Clark County Public Records / Clark County Arrest Records

Clark County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Clark County in 2026

ClarkCountyRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Clark County, Arkansas. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, and related criminal justice records through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, court case filings, and inmate status records. Information presented reflects what is available through official public sources and may not reflect the most current status of a case.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following official resources are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Clark County:

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Clark County Sheriff maintains custody of the county jail and serves as the primary law enforcement agency responsible for booking and detaining individuals arrested within Clark County. The Sheriff's Office maintains booking records that include the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, bond information, and custody status. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmates or recent bookings. Records are updated as arrests and releases occur.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Arkadelphia Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Clark County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information may be available through the department's public information office. Members of the public seeking arrest records originating from a city police department should direct requests to the relevant municipal agency, as those records are maintained separately from Sheriff's Office records.

Arkadelphia Police Department
700 Clay St
Arkadelphia, AR 71923
Phone: (870) 246-5111
City of Arkadelphia

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Clark County Circuit Clerk maintains a file of all cases pending in court, as well as a record of all past court cases and their dispositions. Members of the public may search court cases linked to arrests by the arrestee's name through the Arkansas Judiciary's online portal. The Arkansas Judiciary case search allows users to locate court case numbers, charge information, hearing dates, and case dispositions associated with an arrest.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Arkansas Department of Public Safety oversees statewide law enforcement support services, including access to criminal history information. The Arkansas State Police, operating under the Department of Public Safety, maintains the state criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history record check through the Arkansas State Police Identification Bureau. A fee applies to criminal history record requests; at present, the standard fee for a name-based criminal history check is $25.00. Fingerprint-based checks are also available at a higher fee. The Arkansas Judiciary's court records portal provides access to public court records, though some information in court cases is not considered public information under Arkansas law.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Clark County Sheriff's Office
401 Clay St
Arkadelphia, AR 71923
Phone: (870) 246-2222
Clark County Sheriff

Records division is located at the main Sheriff's Office building
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Members of the public should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and any known information about the arrest, including the full name of the subject and approximate date of arrest
Copy fees: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply

Clerk of Court:

Clark County Circuit Clerk
401 Clay St, Courthouse
Arkadelphia, AR 71923
Phone: (870) 246-4281
Clark County Circuit Clerk

Criminal records division is located within the Clark County Courthouse
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Members of the public may inspect case files at the clerk's office
Copy fees: $0.25 per page; certified copies are available for an additional fee

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Clark County Sheriff's Office at 401 Clay St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923. Requests should include the following:

Full legal name of the subject (first and last name at minimum)
Date of arrest, if known
Booking number, if known
Requestor's full name and return mailing address
Payment for applicable copy fees

Processing time for mailed requests is subject to the volume of requests received and may range from several business days to several weeks.

By Phone:

Clark County Sheriff's Office: (870) 246-2222
Members of the public should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available when calling
Phone inquiries provide limited information; staff may refer callers to the online system or an in-person visit for detailed records

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in the context of legal proceedings. Discovery processes in criminal and civil cases provide access to records not otherwise available to the general public.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, city police, or state agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Clark County

Arrest records in Clark County are public records under Arkansas law. The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, codified at Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-101 et seq., establishes the right of the public to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement agencies and courts. Arrest records are considered public because they document the exercise of government authority and serve the interests of transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalism and research, background screening, and legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Arkansas law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are not subject to public disclosure
Confidential informant information is exempt from disclosure
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
Witness protection participants are exempt from disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Arkansas Constitution and the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act establish the legal framework for public access to government records. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the status of a case, including dismissals and acquittals.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords using arrest records obtained through consumer reporting agencies must comply with FCRA requirements. Arkansas does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

What's in Clark County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public records)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Arkansas State Police, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number (included in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Arkansas statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not typically included in public records
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Bail bondsman information, if applicable
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, if public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, if available at time of record

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Substance abuse information
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources, including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Clark County?

Members of the public may inspect arrest and court records at no charge during regular business hours at the relevant agency. Fees apply when copies are requested. Under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-109 governs the fees that agencies may charge for copies of public records.

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.25 per page
Certified copies (Circuit Clerk)	$5.00 per document (plus $0.25 per page)
Criminal history check (name-based, State Police)	$25.00 per request
Criminal history check (fingerprint-based, State Police)	Higher fee; contact State Police for current amount
Electronic records (where available)	Fees vary by agency

Accepted payment methods at the Clark County Circuit Clerk's office and Sheriff's Office include cash, money order, and check made payable to the respective agency. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods prior to submitting a request.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest, subject to agency discretion. Online access to court records through the Arkansas Judiciary case search portal is available at no charge for basic case information.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Clark County

Under Arkansas law, arrest records may be subject to expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). Expungement results in the destruction or removal of the record from public access, while sealing restricts public access but allows law enforcement agencies to retain the record. The distinction is significant: an expunged record is treated as though the arrest did not occur for most purposes, while a sealed record remains accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Arkansas expungement is governed by the Arkansas Expungement Act, Ark. Code Ann. § 16-90-901 et seq. Individuals may be eligible for expungement in the following circumstances:

Charges were dismissed or nolle prossed (prosecutor declined to proceed)
The individual was acquitted at trial
The individual successfully completed a diversion or drug court program
The individual completed a sentence for certain eligible offenses and the required waiting period has elapsed
First-time offenders who meet statutory criteria

Certain offenses are not eligible for expungement under Arkansas law, including Class Y felonies, capital murder, and sex offenses requiring registration.

