Arkansas Warrant Search

Arkansas warrants are official documents that give law enforcement officers the authority to detain a person or search their property. Such documents are typically issued when law enforcement or judicial authorities have probable cause to investigate or apprehend a suspect. 

In Arkansas, state and local law enforcement agencies, such as the Ashley County Sheriff Department and the Little Rock Police Department, are responsible for issuing and executing warrants and processing warrant search requests. Depending on the nature of the warrant and the jurisdiction in which it was issued, warrant records may also be accessible by contacting the Arkansas State Police.

Arkansas State Police Headquarters,
One State Police Plaza Drive,
Little Rock, Arkansas 72209,
Phone: (501) 618-8000,
info@asp.arkansas.gov

Are Warrants Public Records in Arkansas?

Under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), warrants are generally considered public records. Almost anyone (resident or non-resident) may access such documents. However, some exemptions exist. Some warrants may be closed to the public. For instance, if a resident or non-resident attempts to obtain a warrant that contains details about an ongoing investigation, the record custodian may deny access. Record seekers may also have legal difficulties obtaining a warrant if it contains sensitive information that may jeopardize the safety of the named person(s).

It’s also important to note that the existence of a warrant doesn’t always mean that the suspect committed the crime. Records of a warrant aren’t conclusive proof of guilt.

Types of Warrants in Arkansas

Generally, judges in Arkansas issue three broad types of warrants: 

• Arrest warrants
• Bench warrants
• Search warrants

An Arkansas arrest warrant is typically issued to local law enforcement agencies, such as Conway PD or the Fort Smith Police Department, when there is probable cause to believe a person has committed a crime or violated a court order. An arrest warrant must be based on an affidavit or testimony that provides sufficient facts and details to justify the warrant. Such warrants also typically specify: 

• The name of the arrestee
• The offense charged
• The amount for bail, if any.

In comparison, bench warrants are issued when a person fails to appear in court as required by a summons, subpoena, or court order. In contrast, a search warrant is issued when a judge or magistrate finds probable cause that evidence of a crime may be found in a particular place.

What is a Search Warrant in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, a search warrant is official authorization to search a designated location for possible evidence related to criminal activity. Obtaining a warrant before visiting a location helps ensure that the searches happen with the approval and supervision of the judiciary.

To obtain a search warrant, Arkansas law enforcement agencies must convince a judge or magistrate that there's evidence related to a crime at that location. Probable cause is further strengthened by a detailed written statement (affidavit) or speaking under oath (sworn testimony) in requesting the search warrant.

While the approach may vary for some cases, the process typically begins with law enforcement officers presenting their case to the judge, who then reviews the information to ascertain whether sufficient probable cause exists. If the judge is satisfied, they issue the search warrant, outlining the location to be searched and the specific items or evidence sought, often setting a timeframe for execution per the Arkansas Criminal Procedure Manual. 

How Long Does It Take to Get a Search Warrant?

Getting a search warrant may take a few hours to several days. The exact time is affected by factors such as the location and the circumstances linked to the case. If a police officer in Arkansas has sufficient probable cause to justify their request for a search warrant, they may get a warrant in about an hour or two. 

However, it might take longer for more complicated cases. To ask for the warrant, the officer has to create a document called a "duplicate original warrant" and read it exactly as it's written to a judge. The judge will then decide to authorize the warrant based on what the officer says. Search warrants generally have limits. For most instances, after getting the warrant, the police must use it within 10 days unless otherwise specified.

What is an Arrest Warrant in Arkansas?

An Arkansas arrest warrant is an official authorization permitting peace officers to detain and arrest persons suspected of a crime. To obtain this writ, law enforcement officials must establish probable cause and present an affidavit arguing the arrestee's involvement in said crime.

Arrest warrants outline the defendant's information, specify the crime committed, and, in some cases, specify how the arrest should happen.

