Arrest records in Nevada 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 that government records, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies, shall be available for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by statute. The Arkansas FOIA operates under the presumption of openness, with the burden of proving an exemption falling upon the custodial agency.
The Nevada County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its statutory duties under Arkansas Code § 12-41-503, which requires the maintenance of a daily log or record of all individuals committed to county detention facilities. These records document official actions by government officials and are therefore subject to public disclosure requirements.
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with exemptions outlined in Arkansas Code § 25-19-105. However, basic arrest information including the arrestee's name, charges, and booking details typically remains accessible.
Nevada County arrest records are available through various online platforms in accordance with Arkansas Code § 25-19-108, which encourages government agencies to make public records available in electronic format when feasible. The county has implemented digital record-keeping systems that facilitate public access to arrest information through official government portals.
The Nevada County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster that is updated regularly to reflect current detention status. This resource is provided as a public service and in compliance with transparency requirements established by state law. Additionally, the Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts maintains a statewide case information system that includes criminal case records from Nevada County.
Users of online arrest record systems should note that pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1417, certain records may be sealed or expunged and would therefore not appear in public databases. Furthermore, the timeliness and comprehensiveness of online records may vary, as some information may require processing time before becoming electronically available.
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Nevada County, each governed by specific procedural requirements established under Arkansas law:
Online Database Access: The public may search the Arkansas Judiciary case information system for criminal proceedings related to arrests. This system provides docket information for cases filed in Nevada County courts.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Nevada County Sheriff's Office located at 215 East 2nd Street South, Prescott, AR 71857. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Requestors must complete a public records request form and may be required to present identification.
Written Requests: Written FOIA requests may be submitted to the Records Division of the Nevada County Sheriff's Office. Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(a)(2)(A), agencies must respond to such requests within three business days.
Criminal Background Checks: Official criminal history information may be obtained through the Arkansas State Police Online Criminal Background Check System, which includes arrest data from all Arkansas counties including Nevada County.
Fees for copies of arrest records are established in accordance with Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(d)(3) and are currently set at $0.25 per page for standard documents. Additional fees may apply for certified copies or extensive research requests.
Nevada County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Arkansas Criminal Justice Information System regulations and Arkansas Code § 12-12-1003. A comprehensive arrest record typically includes:
Law enforcement agencies in Nevada County utilize the Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC) protocols for record standardization, ensuring consistency across jurisdictions. These records serve both administrative and investigative purposes while maintaining compliance with public disclosure requirements.
The expungement process in Nevada County operates under the provisions of the Arkansas Comprehensive Criminal Record Sealing Act of 2013 (Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 et seq.). This statute provides mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Nevada County include:
The expungement petition must be filed with the Nevada County District Court located at 215 East 2nd Street South, Prescott, AR 71857. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, telephone: (870) 887-2710. A filing fee of $50 applies to most expungement petitions, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners.
Upon granting of an expungement order, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest are directed to seal such records, removing them from public access. However, pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1416, certain governmental entities retain limited access to sealed records for specific purposes including law enforcement and judicial proceedings.