>Hempstead County Arrest Records Online

Hempstead County, Arkansas Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Hempstead County, Arkansas?

Arrest records in Hempstead 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 legal framework ensuring government transparency by mandating that official records, including those pertaining to arrests, remain available for public inspection. The Arkansas FOIA specifically designates law enforcement records as public documents, with limited exceptions for ongoing investigations or matters involving juvenile offenders.

The Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC) serves as the central repository for criminal history information throughout the state, including Hempstead County. As authorized by Act 1109 of 1993, the ACIC administers the Computerized Criminal History Record System, which maintains comprehensive arrest records for all felony and specified misdemeanor offenses committed within state jurisdiction.

Members of the public seeking arrest records must submit proper identification when requesting such information. Requestors may be required to complete standardized forms detailing the specific records sought and the purpose of the inquiry, in accordance with Arkansas Code § 12-12-1008.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Hempstead County?

Digital access to Hempstead County arrest records is available through several authorized online platforms. The Hempstead County Sheriff's Office maintains an electronic inmate roster that is updated regularly with current detention information. This public-facing database includes booking details, charges filed, and custody status of individuals processed through the county detention facility.

The Arkansas Judiciary has implemented a statewide case information system accessible via the internet. This system, known as ARCourts, provides electronic access to court records, including those related to criminal proceedings following arrests in Hempstead County. Users may search this database by name, case number, or filing date to retrieve relevant information about criminal cases originating from arrests within the county.

Third-party aggregators also compile and disseminate arrest record information from Hempstead County. However, the Arkansas State Legislature has enacted provisions in Arkansas Code § 12-12-1501 that regulate the commercial use of criminal history information. Entities that collect and distribute such data must ensure compliance with these statutory requirements.

How to Look Up Hempstead County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Hempstead County. Interested parties may utilize any of the following methods to obtain this information:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Hempstead County Sheriff's Office located at 312 South Washington Street, Hope, AR 71801. Office hours for public record requests are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Staff members will assist with completing the necessary documentation to process record requests.
Criminal Investigation Division: The Criminal Investigation Division of the Hempstead County Sheriff's Office maintains detailed records of arrests and subsequent investigations. This division can provide comprehensive information about specific cases upon proper request.
Arkansas Crime Information Center: The ACIC, located at 322 South Main Street, Little Rock, AR 72201, processes statewide criminal history checks that include arrest records from Hempstead County. Requests may be submitted in person or via mail with the required identification and processing fee as stipulated in Arkansas Code § 12-12-1009.
Judicial Records: The Hempstead County Circuit Clerk's Office, situated at 400 South Washington Street, Hope, AR 71801, maintains court records related to criminal proceedings. These records often contain detailed information about arrests that led to formal charges. The Arkansas Judiciary online portal also provides electronic access to these records.
Arkansas State Police: The Department of Public Safety's Criminal Background Check System includes arrest data from all Arkansas counties, including Hempstead. Requests may be submitted to the Arkansas State Police headquarters at 1 State Police Plaza Drive, Little Rock, AR 72209.

Processing times for record requests vary depending on the method utilized and the complexity of the search. Standard processing typically requires 3-5 business days, though expedited services may be available for an additional fee.

Contents of a Hempstead County Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Hempstead County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by Arkansas Code § 12-12-1003. These records typically include the following elements:

Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, any documented aliases, date of birth, place of birth, and Social Security Number (partially redacted in public versions)
Physical Descriptors: Height, weight, eye color, hair color, race, gender, and notable identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Photographic Documentation: Booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots") taken from front and profile perspectives
Biometric Data: Fingerprint impressions collected during the booking process, which are subsequently submitted to the Arkansas State Identification Bureau and the FBI's Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer; agency responsible for the arrest; and the legal authority under which the arrest was executed
Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed, including the Arkansas Code sections allegedly violated, classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor), and degree of each charge
Case Processing Information: Booking number, case identification numbers, court docket numbers, bail or bond amounts established, custody status, and scheduled court appearances
Disposition Data: Outcomes of judicial proceedings related to the arrest, including dismissals, convictions, acquittals, or diversionary program placements

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the stage of criminal proceedings and the specific circumstances of each case. Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may contain redactions as permitted under Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(b)(6).

Expungement of Arrest Records in Hempstead County

Arkansas law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 through § 16-90-1419, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.

Individuals seeking expungement of Hempstead County arrest records must file a petition with the circuit court that had jurisdiction over the original case. Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1406, eligibility for expungement generally requires one of the following conditions:

Arrest without charges being filed within one year
Dismissal of charges
Acquittal at trial
Completion of a pre-adjudication probation program
Conviction of certain misdemeanors after completion of all sentencing requirements
Conviction of eligible felonies after completion of all sentencing requirements and waiting periods

The Arkansas Department of Corrections provides detailed guidance on expungement eligibility and procedures. Upon granting of an expungement petition, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records related to the arrest and subsequent proceedings.

It is important to note that even after expungement, certain entities retain limited access to sealed records. The Arkansas Crime Information Center maintains a confidential index of expunged records that may be accessed by law enforcement agencies and prosecutors under circumstances specified in Arkansas Code § 16-90-1416.

Expunged records are not disclosed in standard background checks conducted for employment or housing purposes. However, certain professional licensing boards and government agencies may have statutory authority to access expunged records for specific regulatory purposes.