Logan County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Logan County in 2026
LoganARRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Logan County, Arkansas. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge details, and case disposition records. Information presented reflects what is available through official sources and may not reflect the most current status of a case.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Logan County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Logan County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and arrest records for individuals processed through the county jail. Members of the public may access current inmate rosters and recent booking information through the Sheriff's Office. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and custody status. The jail roster is updated on a regular basis, reflecting current detainee information.
Logan County Sheriff's Office
25 West Walnut Street, Paris, AR 72855
Phone: (479) 963-2666
Logan County Sheriff's Office
2. Local Police Departments
Municipal police departments within Logan County maintain their own arrest logs and may issue press releases containing arrest information. The Paris Police Department and Booneville Police Department serve as the primary municipal law enforcement agencies within the county. Press releases with arrest information are periodically published on department websites and through local media outlets.
Paris Police Department
105 West Walnut Street, Paris, AR 72855
Phone: (479) 963-2526
Booneville Police Department
201 East Main Street, Booneville, AR 72927
Phone: (479) 675-2911
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Logan County Circuit Clerk maintains criminal court case records linked to arrests processed in the county. Members of the public may search by arrestee name to locate associated court cases, charge information, and case dispositions. The Arkansas Judiciary CourtConnect portal provides online access to circuit court case records statewide, including Logan County.
Logan County Circuit Clerk
25 West Walnut Street, Paris, AR 72855
Phone: (479) 963-2616
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Arkansas State Police maintains the Arkansas Criminal History Information repository, which includes arrest and conviction records from law enforcement agencies across the state. Members of the public may submit a name-based criminal history request. A fee of $22.00 currently applies to public criminal history record requests submitted to the Arkansas State Police. The state repository includes arrests from all jurisdictions within Arkansas and reflects information reported by local agencies.
Arkansas State Police Headquarters
1 State Police Plaza Drive, Little Rock, AR 72209
Phone: (501) 618-8000
Arkansas State Police
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
- Address: 25 West Walnut Street, Paris, AR 72855
- Records division is located within the main Sheriff's Office building
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Phone: (479) 963-2666
- Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and any known information about the arrest, including the full name of the subject and approximate date of arrest
- Fees for copies: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply
Police Departments:
- Paris Police Department: 105 West Walnut Street, Paris, AR 72855 — (479) 963-2526
- Booneville Police Department: 201 East Main Street, Booneville, AR 72927 — (479) 675-2911
- Records requests at municipal departments are processed during regular business hours; requestors should submit a written request identifying the subject and the nature of the records sought
- Copy fees are consistent with state fee schedules
Clerk of Court:
- Address: 25 West Walnut Street, Paris, AR 72855
- Criminal records division is located within the Logan County Courthouse
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Phone: (479) 963-2616
- Members of the public may inspect case files at the clerk's office during regular business hours
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page; certified copies are available for an additional fee
By Mail:
- Mailing address: Logan County Sheriff's Office, 25 West Walnut Street, Paris, AR 72855
- Written requests should include the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full name and return address
- Payment for copies should be included with the request in the form of a check or money order payable to the Logan County Sheriff's Office
- Processing time is typically 5–10 business days from receipt of a complete request
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (479) 963-2666
- Limited information is available by phone; staff may confirm custody status and general booking information
- Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
- Detailed records requests are referred to the online system or an in-person visit
Through Legal Channels:
- Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients
- Subpoenas may be issued for detailed investigative records not available through standard public access
- Discovery in active legal proceedings is governed by the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Location of arrest and jurisdiction
Are Arrest Records Public in Logan County
Arrest records in Logan County are public records under Arkansas law. Pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, codified at Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-101, et seq., members of the public have the right to inspect and copy records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement. Arrest records are considered public because they document the exercise of governmental authority and serve the interests of transparency, public safety, and community awareness.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Custody status
- Basic demographic information, including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Arkansas law
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Active investigation information may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
- Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
- Confidential informant information is protected
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
- Witness protection participants are exempt from disclosure
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Arkansas Constitution and the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act establish the legal framework for public access to government records. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public interest. Courts have recognized that the public's right to know about law enforcement activity must be balanced against individual privacy interests, particularly where charges have not resulted in conviction.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords who use consumer reporting agencies to obtain background check information must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Arkansas does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