Arrest Warrant Lookup in Arkansas

In Arkansas, there are different ways to perform an arrest warrant lookup, depending on the level of the warrant:

• Record seekers may visit the Arkansas Crime Information Center portal to find warrants issued across the state. This portal allows searches for active warrants by name and charges $22 per search. It also provides information on warrants issued by Arkansas state courts or agencies.
• For county-level warrants, requesters may contact the sheriff's office where the warrant was issued or where the person resides. Some counties, such as Benton, Washington, Faulkner, and Saline, have online databases or search engines that allow the public to access warrant information for free. Other counties may require a phone call, email, or visit to the sheriff's office to request a warrant lookup.
• For municipal warrants, residents may contact the police department or the city or town municipal court where the warrant was issued or where the person lives. Some municipalities may have online portals or resources that provide warrant information, while others may require a personal inquiry or a formal request.
• For personal records, record seekers may request a 'criminal record and outstanding warrants search' from the Arkansas State Police Information Bureau. This may be done by filling out the Arkansas State Police Form 122, which requires the subject's name, address, birth date, social security number, and driver's license number. This service also requires a fee of $25 per request and provides information on warrants issued by any Arkansas state or local authority.

How to Find Out If You Have a Warrant in Arkansas

The general public may search for active warrants in Arkansas using some of the following options:

• Online Search: Inquirers may utilize the online search feature through the Arkansas Crime Information Center. This platform enables individuals to examine statewide records, including arrests and bench warrants. Additionally, requesters may navigate local law enforcement agency websites, such as Benton County Warrants, for county-specific warrant searches.
• In-Person Request: Alternatively, inquirers may visit the local police station or sheriff's office to conduct a warrant search. However, requesters must present identification and potentially pay a fee for the service. Searchers may also go to the court clerk's office of the court that issued the warrant and request a copy of the warrant or the warrant application.
• Phone Call: Interested persons may also call the local law enforcement agency or the court that issued the warrant and ask if there is an active warrant under their name. However, some agencies may not disclose warrant information over the phone or may require individuals to verify their identity.

Free Warrant Search in Arkansas

Members of the public seeking a free warrant search in Arkansas may visit the local police station or sheriff's office and ask to have a warrant search performed. Alternatively, requesters may search online through the Arkansas Crime Information Center, which allows individuals to search for active warrants by name. 

Inquirers may also consider using a third-party website that provides warrant search services. However, these websites are not affiliated with the government and may not be subject to the same laws and regulations regarding privacy and accuracy.

How Long Can Police Hold My Phone Without a Warrant in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, law enforcement bodies such as the Arkansas Police Department can seize and hold on to your phone without a warrant. This can be done where it is suspected to contain relevant criminal evidence or obtained through a search during an arrest. The Fourth Amendment provides that law enforcement must obtain a warrant for seizure or searches to protect people from arbitrary use of power. However, state laws have the above exception for seizure of phones and other exceptions for requiring a warrant to search a phone, which include:

• Consent of the phone owner
• Unforeseen circumstances that can include a risk to public safety or the imminent destruction of evidence
• Searches during arrests may lead to seizure of phones found in the process, according to the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 12.1

Generally, no regulations or laws stipulate the exact time law enforcement officers can keep your phone. However, there is a measure of reasonableness that uses the length of the investigation or your detention to determine how long your phone will be in custody. Individuals who have been denied access to their phones for an unreasonable period without a justifiable reason can challenge this. 

How to Find Out If Someone Has A Warrant Online

Searches for outstanding online warrants may be done using different options. Some of these include:

Search Local Law Enforcement Agency Websites

Inquirers may visit the website of the local law enforcement agency that issued or executed the warrant. For example, one may check the county sheriff's office website to find a warrant list or a search engine that allows them to enter the name of the person they are looking for. 

Search Statewide Warrant Search System

Alternatively, use a statewide warrant search system covering multiple jurisdictions and agencies. Third-party websites usually provide these systems that aggregate public records from various sources. 

How Long Do Warrants Last in Arkansas

Generally, the expiry of a warrant will depend on the type of warrant a judge issues. For instance,  if the judge issues a search warrant, it typically is valid for 60 days but may be reissued if probable cause persists. If not served in a reasonable time or if the location to be searched changes, the warrant becomes invalid. 

Arrest warrants are different. After a judge issues them, such warrants generally have no specific expiration date and remain active until the person is arrested, appears in court, or dies. No statute of limitations exists, but the issuing officer may recall or quash it under certain conditions. Bench warrants follow a similar pattern, remaining in force until the person appears in court or is arrested.

Body attachment warrants do not have an expiration date, staying active until the individual adheres to the court order, is arrested, or appears in court. The issuing judge may recall or quash these warrants for diverse reasons. Certain exceptions apply, with judges having the discretion to make a body attachment warrant permanent, particularly in specific civil cases.