Arrest records are public in Dallas County, Arkansas, pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in Arkansas Code § 25-19-101 et seq. This legislation establishes that government-held records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Arkansas FOIA ensures transparency in governmental operations, including law enforcement activities within Dallas County.
Members of the public may request arrest records from the Dallas County Sheriff's Office or other local law enforcement agencies. These records are maintained as part of the public record to promote accountability in the criminal justice system and to provide citizens with information regarding law enforcement activities within their communities.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as determined by Arkansas Code § 25-19-105. However, the general presumption favors public access to arrest information in accordance with state law.
Dallas County arrest records are available online through several official platforms maintained by state and county agencies. The Arkansas Judiciary provides a comprehensive case search system where members of the public may access court records related to arrests that have proceeded to court action. This online accessibility fulfills the requirements of the Arkansas FOIA while providing convenient access to public information.
The Arkansas Department of Corrections maintains an online database that includes information about individuals who have been processed through the state correctional system following arrest and conviction. Additionally, the Arkansas Inmate Search portal allows users to search for current inmates by name, county, or ADC number.
Online access to these records is subject to the same statutory limitations that apply to physical records. Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1417, certain records may be sealed or expunged and would therefore not appear in online databases. The Arkansas Crime Information Center, as referenced in their 2024 Annual Report, coordinates with the Dallas County Sheriff's Office to maintain accurate criminal history information.
To obtain Dallas County arrest records, several official methods are available to members of the public. Each method provides access in accordance with the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act:
Submit a written request to the Dallas County Sheriff's Office located at 206 West 3rd Street, Fordyce, AR 71742. Telephone: (870) 352-2196. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Visit the Dallas County District Court in person at 206 West 3rd Street, Fordyce, AR 71742. Court hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Access the Search ARCourts system maintained by the Arkansas Judiciary, which provides electronic access to court records including those related to arrests in Dallas County.
Contact the Arkansas State Police Criminal Background Check System at 1 State Police Plaza Drive, Little Rock, AR 72209. Telephone: (501) 618-8500. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Utilize the Arkansas Crime Information Center for statewide criminal history information that includes Dallas County arrests. Located at 322 South Main Street, Little Rock, AR 72201. Telephone: (501) 682-2222.
Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name and date of birth. Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(b)(8), fees may be assessed for record searches and copies, with fee schedules established by each agency.
Dallas County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Arkansas law and maintained in accordance with Arkansas Crime Information Center guidelines. A typical arrest record includes:
The Dallas County District Court maintains records of all court proceedings related to arrests within its jurisdiction. These records may include additional information regarding case disposition, sentencing, and other judicial actions.
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 12-12-1003, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information.
The expungement process in Dallas County allows for the sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances as provided by Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 et seq. Individuals seeking expungement must file a petition with the court that had jurisdiction over their case. The Dallas County District Court, presided over by Judge Tom Wynne, processes expungement petitions for cases within its jurisdiction.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Dallas County include:
The expungement petition must be filed with the Dallas County Circuit Clerk at 206 West 3rd Street, Fordyce, AR 71742. Telephone: (870) 352-2307. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Upon approval of an expungement order, the court directs all relevant agencies, including the Dallas County Sheriff's Office, Arkansas Crime Information Center, and the FBI, to seal the records. Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1417, expunged records are not available to the public but may be accessed by law enforcement agencies for specific purposes authorized by statute.
Individuals with expunged records may legally state on applications for employment, licenses, or other civil rights that the expunged arrest or conviction never occurred, with certain exceptions for specific professions as outlined in Arkansas Code § 16-90-1415.