What's in Logan County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth
- Age at time of arrest
- Sex/gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks, including scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public records
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest, including street address or general area
- Arresting agency, such as the Sheriff's Office, a municipal police department, or the Arkansas State Police
- Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification, including felony degree or misdemeanor class
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
- Gang-related designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not typically included in public records
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status, including whether the individual is in custody, released, or bonded out
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
- Bail bondsman information, if applicable
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, where public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, where available
Prior Arrest History (may be included):
- Previous arrests in the county
- Previous booking numbers
- Historical charges
- Prior arrest history is not always included in a current arrest record
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim information
- Evidence collected
- Investigative techniques
- Medical information
- Mental health status
- Substance abuse information
- Detailed home address or phone number
- Social Security number, which is redacted from public records
- Bank account information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
- Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
- Background checks: Represent comprehensive screening that draws from multiple sources
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Logan County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Logan County is governed by the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act and applicable local fee schedules. Under current law, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of reproduction.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copies | $5.00 per document (varies by office) |
| Electronic records (where available) | Varies; may be provided at no charge |
| Criminal history record (state repository) | $22.00 per request (Arkansas State Police) |
| Search fee | No separate search fee under FOIA |
- Inspection fees: Members of the public may inspect records at no charge; fees apply only to copies
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page is the standard rate at the Sheriff's Office and Circuit Clerk's office
- Certification fees: Certified copies carry an additional fee, which varies by office
- Electronic format fees: Electronic records may be provided at reduced or no cost depending on the agency
- Search fees: Arkansas law does not permit agencies to charge a separate search fee for locating records
Accepted payment methods at the Logan County Sheriff's Office and Circuit Clerk include cash, check, and money order. The Arkansas State Police accepts payment by credit card for online criminal history requests.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest, such as by journalists or nonprofit organizations. Requestors seeking a fee waiver should submit a written request explaining the basis for the waiver at the time of the records request.
Members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost. Online access to court case information through the Arkansas Judiciary CourtConnect portal is currently available at no charge.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Logan County
In Arkansas, the legal process for removing arrest records from public access is referred to as expungement. Expungement results in the sealing of records from public view, though law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records for official purposes. Sealing restricts public access without physically destroying the underlying record, while expungement under Arkansas law typically results in the record being treated as though it does not exist for most purposes.
Eligibility for Expungement:
Under Ark. Code Ann. § 16-90-1401, et seq., individuals may petition for expungement in the following circumstances:
- Charges were dismissed or nolle prossed (prosecutor declined to proceed)
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The individual successfully completed a first-offender program or diversion program
- The individual completed the sentence for certain eligible offenses and the required waiting period has elapsed
- Juvenile adjudications, subject to separate eligibility rules
Certain offenses are not eligible for expungement, including Class Y felonies, capital murder, rape, and other serious violent or sexual offenses.
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information from the Logan County Circuit Clerk
- Confirm eligibility based on the nature of the charges and the outcome of the case
- Complete the petition for expungement form, available from the Circuit Clerk's office
- File the petition with the Logan County Circuit Court and pay the applicable filing fee
- Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office
- Attend the scheduled hearing, if required by the court
- If the court grants the petition, provide certified copies of the expungement order to the arresting agency, the Circuit Clerk, and the Arkansas State Police
Logan County Circuit Court
25 West Walnut Street, Paris, AR 72855
Phone: (479) 963-2616
Arkansas Judiciary
Logan County Prosecuting Attorney (15th Judicial District)
25 West Walnut Street, Paris, AR 72855
Phone: (479) 963-3663
Arkansas State Police (Criminal History Records)
1 State Police Plaza Drive, Little Rock, AR 72209
Phone: (501) 618-8000
Arkansas State Police Criminal History
Individuals who cannot afford an attorney may contact the Arkansas Legal Services Partnership for assistance with expungement petitions. Following the entry of an expungement order, the Arkansas State Police updates the state criminal history repository, and local agencies are required to seal or remove the records from public access.
What Happens After Arrest in Logan County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Logan County, the arrested individual is transported to the Logan County Detention Center. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.
