Union County, Arkansas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Union County, Arkansas?
Arrest records in Union County, Arkansas are considered public documents and are accessible to members of the general public. This accessibility is established and protected by the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in Arkansas Code § 25-19-101 et seq. The statute mandates that all government records, with certain limited exceptions, shall be available for public inspection and copying. This provision extends to records maintained by government entities at all levels of jurisdiction, including municipal, county, and state agencies operating within Union County.
The Arkansas FOIA operates under the fundamental principle that government transparency serves the public interest. Pursuant to this legislation, law enforcement agencies in Union County must maintain arrest records in a manner that facilitates public access. However, certain information within these records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive personal information as permitted under Arkansas Code § 25-19-105.
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these documents are legally accessible, practical limitations such as processing times and administrative procedures may affect the immediacy of access. Additionally, requestors should note that commercial use of arrest record information may be subject to additional regulations under state law.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Union County?
Union County arrest records are available through various online platforms, though the comprehensiveness of digital access varies by source. The Union County Sheriff's Office maintains certain booking information through their official website, providing a limited digital repository of recent arrest data. This online resource typically includes basic information such as the arrestee's name, booking date, and charges filed.
Third-party aggregator websites also compile and publish Union County arrest information. These commercial platforms collect data from public sources and may offer search functionality that exceeds that of official government websites. However, pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(b)(8), certain arrest information may be exempt from disclosure if it would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.
The Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) provides the CourtConnect system, which allows public access to court records, including those related to arrests in Union County. This system is accessible at https://caseinfo.arcourts.gov and requires users to register for an account to conduct searches.
Digital access to arrest records is subject to periodic system maintenance and updates. Records available online may not reflect the most current status of cases, as there is typically a processing delay between an arrest event and its appearance in digital systems. For the most accurate and current information, requestors may need to supplement online searches with direct inquiries to the appropriate Union County agencies.
How to Look Up Union County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methodologies exist for obtaining arrest records in Union County, Arkansas. Interested parties may utilize the following official channels:
Union County Sheriff's Office 250 American Road El Dorado, AR 71730 Phone: (870) 864-1970 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM The Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and can provide copies upon proper request. Requestors must complete a standard FOIA form and may be required to present identification. Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105, the agency must respond to requests within three business days.
Union County Circuit Clerk's Office 101 North Washington Avenue, Suite 102 El Dorado, AR 71730 Phone: (870) 864-1960 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM The Circuit Clerk maintains court records related to arrests and prosecutions. Members of the public may request case files that include arrest information. A nominal fee may apply for document reproduction in accordance with Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(d)(3).
Arkansas State Police Criminal Background Check Section One State Police Plaza Drive Little Rock, AR 72209 Phone: (501) 618-8500 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM The State Police provide comprehensive criminal history information, including arrest data from Union County. Requestors must submit fingerprints and pay the statutory fee as prescribed in Arkansas Code § 12-12-1006.
Online Public Access Services The Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC) offers limited online access to criminal history information through their website. Additionally, the Administrative Office of the Courts maintains the aforementioned CourtConnect system for case information retrieval.
Requestors should note that different agencies may maintain different portions of arrest records. For comprehensive information, inquiries to multiple agencies may be necessary. All requests should specify the name of the subject and, when possible, additional identifying information such as date of birth to ensure accurate record retrieval.
Contents of a Union County Arrest Record
Union County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Arkansas law enforcement protocols. These documents typically include the following components:
Biographical Information: The full legal name of the arrested individual, any documented aliases or known pseudonyms, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and residential address at time of arrest.
Arrest Details: The precise date, time, and geographical location of the arrest; the arresting agency; the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the statutory authority under which the arrest was executed.
Criminal Charges: A complete enumeration of all charges filed, including the Arkansas Code citations for each alleged offense, the classification of each offense (felony or misdemeanor), and the degree or class of each charge.
Booking Information: The date and time of booking, the facility where the individual was processed, assigned identification numbers, and fingerprint classification data.
Photographic Documentation: A mugshot photograph taken during the booking process, typically including front and profile views of the arrested individual.
Judicial Processing: Information regarding initial appearance before a judicial officer, bail or bond determinations, conditions of release if applicable, and scheduled court dates.
Detention Status: Current custody status, including release information if applicable, or continued detention location.
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 12-12-1006, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information. Additionally, if the arrested individual is a juvenile processed through the adult criminal justice system, special rules regarding disclosure may apply under Arkansas Code § 9-27-309.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Union County
The expungement process in Union County operates under the provisions of Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 et seq., which establishes the legal framework for sealing criminal records. Expungement effectively removes arrest records from public access, though the information remains available to law enforcement agencies and certain authorized entities.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Union County include:
- Completion of all terms of sentencing, including probation, parole, and payment of all fines, fees, and restitution
- Fulfillment of the statutory waiting period, which varies based on offense classification
- Absence of new criminal charges during the waiting period
- Compliance with offense-specific eligibility requirements
The procedural requirements for expungement include:
- Filing a Uniform Petition for Sealing of Record with the Union County Circuit Court
- Payment of the filing fee, currently set at $50, unless waived by the court due to indigence
- Service of the petition on the prosecuting attorney
- Attendance at a scheduled hearing, if required by the court
Certain offenses are categorically ineligible for expungement under Arkansas law, including most violent felonies, sexual offenses, and offenses committed against minors. Additionally, individuals with multiple felony convictions face more stringent eligibility requirements.
Upon granting of an expungement petition, the court issues an Order of Expungement, which is distributed to all relevant agencies, including the Union County Sheriff's Office, the Arkansas Crime Information Center, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. These agencies are then required to seal the records in accordance with the court order.
Search Arrest Records in Union County
