>Washington County Arrest Records Online

Washington County, Arkansas Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Washington County, Arkansas?

Arrest records are public in Washington County, Arkansas, pursuant to 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 records maintained by government entities, including law enforcement agencies. The Arkansas FOIA operates under the principle that government records shall be open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. Arrest records fall within the category of public records and are therefore accessible to members of the public, journalists, researchers, and other interested parties.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory duty to document law enforcement activities. While most arrest information is publicly available, certain details may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or other information specifically protected under Arkansas law.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Washington County?

Washington County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by both governmental agencies and authorized third-party providers. The Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database that allows public access to current detention information, including recent arrests and inmate status. This online accessibility represents the county's commitment to transparency and public information access as mandated by Arkansas FOIA.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office detention information system provides regularly updated information on individuals currently in custody. Additionally, the Arkansas Judiciary maintains an online case information system where members of the public may access court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. These digital resources significantly enhance the accessibility of arrest records for Washington County residents and other interested parties.

How to Look Up Washington County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Washington County arrest records in 2025 have multiple avenues available for conducting searches. Each method offers different advantages depending on the specific information needed and the urgency of the request:

In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies: Individuals may visit the Washington County Sheriff's Office located at 1155 Clydesdale Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72701. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Records Division can be reached at (479) 444-5700. In-person requests often provide the most comprehensive access to arrest records.
Washington County Circuit Clerk's Office: Court records related to arrests can be obtained at the Washington County Courthouse, 280 North College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72701. The office operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and can be reached at (479) 444-1500.
Online Database Searches: The Washington County detention information portal provides current arrest information. For court case information related to arrests, the Arkansas Judiciary's online case search offers access to public court records.
Fayetteville Police Department Records: For arrests made by city police, records may be requested from the Fayetteville Police Department Records Division at 100 West Rock Street, Fayetteville, AR 72701. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and can be reached at (479) 587-3555.

Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105, agencies must respond to public records requests within three business days. Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search to ensure accurate results.

Contents of a Washington County Arrest Record

Washington County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the circumstances and details of an individual's arrest. These records serve both law enforcement and judicial purposes while providing public accountability. A typical Washington County arrest record includes:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, identifying marks), race, gender, and current address of the arrested individual
Arrest Details: Date and time of arrest, location where the arrest occurred, arresting agency, name and badge number of the arresting officer(s), and the legal authority under which the arrest was made
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Arkansas state law or local ordinances, including statute numbers and charge descriptions, severity classification (misdemeanor or felony), and any enhancements or special circumstances
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprints, mugshot photograph, personal property inventory, and medical screening results when applicable
Case Processing Data: Court docket number, assigned judge, scheduled court appearances, bail or bond amount, custody status, and disposition information
Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests or convictions when relevant to the current case

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 public versions of arrest records to protect individual privacy while maintaining the public's right to access essential information.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Washington County

Arkansas law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are sealed from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes. The Arkansas Comprehensive Criminal Record Sealing Act of 2013, codified in Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 et seq., establishes the framework for record expungement in Washington County.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Washington County include:

Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal may qualify for immediate expungement
Certain misdemeanor convictions become eligible after 60 days with completion of all sentencing requirements
Some non-violent felony convictions may qualify after a five-year waiting period
First-time offenders under certain diversion programs may qualify upon successful completion

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Washington County Circuit Court where the case was adjudicated. Petitioners must submit the appropriate forms, pay the required filing fee (currently $50), and provide notice to the prosecuting attorney. The Washington County Circuit Court is located at 280 North College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72701.

Upon granting an expungement order, the court directs all relevant agencies to seal the records, including the Washington County Sheriff's Office, Arkansas State Police, and the Arkansas Crime Information Center. Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1417, expunged records are not disclosed in response to public records requests and the individual may legally deny the arrest occurred in most circumstances.

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