Fort Smith Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Fort Smith, Arkansas?
Arrest records are public documents in Fort Smith, Arkansas, 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 government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Arkansas FOIA serves as the legal foundation for transparency in governmental operations throughout the state, including Sebastian County and the City of Fort Smith.
The public nature of arrest records enables citizens to monitor law enforcement activities and promotes accountability within the criminal justice system. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted or withheld in accordance with privacy protections established under Arkansas Code § 25-19-105, particularly when disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or compromise an ongoing investigation.
How to Look Up Fort Smith Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The Sebastian County Sheriff's Office maintains these records and has established several channels through which interested parties may obtain this information:
- In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours to submit requests for arrest records. Staff members are available to assist with the completion of necessary forms and to process requests in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Sebastian County Sheriff's Office
800 South A Street
Fort Smith, AR 72901
Phone: (479) 783-1051
Sebastian County Sheriff Records
Online Access: The Sebastian County Sheriff's Office maintains an online portal through which certain arrest record information may be accessed. This system allows for remote searches based on name, date of arrest, or case number.
Written Requests: Members of the public may submit written requests for arrest records via postal mail. Such requests must include the full name of the subject, date of birth (if known), approximate date of arrest, and contact information for the requesting party.
Third-Party Vendors: Commercial background check services may provide access to Fort Smith arrest records, though such services may charge fees and the information provided may not be as comprehensive or current as that obtained directly from official sources.
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(b)(8), requestors may be required to pay reasonable fees for the reproduction of records, not to exceed actual costs.
Contents of a Fort Smith Arrest Record
Fort Smith arrest records typically contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances and processing of individuals taken into custody. Standard components of these records include:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description, address, and identifying characteristics of the arrested individual.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including Arkansas Code citations and charge classifications (felony or misdemeanor).
Booking Information: Fingerprints, mugshot photographs, and unique booking identification numbers assigned during processing.
Custody Status: Information regarding detention, release on recognizance, or bail/bond amounts set by the court.
Court Information: Initial appearance dates, assigned court, and preliminary case numbers.
Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests or convictions, if applicable and relevant to the current case.
It should be noted that pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1417, certain sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information may be redacted from publicly available versions of arrest records to protect individual privacy while maintaining the public's right to access essential information.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Fort Smith
The expungement process in Fort Smith allows for the sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances prescribed by Arkansas law. Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 et seq. establishes the legal framework for expungement, which effectively removes eligible arrest records from public access.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Sebastian County include:
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of charges
- Arrests not resulting in formal charges within one year
- Successful completion of probation, deferred adjudication, or diversion programs
- Certain non-violent offenses after specified waiting periods
- Juvenile records upon reaching adulthood, subject to specific conditions
The expungement procedure requires petitioners to:
- File a Uniform Petition for Expungement with the Sebastian County Circuit Court where the case was adjudicated
- Pay applicable filing fees (approximately $50, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners)
- Provide notice to the prosecuting attorney's office
- Attend a scheduled hearing if the petition is contested
Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an Order of Expungement directing all relevant agencies, including the Fort Smith Police Department, Sebastian County Sheriff's Office, and Arkansas State Police, to seal the specified records. Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1417, expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and courts for limited purposes, but are removed from public access.
Sebastian County Circuit Court
35 South 6th Street
Fort Smith, AR 72901
Phone: (479) 783-1560
Sebastian County Courts
Search Arrest Records in Fort Smith
