 410-1919
  Fax: (501) 682-9410
  Email: acap.help@arcourts.gov.
• Log in to the Arkansas Department of Public Safety's Online Criminal Background Check System. Access to Arkansas arrest records through this option may require registration. The Online Criminal Background Check system permits:
  • Name-based criminal background check, available to searchers with the signed written consent of the subject of the record. Each Arkansas State name-based check request costs $22.00 per search ($11.00 for volunteers)
  • National/FBI fingerprint-based criminal background checks; this provides fingerprint-based nationwide criminal history information. Only individuals who have signed written consent of the subject of the record can access criminal records through this option; they are required to have legal authority under state or federal law to perform fingerprint-based checks. Each search costs $14.25 or $12.25 for volunteers. Inquirers are required to have an account with the Information Network of Arkansas (INA) to access these services. However, for a $25.00 fee, persons without INA accounts may mail in their requests
• Visit the Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC). The Arkansas Crime Information Center provides a computerized information system that administers the state's central repository of criminal history records, among other functions. To obtain criminal and arrest information, visit the ACIC website or forward inquiries to:
  322 South Main Street,
  Little Rock,
  AR 72201
  Phone: (501) 682-2222, (800) 482-5866 (toll-free)
  Fax: (501) 682-7444
  Email: acic@acic.arkansas.gov.

Individuals seeking access to non-public Arkansas arrest records should note that it may require judicial orders if they are not the subjects of the documents. For more information on how to access specific Arkansas arrest records, contact the record's custodian agency.

How to Look Up Arrest Records Online in Arkansas

Arkansas arrest records are viewable as part of a person's comprehensive criminal information. Inquirers may need to petition any criminal information or background check agencies to look up their arrest records online. For instance, using the Arkansas CourtConnect website, information seekers may inspect Arkansas arrest records and active warrants. However, some custodian agencies may require records seekers to obtain the subject's signed consent. Furthermore, Arkansas criminal arrest information is accessible through third-party websites.

What is Included in Arkansas Arrest Records?

An Arkansas arrest record is obtainable via a person's criminal history search. The information in an arrest record depends on the agency where one is searching and the search category. Nonetheless, an Arkansas felony arrest record generally reveals:

• The arrestee's first, middle, and last names, including all known aliases
• Sex of the individual
• Ethnicity of the individual
• Date of birth
• Arrest history, including dates of all previous arrests, arresting agencies in each instance, offense class and type, and arrest charges.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record in Arkansas

Arkansas does not have an all-encompassing rule on the years an arrest record may remain on a person's file. For instance, the law requires keeping juvenile records relating to felony violence for ten years after the last guilty plea. After this period, authorities may destroy them (A.C.A 9-27-309. (1)(A)). Furthermore, when a person commits a crime as a minor, the court destroys their juvenile records when they turn twenty-one. For adults, arrest information stays on their records unless the courts seal or expunge them.

Expunge an Arrest Record in Arkansas

Ordinarily, expunging a record means destroying or removing it from public repositories, making it inaccessible to individuals. However, in Arkansas, expungement seals criminal records rather than destroying them, making them publicly unavailable.

In Arkansas, individuals can expunge criminal records in two ways: Governor's Pardon or by applying for expungement.

Under A.C.A. 16-90-1409, individuals may petition a district or circuit court in the county where they were arrested to seal their arrest information if prosecuting attorneys do not file charges within one year from the date of arrest. Additionally, to qualify for expungement:

• The petitioner pleaded guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) to the offense
• The subject was sentenced under a statute that allows for expungement and completed all the terms and conditions of their probation. Also, they cannot have had prior felony convictions
• The applicant is not a sexual offender whose victims were under 18 years old.

