>Phillips County Arrest Records Online

Phillips County, Arkansas Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Phillips County, Arkansas?

Arrest records are public in Phillips County, Arkansas, pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in Arkansas Code § 25-19-101 et seq. This legislation establishes that governmental records, including arrest records, shall be available for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by statute. The Arkansas FOIA serves as the legal foundation ensuring transparency in governmental operations, including law enforcement activities within Phillips County.

Members of the public may access these records as part of their right to information about governmental proceedings. The Arkansas Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access such records, reinforcing the principle that open access to arrest information promotes accountability within the criminal justice system. Certain limited exceptions exist for juvenile records, ongoing investigations, and records sealed by court order under Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Phillips County?

Phillips County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by governmental agencies and authorized third-party providers. The Arkansas Department of Corrections provides an online inmate search service that includes information about individuals currently in custody or previously detained in Phillips County facilities.

The Arkansas Judiciary maintains the Search ARCourts system, which provides access to court records associated with arrests in Phillips County. However, pursuant to Administrative Order No. 19 of the Arkansas Supreme Court, certain information may be redacted from these online records to protect privacy interests while maintaining the public nature of the records.

Online accessibility varies by record type and maintaining agency. Records available through these systems typically include basic arrest information, charges filed, and case status. More detailed information may require direct contact with the maintaining agency or submission of a formal FOIA request.

How to Look Up Phillips County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking Phillips County arrest records have multiple avenues available for conducting searches. The following methods are authorized under Arkansas law for obtaining these public records:

Phillips County Sheriff's Office: The primary custodian of arrest records in the county maintains physical records that may be inspected during regular business hours.

Phillips County Sheriff's Office
1001 Cherry Street
Helena-West Helena, AR 72342
(870) 338-5555
Official Website
Helena-West Helena Police Department: For arrests made within city limits, records may be obtained from:

Helena-West Helena Police Department
Phillips County Justice Complex
1804 MLK Drive
Helena-West Helena, AR 72390
(870) 572-3441
Official Website
Phillips County District Court: Court records related to arrests may be accessed through:

Phillips County District Court
622 Cherry Street
Helena-West Helena, AR 72342
(870) 338-6451
Official Website
Arkansas Judiciary Online Case Information: The Arkansas Judiciary Case Search provides electronic access to court records associated with arrests.
Arkansas Crime Information Center: For background checks and comprehensive criminal history information, requests may be submitted to:

Arkansas Crime Information Center
322 South Main Street, Suite 615
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 682-7444
Official Website

Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying records, not to exceed actual reproduction costs. Some agencies may require submission of a written FOIA request for certain types of records.

Contents of a Phillips County Arrest Record

Phillips County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by the Arkansas Crime Information Center pursuant to Arkansas Code § 12-12-201. These records typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Booking identification number and processing information
Photographic documentation (mugshot) taken during booking
Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
Enumeration of criminal charges filed, including Arkansas Code citations
Arresting agency and officer identification
Bail or bond amount established and conditions of release
Detention status and facility location if applicable
Case disposition information when available
Court docket numbers and scheduled appearance dates

The Arkansas Criminal History Improvement Act of 1991 established standards for the collection and maintenance of these records. Information contained in arrest records is subject to verification procedures established by the Arkansas Crime Information Center to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Phillips County

Under Arkansas law, certain individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained in Phillips County. The Arkansas Comprehensive Criminal Record Sealing Act of 2013, codified in Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 through § 16-90-1419, establishes the legal framework for this process.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Phillips County include:

Arrests that did not result in formal charges
Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal
Certain misdemeanor convictions after completion of all sentencing requirements and waiting periods
Specified non-violent felony convictions after completion of all sentencing requirements and statutory waiting periods
First-time offenders who successfully complete probation under Act 346 of 1975 (Arkansas First Offender Act)

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Phillips County Circuit Court where the case was adjudicated. Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1413, the prosecuting attorney and victims must be notified of the petition. The court may schedule a hearing to determine if the petitioner meets all statutory requirements.

Upon granting an expungement order, records are sealed from public view but remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and courts for specific purposes authorized by statute. The Arkansas State Police maintains the central repository for all expungement orders issued within the state.