Arrest records in Franklin County, Arkansas are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in Arkansas Code § 25-19-101 et seq. This legislation establishes the presumption that all governmental records, including arrest records, shall be available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The Arkansas FOIA affirms that public access to government records is vital to the functioning of democratic governance and ensures transparency in law enforcement operations.
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory duty to document all arrests made within their jurisdiction. These documents contain official information regarding individuals apprehended by law enforcement agencies, including the date, location, and circumstances of the arrest, as well as the charges filed against the individual.
Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or the privacy of victims in accordance with Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(b).
Franklin County arrest records are available through various online platforms in accordance with Arkansas public records laws. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database that allows for remote access to certain arrest information. This online accessibility represents the county's commitment to governmental transparency and efficient public service delivery as mandated by Arkansas Code § 25-19-104.
The Arkansas Judiciary's online case search system provides electronic access to court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. Additionally, the Search ARCourts platform enables citizens to view public court records, including those stemming from arrests in Franklin County.
Users of these online systems should be aware that pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1417, certain records may be sealed or expunged and therefore would not appear in online searches. Furthermore, juvenile records are generally not accessible online due to confidentiality protections established under Arkansas Code § 9-27-309.
Multiple official channels exist for accessing Franklin County arrest records in 2025. Interested parties may utilize any of the following methods to obtain this information:
Visit the Franklin County Sheriff's Office Franklin County Sheriff's Office 203 West Main Street Ozark, AR 72949 Phone: (479) 667-4127 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Official Website
Access the Franklin County Circuit Clerk's Office Franklin County Circuit Clerk 211 West Commercial Street Ozark, AR 72949 Phone: (479) 667-3371 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Utilize the Arkansas Department of Corrections Online Services The Arkansas Department of Corrections provides digital access to inmate information, which may include arrest data for individuals currently in state custody.
Search the Arkansas Judiciary Database The Arkansas Judiciary maintains comprehensive court records, including those related to arrests, through their online case search system.
Submit a Written FOIA Request Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105, citizens may submit a formal written request for arrest records to the custodian of records at the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.
When requesting records in person, requestors must present valid government-issued identification. Fees for copies of arrest records are established in accordance with Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(d)(3) and are subject to change based on county ordinances.
Franklin County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Arkansas law enforcement protocols and Arkansas Code § 12-12-1003. These official documents typically include the following elements:
In accordance with Arkansas Code § 12-12-1008, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and information that could compromise ongoing investigations.
The expungement process in Franklin County operates under the provisions of the Arkansas Comprehensive Criminal Record Sealing Act of 2013, codified in Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 et seq. This statute provides a legal mechanism for eligible individuals to petition for the sealing of their arrest records, effectively removing them from public access.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Franklin County include:
The expungement procedure requires petitioners to:
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1413, once an expungement order is issued, the individual may lawfully state that the sealed arrest did not occur and is not part of their record. The Arkansas State Police, Franklin County Sheriff's Office, and all other agencies must comply with the court order by removing the records from public access.