An arrest record may qualify for expungement if:

• The owner has completed a drug court program and received aftercare programming. In addition, the judge must have received a recommendation from the prosecuting attorney for expungement and dismissal of the case, and feel that it is appropriate to grant a petition. A.C.A. § 16-98-303(g).
• The offender is a minor, and the offense is a non-violent felony offense. Individuals may petition the courts to expunge their arrest records if they were minors at the time of their offenses, and the expungements are in the best interests of the individuals and the state (A.C.A. §16-90-602)
• The arrest is for a misdemeanor: A person convicted of a misdemeanor may have their record expunged unless clear and convincing evidence is presented to the court stating otherwise (A.C.A. §16-90-904). However, convicts are required to observe a five-year waiting period after completing the sentences for their offenses if their arrest records relate to:
  • Class A felonies
  • Third-degree battery
  • Indecent exposure
  • Public sexual indecency
  • Fourth-degree sexual assault
  • Third-degree domestic battering
  • D.U.I.
• The underlying criminal offense was nolle prosequied, dismissed, or acquitted: Individuals whose charges were dropped or dismissed or who were acquitted at trial are eligible to have their case records expunged. A.C.A. § 16-90-906
• The owner of the arrest records pleaded guilty to possessing a controlled substance. Under this condition, the court may grant probation for at least one year. After completing the probation, the court will dismiss the charges. This does not apply if the individual has previously pled guilty or is a convict of a drug-related offense.
• The arrest is for a first-time offense: If a defendant pleads guilty or no contest, the court may place the defendant on probation for at least one year. The person was sentenced under the act and can only use this act (A.C.A. §§ 16-93-301 et. seq). After completing the terms and conditions of probation, the court shall dismiss the case and delete the record (A.C.A. § 16-93-303). This does not apply if the owner of the arrest records received a fine of over $3,500.00 or was sentenced to prison or a regional correctional facility.
• The offender completes probation or jail Sentence: Upon successful completion of probation, commitment to the Department of Corrections with judicial transfer to the Community Corrections, or a commitment to a county jail for one of the offenses targeted for community correction placement, the court may direct that the record of the offender be expunged (A.C.A. §16-93-1207). This does not apply to individuals convicted of a capital offense, murder, rape, kidnapping, or aggravated robbery. Furthermore, if the convictions occurred before 1993, they are required to be specifically sentenced under the act to be eligible.

After confirming eligibility for expungement, the subject should visit the circuit or district court of the county where the crime was committed and file a petition for dismissal. The case prosecutor and the arresting agency will each receive copies of the petition. Opponents have 30 days to file a notice of opposition. The court may grant the petition without a hearing if no one does. But if notice of opposition is filed, the court will set a hearing date. If the judge decides that the person's record should be sealed, that judge will sign the order. The signed order should be filed with the court clerk.

Nevertheless, the Arkansas Crime Information Center may still access one's sealed records. Also, a prosecuting attorney may request to view sealed records if the person is being prosecuted for another crime. If one is convicted of a crime after their records have been sealed, the judge may request to view them.

Post-expungement, the court clerk will remove all documents relating to that case and place them in a file in a separate and confidential holding area within the clerk's office (this includes all electronic records).

Under A.C.A. §16-90-902 et seq, expunged records restore all rights and privileges and do not affect civil liberties or rights unless specified by law. After sealing an individual's records, their conduct is legally deemed not to have occurred, and they may claim that no such records exist.

How Do I Find Recent Arrests in Arkansas?

Depending on the agency, recent arrests may go as far back as days, weeks, or a couple of months. Inquirers may find recent arrests at the county sheriff's office at the arrest location or through statewide resources like the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

• County Sheriff's Office: Most law enforcement agencies in Arkansas have inmate rosters where individuals can find recent arrests using parameters like name, arrest date, or ID number. By entering the proper search parameters, users can view information about recent arrestees, such as mugshots, name, race, sex, date of birth, arrest date, and arresting agency
• Arkansas Department of Corrections: Requesters may visit the Arkansas Department of Corrections Inmate Search website and provide the subject's ADC number, full name, county of arrest, facility, age, race, and offense category to determine if the person is held in any of the state's correctional facilities.

Are Arkansas Arrest Records Free?

No, access to arrest records in Arkansas is not generally free. Most custodian agencies responsible for arrest records in Arkansas will charge fees for conducting searches and providing access, even if the search returns no results. For instance, the Arkansas Criminal History Search (ARCH) requires users to pay for inquiries.

Nevertheless, some online portals offer free access to Arkansas arrest records. For example, record seekers can access Arkansas arrest records for free through the ARConnect search portal, local law enforcement inmate search tools, etc. However, even in cases where the searcher pays nothing to find arrest records, they may need to pay the applicable copying fees if they want to receive copies of these records.