Arrest records are public documents in Clay County, Arkansas, pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified under Arkansas Code § 25-19-101 et seq. This legislation establishes that governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Arkansas FOIA mandates that public agencies maintain transparency by providing citizens with access to records documenting governmental activities, including law enforcement operations.
The public nature of these records serves multiple purposes within the criminal justice system:
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted to protect sensitive information, such as the identities of confidential informants or details that might compromise ongoing investigations, as permitted under Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(b).
Clay County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by governmental agencies. The Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts provides a centralized database where members of the public may search for court records, including those related to arrests. Additionally, the Arkansas Department of Corrections maintains an online inmate locator system that contains information about individuals currently in custody or under supervision.
Online access to arrest records is subject to the following conditions:
The Clay County Sheriff's Office also maintains records that may be accessible through their administrative office, though complete digital access varies based on the agency's technological infrastructure and resources.
Members of the public seeking Clay County arrest records have multiple avenues available for conducting searches. The following methods are authorized under Arkansas public records laws:
Visit the Clay County Sheriff's Office in person: Clay County Sheriff's Office 800 SW 2nd Street Corning, AR 72422 Phone: (870) 598-2270 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Access the Arkansas Judiciary's online case search system, which provides information on criminal cases including arrest details.
Submit a written request to the Clay County Circuit Clerk: Clay County Circuit Clerk 151 S. 2nd Avenue Piggott, AR 72454 Phone: (870) 598-2813 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Utilize the Arkansas Department of Corrections inmate search for individuals who have been processed into the state correctional system.
Request records through the Arkansas State Police for statewide arrest information: Arkansas State Police 1 State Police Plaza Drive Little Rock, AR 72209 Phone: (501) 618-8000 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105, agencies must respond to records requests within three business days. Requestors may be required to pay reasonable fees for copying or processing records, not to exceed actual costs as prescribed by law.
Standard Clay County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following apprehension. These records typically include the following categories of information as mandated by Arkansas Code § 12-12-1003:
These records serve as official documentation within the criminal justice system and are maintained in accordance with Arkansas records retention schedules. The Arkansas Crime Information Center, pursuant to Arkansas Code § 12-12-1001, coordinates the collection and dissemination of criminal history information throughout the state.
Arrest records in Clay County serve multiple legitimate purposes within both governmental and private sectors. The following uses are recognized as lawful under Arkansas statutes:
Users of arrest records must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) when utilizing these records for employment or housing decisions. Additionally, Arkansas Code § 16-90-1417 prohibits discrimination against individuals solely on the basis of expunged records.
While arrest records are generally public in Clay County, certain statutory exceptions limit access to specific categories of records. The following restrictions apply under Arkansas law:
Government agencies maintaining these records must balance the public's right to information against individual privacy interests and the integrity of the criminal justice system. The Arkansas Attorney General has issued numerous opinions clarifying these boundaries in accordance with state law.
The expungement process in Clay County provides eligible individuals with a legal mechanism to remove arrest records from public access. Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 et seq., certain arrests and convictions may qualify for expungement under the following conditions:
The expungement procedure requires filing a petition with the court that handled the original case. The petition must include:
Upon review, the court may grant an order of expungement, which directs all relevant agencies to seal the records. Once expunged, the records are not accessible through standard public searches, and the individual may legally state that the arrest did not occur in most circumstances.
Clay County Circuit Court 151 S. 2nd Avenue Piggott, AR 72454 Phone: (870) 598-2813 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM