Arrest records are public in Crawford County, Arkansas, pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in Arkansas Code § 25-19-101 et seq. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records to ensure transparency in governmental operations. The Arkansas FOIA specifically designates arrest records as public documents that must be made available for inspection and copying by any citizen of the state.
The Crawford County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory duty to preserve court documents. Under Arkansas law, certain exceptions to disclosure exist, including:
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these documents are generally accessible, specific information within them may be redacted in accordance with applicable privacy laws and judicial orders.
Crawford County arrest records are available online through several official and third-party platforms. The Arkansas Judiciary has implemented digital access systems that allow for remote retrieval of certain court records, including those related to arrests. The Search ARCourts platform provides public access to case information from circuit and district courts throughout Arkansas, including Crawford County.
Online accessibility is governed by Administrative Order No. 19, which establishes the framework for electronic access to court records in Arkansas. Pursuant to this order, the following arrest record information is typically available online:
However, certain limitations apply to online access. Records that have been sealed or expunged by court order are not available through public online portals. Additionally, some sensitive information may be redacted from online versions of arrest records in accordance with privacy protections established under Arkansas law.
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining Crawford County arrest records. Individuals seeking these records may utilize the following methods:
Visit the Crawford County Sheriff's Office 300 Main Street, Van Buren, AR 72956 Phone: (479) 474-2261 Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM The Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and can provide information about recent arrests and inmate status.
Contact the Crawford County Circuit Clerk 301 Main Street, Room 202, Van Buren, AR 72956 Phone: (479) 474-3285 Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM The Circuit Clerk maintains court records related to criminal cases, including arrest information for cases that have been filed with the court.
Access the Arkansas Judiciary's online case information system This platform allows users to search for case information by name, case number, or citation number. Available 24 hours a day, this system provides basic case information and, in some instances, digital copies of court documents.
Submit a request to the Crawford County District Court 220 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, AR 72921 Phone: (479) 632-1953 Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM The District Court handles misdemeanor cases and maintains records of related arrests.
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying records, not to exceed actual reproduction costs. Some agencies may also charge search fees if the request requires substantial staff time to fulfill.
Crawford County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Arkansas law and local protocols. These records typically include the following elements:
The Crawford County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Arkansas Criminal Justice Information System regulations. Access to certain elements of arrest records may be restricted based on the status of the case and applicable privacy laws.
Law enforcement agencies in Crawford County, including the Alma Police Department, contribute to these records through standardized reporting procedures. The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the nature of the offense and the stage of the criminal justice process.
Arkansas law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 et seq., individuals may petition for expungement if their case meets statutory criteria. The Crawford County Circuit Court processes these petitions in accordance with state law.
Eligibility for expungement in Crawford County typically includes:
The expungement process requires:
Upon successful expungement, records are sealed from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes as outlined in Arkansas Code § 16-90-1416. Individuals whose records have been expunged may legally state that the arrest or conviction did not occur in most circumstances.
The Crawford County Clerk's Office maintains information about the expungement process and can provide the necessary forms for petitioning the court.