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and court case information from the Clark County Circuit Clerk
Determine eligibility based on the offense, disposition, and waiting period under Ark. Code Ann. § 16-90-901
Complete the Arkansas petition for expungement form, available through the Circuit Clerk's office
File the petition with the Clark County Circuit Clerk and pay the applicable filing fee
Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office
Attend the scheduled hearing before the circuit court judge
If the petition is granted, the court issues an order of expungement, which is forwarded to the relevant law enforcement agencies and the Arkansas State Police

Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:

Clark County Circuit Clerk
401 Clay St, Courthouse
Arkadelphia, AR 71923
Phone: (870) 246-4281
Clark County Circuit Clerk

Clark County Prosecuting Attorney – 9th Judicial District
401 Clay St
Arkadelphia, AR 71923
Phone: (870) 246-2281

Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed Arkansas attorney to assess eligibility and navigate the petition process.

What Happens After Arrest in Clark County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Clark County, the arrested individual is transported to the Clark County Detention Center, which is operated by the Clark County Sheriff. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in custody during transport.

Clark County Detention Center
401 Clay St
Arkadelphia, AR 71923
Phone: (870) 246-2222
Clark County Sheriff

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention facility, the booking process is initiated. The process includes the following steps:

Personal information recorded
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected
Criminal history check conducted
Outstanding warrants check conducted
Personal property inventoried and stored
Medical screening completed
Housing classification determined

The booking process typically takes between one and four hours, depending on facility volume.

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Arkansas law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judicial officer without unnecessary delay, and within 48 hours of a warrantless arrest. At the first appearance, the court:

Formally notifies the individual of the charges
Appoints a public defender if the individual is indigent
Determines bond or bail
Advises the individual of their rights

Hearings may be conducted via video conference.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded when the case concludes, minus applicable fees. The amount is set by the judge or magistrate according to the bond schedule.

Surety Bond: The individual may hire a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, at present set at 10% of the bond amount in Arkansas.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and flight risk assessment.

No Bond: The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release takes between one and eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a court date, and written conditions of release. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody and is assigned housing within the facility.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Clark County Public Defender
401 Clay St
Arkadelphia, AR 71923
Phone: (870) 246-2281

Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. Attorney consultations at the jail are confidential.

Charging Decision:

The Clark County Prosecuting Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery (exchange of evidence), pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs (such as drug court or mental health court), plea agreements, and trial. The Arkansas judiciary's court records search allows members of the public to track case progress online.

Sentencing (if convicted):

If convicted, the judge imposes a sentence that may include prison or jail time, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months
Felonies: May take six months to over a year
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Arkansas Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative
Do not resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
Contact family or friends for bail assistance
Attend all court dates
Follow all bond conditions

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Clark County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Clark County is governed by Arkansas state law and the records retention schedules established by the Arkansas History Commission and the Arkansas State Police. Agencies are required to maintain records for minimum periods established by law and may not destroy records prior to the expiration of the applicable retention period.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, Arkansas State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Appear on background checks indefinitely

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for extended periods by local law enforcement and the Circuit Clerk
Retained in the Arkansas State Police criminal history repository

Dismissed Charges:

May remain in local law enforcement databases and court records unless expunged
Eligible for expungement under Arkansas law upon petition to the circuit court

Acquittals (Not Guilty Verdicts):

Court records are retained permanently
Local law enforcement records may be retained for several years
May be eligible for expungement

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum period established by the agency's retention schedule
May be eligible for expungement or administrative removal upon request

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained according to the agency's records retention schedule
Digital records in records management systems are retained for extended periods, and court electronic records are retained permanently
Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial websites are not controlled by law enforcement and may retain records indefinitely, regardless of case outcome

Retention by Agency:

Clark County Sheriff's Office:

Booking records and arrest reports: Retained according to the Arkansas records retention schedule, at minimum several years; felony-related records retained permanently
Contact: (870) 246-2222

Clark County Circuit Clerk:

Felony case files: Retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files: Retained for a minimum of ten years
Electronic records: Retained permanently
Contact: (870) 246-4281

Arkansas State Police Criminal History Repository:

Maintains arrest records from all jurisdictions in Arkansas
Retention policy: Permanent for convictions; non-conviction records may be updated or removed following expungement
The Arkansas Department of Public Safety oversees statewide criminal history record management

FBI Database:

The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level
Federal retention is permanent
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms, and other purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; part of the permanent criminal history record
Dismissal: May remain in databases unless expunged; not reported on standard background checks
Expungement: Local records are destroyed or sealed; the Arkansas State Police updates its repository; the FBI database may retain a notation; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed and may require separate action
No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period or upon petition

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Arkansas does not currently impose a statewide restriction shorter than the federal standard for private employers. Third-party background check companies and commercial websites may retain and display arrest records beyond the periods controlled by law enforcement, and those entities are not required to update records following expungement unless they are consumer reporting agencies subject to FCRA accuracy requirements.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Clark County Sheriff's Records Division at (870) 246-2222 or submit a written public records request to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to such requests. The Arkansas Judiciary inmate and case search tools may also be used to verify the current status of court records associated with an arrest. For state-level criminal history records, members of the public may contact the Arkansas State Police Identification Bureau through the Arkansas Department of Public Safety. Current inmates in state custody may be located through the Arkansas Department of Corrections inmate search.