Howard County, Arkansas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Howard County, Arkansas?
Arrest records in Howard County, Arkansas are classified as public documents under 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, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within the county. The Howard County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligation to document law enforcement activities.
Members of the public may access these records for various legitimate purposes, including background checks, legal proceedings, or personal information gathering. The Arkansas FOIA specifically mandates that public agencies must make records available for inspection and copying during regular business hours, unless the records fall under specific exemptions outlined in the statute.
It should be noted that while arrest records are public, certain information within these records may be redacted to protect sensitive details such as social security numbers, medical information, or information related to ongoing investigations as specified in Arkansas Code § 25-19-105.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Howard County?
Howard County arrest records are available through online platforms as part of the county's digital governance initiative. The Howard County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster that is updated regularly to reflect current detention information. This digital accessibility aligns with Arkansas Code § 25-19-108, which encourages public agencies to make information available in electronic format when feasible.
The online system provides basic arrest information including names, booking dates, charges, and custody status. However, comprehensive arrest records containing detailed information may require formal requests through official channels. The electronic availability of these records is subject to system maintenance schedules and technical limitations that may occasionally affect accessibility.
Users of online arrest record systems should be aware that the information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an official comprehensive criminal history. For complete and certified records, individuals must contact the Howard County Sheriff's Office directly.
How to Look Up Howard County Arrest Records in 2025
Howard County residents and other interested parties may access arrest records through multiple official channels. The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access to these documents:
• Howard County Sheriff's Office: Individuals may submit a written request for arrest records in person at the Sheriff's Office. Requestors must complete a standard form specifying the information sought and may be required to present identification.
Howard County Sheriff's Office
410 North 2nd Street
Nashville, AR 71852
(870) 845-2626
Howard County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Howard County Circuit Clerk's Office: Court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings may be obtained from the Circuit Clerk's Office. These records often contain additional information regarding case dispositions.
Howard County Circuit Clerk
421 North Main Street
Nashville, AR 71852
(870) 845-7502
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Arkansas State Police: For comprehensive criminal history information that includes arrests across multiple jurisdictions, individuals may submit requests to the Arkansas State Police Identification Bureau pursuant to Arkansas Code § 12-12-1013.
Arkansas State Police Identification Bureau
One State Police Plaza Drive
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 618-8500
Arkansas State Police
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Online Inmate Roster: The Howard County Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate roster on their official website, which is updated daily and includes basic arrest information for individuals currently in custody.
Requests for arrest records must comply with Arkansas FOIA requirements. Agencies typically respond to requests within three business days as required by Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(e). Fees for copies of records may be assessed in accordance with Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(d)(3).
Contents of a Howard County Arrest Record
Howard County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Arkansas Criminal Justice Information System regulations and local record-keeping protocols. These records typically include the following elements:
• Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and address of residence. Aliases or known nicknames may also be included when applicable.
• Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); agency responsible for the arrest; and the legal authority under which the arrest was made.
• Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Arkansas statutes or Howard County ordinances for which the individual was arrested, including citation of relevant code sections and classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor).
• Booking Information: Time and date of booking, assigned identification numbers, fingerprint classification data, and photographic identification (mugshot) taken during the booking process.
• Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, court appearance dates, and current detention status.
• Case Disposition: When available, information regarding the resolution of charges, including dismissals, plea agreements, trial outcomes, or diversion programs.
• Property Inventory: List of personal property taken into custody at the time of arrest and booking.
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 12-12-1008, certain information within arrest records may be restricted if it pertains to ongoing investigations or contains sensitive personal data protected by state or federal privacy laws.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Howard County
Howard County follows Arkansas state law regarding the expungement and sealing of arrest records. Under Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 et seq., certain individuals may petition for the expungement of their arrest records under specific circumstances. The expungement process effectively seals records from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for official purposes.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Howard County include:
• Arrests that did not result in charges being filed within one year, pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1409
• Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of charges, as provided in Arkansas Code § 16-90-1410
• Successful completion of probation, deferred adjudication, or diversion programs for qualifying offenses under Arkansas Code § 16-90-1405
• Certain misdemeanor convictions after completion of sentence and a waiting period as specified in Arkansas Code § 16-90-1405
• First-time felony offenses of certain classifications after completion of sentence and applicable waiting periods pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1406
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Howard County Circuit Court. Petitioners must submit the appropriate forms, pay filing fees (unless waived by the court), and may need to attend a hearing. The prosecuting attorney and victims have the right to contest the petition under certain circumstances.
Upon granting of an expungement order, all affected agencies including the Howard County Sheriff's Office, Arkansas State Police, and the Administrative Office of the Courts must comply by sealing the relevant records within a timeframe specified by statute.
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