Chicot County, Arkansas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Chicot County, Arkansas?
Arrest records are public in Chicot County, Arkansas, pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in Arkansas Code § 25-19-101 et seq. This legislation establishes that records maintained by public agencies, including law enforcement entities, shall be accessible to the public to promote governmental transparency and accountability. The Arkansas FOIA specifically designates arrest records as public documents, with certain limited exceptions designed to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and personal privacy in specific circumstances as outlined in § 25-19-105.
Members of the public may access these records regardless of their purpose for seeking the information, as the Arkansas Supreme Court has consistently held that the requester's motivation is irrelevant under the FOIA framework. Public agencies in Chicot County are required to respond to requests for arrest records within three business days, as mandated by § 25-19-105(e). Custodians of these records may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction but may not impose fees that effectively create barriers to public access.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Chicot County?
Arrest records from Chicot County can be accessed through various online platforms. The Arkansas Judiciary maintains a comprehensive case information system that allows members of the public to search for court records, including those related to arrests. Additionally, the Search ARCourts system provides access to court documents and filings associated with criminal cases in Chicot County.
The Arkansas Department of Corrections offers an online inmate search tool that provides information about individuals currently incarcerated or under supervision. This database includes records of arrests that resulted in incarceration within the state correctional system. For more comprehensive background information, the Arkansas Online Criminal Background Check System provides authorized users with access to criminal history information, including arrest records.
It should be noted that pursuant to Arkansas Code § 12-12-1510, certain arrest records may be subject to limited disclosure online, particularly those involving ongoing investigations or cases that have been expunged or sealed by court order. Users of online systems should be aware that the most current and complete information may require direct contact with the Chicot County Sheriff's Office or the appropriate court clerk.
How to Look Up Chicot County Arrest Records in 2025
Individuals seeking Chicot County arrest records may utilize several methods to obtain this information:
In-Person Requests: Requesters may visit the Chicot County Sheriff's Office located at 513 Main Street, Lake Village, AR 71653, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM). Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105, the custodian of records must provide assistance to those seeking public records.
Online Access: The Arkansas Judiciary's case information portal allows searches of court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings. The Division of Correction website provides information about individuals who have been processed through the state correctional system.
Written Requests: Written FOIA requests may be submitted to the Chicot County Sheriff's Office or the Chicot County District Court. Requests should include specific information such as the individual's full name, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information that may assist in locating the relevant records.
Criminal Background Checks: For official purposes, the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division provides criminal history information, including arrest records, through authorized channels.
Requesters should be prepared to provide identification when seeking arrest records and may be required to pay reasonable fees for document reproduction as permitted under § 25-19-105(d)(2)(A). The standard fee schedule is established by the Chicot County Sheriff's Office and is subject to periodic revision.
Contents of a Chicot County Arrest Record
Chicot County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual involved. These records are maintained in accordance with Arkansas Code § 12-12-1003, which establishes standards for criminal justice information systems. Standard arrest records include:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address at the time of arrest
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed, including citation of relevant Arkansas Code sections
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking information, including unique identification numbers and processing details
- Fingerprint classification and identification data
- Photographic images (mugshots) taken during the booking process
- Preliminary hearing information and bail determination
- Custody status following the arrest
These records are maintained by the Chicot County Sheriff's Office and are transmitted to the Arkansas Crime Information Center pursuant to § 12-12-1004, which requires law enforcement agencies to report arrest information within established timeframes. The completeness and accuracy of these records are subject to audit by state authorities to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Chicot County
The expungement process in Chicot County operates under the provisions of Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 et seq., which establishes the Comprehensive Criminal Record Sealing Act. This legislation provides mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the sealing or expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Chicot County include:
- Arrests that did not result in formal charges being filed
- Cases where charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
- Acquittals following trial proceedings
- Successful completion of probation, diversion programs, or suspended sentences for qualifying offenses
- Passage of specified waiting periods for certain offense categories
The petition for expungement must be filed with the Chicot County District Court, which has jurisdiction over the original case. Pursuant to § 16-90-1413, the court shall schedule a hearing on the petition, and notice must be provided to the prosecuting attorney and any victims as required by law.
Upon granting an expungement order, the Chicot County Clerk's Office is required to notify all relevant agencies, including the Arkansas Crime Information Center, the Administrative Office of the Courts, and the arresting agency. These entities must then seal the records in accordance with the court's order, as mandated by § 16-90-1417. Following expungement, the individual may lawfully state that the arrest did not occur, and the sealed records are not available for public inspection except under limited circumstances specified in § 16-90-1416.
Search Arrest Records in Chicot County
Chicot County Sheriff's Office
513 Main Street
Lake Village, AR 71653
(870) 265-8020
Chicot County Sheriff's Office
