Benton County, Arkansas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Benton County, Arkansas?
Pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified under Arkansas Code § 25-19-101 et seq., arrest records are public documents in Benton County, Arkansas. The Arkansas FOIA establishes that all government records shall be open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. This statutory framework ensures governmental transparency and accountability by providing citizens with access to various public records, including those pertaining to arrests made within county jurisdiction.
Members of the public may request arrest records from the appropriate law enforcement agencies in Benton County. The Arkansas FOIA stipulates that custodians of public records must provide reasonable access to these documents during regular business hours. Under Arkansas Code § 25-19-105, agencies must respond to FOIA requests within three business days, either by providing the requested records or by indicating the legal basis for denial.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Benton County?
Benton County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by governmental entities. The Benton County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database that allows public access to current inmate information and recent arrest data. This online accessibility is consistent with Arkansas Code § 25-19-108, which encourages government agencies to make public records available in electronic format when feasible.
The Arkansas Judiciary's online portal provides access to court records associated with arrests in Benton County. This system allows users to search for case information related to arrests, including court dates, charges, and case dispositions. The Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts maintains this system in accordance with Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 19, which governs public access to court records.
Additionally, the Arkansas Department of Corrections maintains an inmate search function that includes individuals who have been arrested and subsequently incarcerated in state facilities, including those from Benton County.
How to Look Up Benton County Arrest Records in 2025
The process for obtaining Benton County arrest records involves several official channels established by local and state authorities. Interested parties may utilize the following methods to access these public documents:
Visit the Benton County Sheriff's Office in person to submit a formal request for arrest records.
Benton County Sheriff's Office
1300 SW 14th Street
Bentonville, AR 72712
(479) 271-1008
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PMAccess the Benton County arrest records database through the Sheriff's Office website, which provides a searchable interface for recent booking information.
Utilize the Arkansas Judiciary's case search system to locate court records associated with arrests in Benton County. This resource provides information on criminal proceedings following an arrest.
Submit a written FOIA request to the Records Division of the appropriate law enforcement agency. Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(a)(2)(A), requests must be sufficiently specific to enable the custodian to locate the records with reasonable effort.
Access public terminals available at the Benton County Circuit Clerk's Office, which provide on-site access to court records related to arrests.
Benton County Circuit Clerk
102 NE A Street
Bentonville, AR 72712
(479) 271-1015
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Contents of a Benton County Arrest Record
Benton County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Arkansas law enforcement protocols and judicial requirements. These official documents typically include the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Specific criminal charges filed, including citation of relevant Arkansas statutes
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
- Fingerprint records collected during the booking process
- Demographic information including date of birth, physical description, and identifying marks
- Case number and booking identification
- Custody status and bail information, if applicable
- Preliminary court appearance dates
In accordance with Arkansas Code § 12-12-1006, certain identifying information may be redacted from public arrest records when the release of such information could compromise ongoing investigations or endanger individuals involved in the case. Additionally, juvenile arrest records are subject to stricter confidentiality provisions under Arkansas Code § 9-27-309 and are generally not available through standard public record requests.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Benton County
Arkansas law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records in Benton County under specific circumstances. Expungement effectively seals records from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and courts for limited purposes. The legal framework for expungement is primarily established in Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 through § 16-90-1419.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Benton County include:
- Arrests that did not result in charges being filed within one year (Arkansas Code § 16-90-1409)
- Cases where charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
- Acquittals or not guilty verdicts
- Successful completion of probation, deferred adjudication, or diversion programs for eligible offenses
- Certain misdemeanor and felony convictions after specified waiting periods have elapsed
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
- File a Uniform Petition for Sealing of Record with the Benton County District Court or Circuit Court where the case was adjudicated
- Pay the required filing fee (approximately $50, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners)
- Provide notice to the prosecuting attorney's office
- Attend a scheduled hearing if the petition is contested
Upon granting an expungement order, the court directs all relevant agencies to seal their records pertaining to the arrest. Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1417, an individual whose record has been expunged may legally deny the existence of the arrest in most circumstances, including on employment applications.
Benton County Prosecutor's Office
102 NE A Street
Bentonville, AR 72712
(479) 271-1030
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Search Arrest Records in Benton County
