>Clay County Arrest Records Online

Clay County, Arkansas Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Clay County, Arkansas?

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:

Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies
Provides transparency in the judicial process
Allows citizens to monitor the activities of government officials
Facilitates background checks for employment and housing purposes
Enables researchers and journalists to analyze crime patterns and trends

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).

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Clay County?

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:

Records may not be immediately available online following an arrest
Some historical records may not have been digitized
Certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
Users may be required to create accounts or pay nominal fees for access
Records of juvenile offenders are typically sealed and not available online

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.

How to Look Up Clay County Arrest Records in 2025

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.

Contents of a Clay County Arrest Record

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:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged offenses
Name and jurisdiction of the arresting agency
Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
Fingerprint impressions collected during processing
Demographic information including:
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Last known address
- Race and gender
Case or docket number assigned by the court
Custody status and bail information
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Disposition of the case if available

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.

Legal Uses of Clay County Arrest Records

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:

Background screening for employment, particularly for positions involving vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities
Tenant screening by landlords and property management companies
Verification during firearms purchase background checks as required by federal law
Assessment of potential jurors during voir dire proceedings
Evaluation of witnesses in court proceedings
Statistical analysis by criminal justice agencies for resource allocation and policy development
Academic research on criminal justice trends and outcomes
Journalistic reporting on matters of public interest

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.

Limitations on Access to Arrest 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:

Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(b)(6)
Juvenile records are sealed under Arkansas Code § 9-27-309 except under specific court orders
Records that have been expunged or sealed by judicial order are removed from public access
Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy may be redacted
Records containing information that would compromise law enforcement techniques
Medical information contained within arrest records is protected under HIPAA regulations
Information about victims of certain offenses, particularly sexual crimes, may be redacted

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.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Clay County

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 individual has completed all terms of their sentence, including probation or parole
Required waiting periods have elapsed (typically 5 years for misdemeanors and certain felonies)
No subsequent criminal convictions have occurred during the waiting period
The offense is eligible for expungement under Arkansas law
All fines, restitution, and court costs have been paid in full

The expungement procedure requires filing a petition with the court that handled the original case. The petition must include:

Complete identification information of the petitioner
Date of arrest and specific charges
Case number and court of jurisdiction
Statement of eligibility under relevant statutes
Certificate of compliance with all sentencing requirements

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