Miller County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Miller County provide detailed accounts of individuals detained by law enforcement on suspicion of engaging in criminal activities. These records serve as vital documentation for legal processes, public safety, and administrative purposes. Arrest records in Miller County are closely linked to Miller County Court Records, which provide additional details about case proceedings, legal outcomes, and sentencing.

Arrests in Miller County occur when law enforcement officers have probable cause to believe an individual has committed a crime. These arrests are typically carried out to protect public safety, prevent ongoing criminal activity, or enforce compliance with Arkansas laws. Common scenarios where arrest may become necessary include:

• Crime witnessed in Progress: When officers directly observe an individual committing an offense
• Arrest warrants: Issued by a judge or magistrate authorizing law enforcement to detain a suspect based on evidence presented in an affidavit.
• Protection of Public Safety: Situations where an individual's action poses an imminent threat to others.
• Failure to Appear or Pay: individuals who neglect to respond to court summons or pay fines as required by law may face arrest.

Once arrested, individuals are typically transported to the Miller County Detention Center, where they are processed. At the booking stage, the following steps must be followed.

• The individual provides their personal details, including name, date of birth, address, and any known aliases.
• A photograph of the arrestee is taken for record-keeping purposes. Mugshots may be made publicly available unless restricted by court orders.
• Fingerprints are collected and entered into state and national databases.
• Law enforcement officials formally document the charges against the individual, along with an arrest report detailing the incident.
• Personal belongings are confiscated, inventoried, and securely stored until the individual is released.
• A preliminary medical evaluation is conducted to identify any immediate health concerns or conditions requiring attention.
• The individual is assigned to a holding cell or jail area appropriate for their clarification.
• The individual is thereafter released on bail or detained at the county jail facility.

The Miller County Sheriff's Office is the primary agency responsible for generating and maintaining arrest records.

Arrest records typically include:

• The individual's name, age, and physical description.
• The date, time, and location of arrest.
• The charges or suspected offenses.
• Details of the arresting officer or agency.

These records are integral to Miller County Court Records, which document the subsequent judicial processes, including arraignments, hearings, and trial outcomes.

Are Arrest Records Public in Miller County?

Per Arkansas’s Freedom of Information Act (Ark. Code §25-19-101 et seq.), arrest records are generally considered public information, granting citizens access to these records. However, some restrictions apply to protect individual privacy and public interests. Exemptions from public access include:

• Juvenile Records: Arrest records involving individuals under 18 are typically sealed and inaccessible to the public unless authorized by a court.
• Active Investigations: Records tied to ongoing investigations are typically restricted to preserve the integrity of the case and ensure public Safety.
• Sealed or Expunged Records: Arrest records that have been sealed or expunged under Arkansas Code §16-90-1403 are no longer publicly accessible.

Miller County Arrest Statistics

Arrest statistics in Miller County provide a qualitative overview of law enforcement activities and incarceration trends. These statistics are compiled by local law enforcement agencies such as the Miller County Sheriff's Office and reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program.

The Miller County incarceration rate was 132 per 10,000, up 26% from 2006. The average daily jail population is 318, at 23 persons per 1000 residents. 87% of the people in jail in Miller County are without being convicted. Between 2013 and 2021, 1706 arrests were made in Miller County, with 82% of these arrests for low-level, non-violent offenses, 14% for drug possession, and 4% for violent crime.

Find Miller County Arrest Records

Individuals seeking Miller County arrest records have access to several resources:

• Miller County Sheriff's Office is the most direct source for arrest records. Requests may typically be made online, in person, or via mail.
• Arkansas State Police: The Arkansas State Police Criminal Background Check System provides statewide access to criminal history, including arrest records.
• Federal Databases: The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and FBI resources offer national-level access, though these are restricted to authorized users.
• Court Records: Arrest-related details and case outcomes may often be found in Miller County Court Records.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Miller County, arrest records are considered permanent unless expunged or sealed under Arkansas law. According to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1403, individuals may be eligible for expungement under specific conditions as follows:

• Acquittal or dismissal of charges.
• Successful Completion of a diversion program or probation.
• Meeting the waiting period requirements post-conviction.

Expungement removes the record from public access, while sealing limits access to certain entities, including law enforcement and the Judiciary.

Miller County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate authorizing law enforcement to detain an individual suspected of a crime. In Miller County, arrest warrants are issued after law enforcement presents evidence supporting probable cause. Key features of arrest warrants include:

1. Issuance Process: Warrants are based on affidavits or complaints filed by law enforcement detailing evidence and the alleged offense.
2. Arrest Warrants typically specify:
   1. The suspect's name and identifying details.
   2. The alleged criminal offense.
   3. The date, time, and location of issuance.
   4. The signature of the issuing authority.
3. Execution: Law enforcement agencies, such as the Miller County Sheriff's Office, are tasked with executing warrants promptly and in accordance with legal procedures.

Do Miller County Arrest Warrants Expire?

In Miller County, arrest warrants generally do not expire and remain active until the suspect is apprehended or the issuing court withdraws the warrant. However, the statute of limitations, per Arkansas Code §5-1-109, may impact the prosecutorial validity of the charges tied to the warrant:

• Felonies: Depending on the offense, the statute of limitations ranges from 3 to 10 years.
• Misdemeanors: The statute of limitations for most misdemeanors is 1 year.

While the warrant itself remains valid, the passage of the statute of limitations may hinder prosecution, prompting courts to dismiss outdated cases.