Logan County Detention Center
25 West Walnut Street, Paris, AR 72855
Phone: (479) 963-2666
Logan County Sheriff's Office
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the detention facility, the booking process begins. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
- Photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
- Criminal history check conducted
- Outstanding warrants check
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Clothing exchanged for jail uniform
- Medical screening
- Brief mental health screening
- Housing classification determination
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Arkansas law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judicial officer without unnecessary delay, and within 48 hours of a warrantless arrest. At the first appearance:
- The individual is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
- Bond or bail is determined
- Rights are explained
- The hearing may be conducted via video conference
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond:
- The full bond amount must be paid in cash
- The amount is refunded when the case concludes, minus applicable fees
- The amount is set by the judge or magistrate, or pursuant to a bond schedule
Surety Bond:
- A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
- The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount
- The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):
- The individual is released on a written promise to appear
- No monetary payment is required
- Eligibility is based on ties to the community, employment history, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and flight risk assessment
No Bond:
- The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violation of probation or parole, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants
Conditions of Release:
- Check-in requirements with pretrial services
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring
- Pretrial supervision
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Posted:
- Processing time for release is typically one to eight hours
- Personal property is returned
- A court date is provided in writing
- Written conditions of release are issued
- The individual must appear at all scheduled court dates or the bond is subject to forfeiture
If Bond Not Posted:
- The individual remains in custody at the Logan County Detention Center
- Housing assignment is made
- Inmate orientation is conducted
- Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedule are explained
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Indigent defendants have the right to appointed counsel. Eligibility is based on income. The Arkansas Public Defender Commission oversees the provision of public defense services in the state.
Arkansas Public Defender Commission
101 East Capitol Avenue, Suite 201, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 682-9070
Arkansas Public Defender Commission
Private Attorney:
Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Arkansas Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service. Attorney visits at the Logan County Detention Center are conducted in a confidential setting.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The 15th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The prosecutor may file an information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges. This review typically occurs within days to weeks of the arrest.
Grand Jury:
For certain felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed. Grand jury proceedings are conducted without the presence of defense counsel and result in an indictment if the grand jury finds probable cause.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set. Arraignment is scheduled within a reasonable time following the filing of charges.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.
Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled as needed.
Pretrial conferences allow attorneys and the judge to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.
Plea negotiations may result in an offer from the prosecutor for reduced charges or a recommended sentence. The defendant decides whether to accept the offer or proceed to trial.
Case Resolution Options:
Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness problems, or legal issues. Following dismissal, the defendant may be eligible to petition for expungement.
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges, and a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Trial: The defendant may elect a jury trial or a bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned. If guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Sentencing (if convicted):
The judge imposes a sentence that may include imprisonment, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, drug or alcohol treatment, or a combination of these options. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks, depending on case complexity
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying widely based on charge severity and court docket
- Misdemeanors: Resolution within weeks to several months
- Felonies: Resolution within several months to over a year
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and the Arkansas Constitution
Rights Throughout Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to an attorney
- Right to a speedy trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Sheriff's Office (Jail):
25 West Walnut Street, Paris, AR 72855
Phone: (479) 963-2666
Inmate information: (479) 963-2666
Logan County Sheriff's Office
Clerk of Court:
25 West Walnut Street, Paris, AR 72855
Phone: (479) 963-2616
Case information: Arkansas Judiciary CourtConnect
State Attorney's Office (15th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney):
25 West Walnut Street, Paris, AR 72855
Phone: (479) 963-3663
Public Defender's Office:
Arkansas Public Defender Commission, 101 East Capitol Avenue, Suite 201, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 682-9070
Arkansas Public Defender Commission
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
- Contact family or friends for assistance with bail
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of bond or release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Logan County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Logan County is governed by Arkansas law and the records retention schedules established by the Arkansas History Commission and applicable state agencies. Under Ark. Code Ann. § 13-4-401, et seq., public records must be retained in accordance with approved schedules, and destruction of records requires authorization. The Arkansas Secretary of State's Records Management program provides guidance on retention requirements for local government agencies.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retention: Permanent
- Maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk, the Arkansas State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retention: Permanent in most databases
- Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of five years; many agencies retain permanently
- Court records: Retained permanently in electronic systems
- State repository: Retained permanently
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement: Typically retained for a minimum of three to five years
- Court records: Retained permanently in electronic case management systems
- State repository: Retained unless expunged
- Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order
Acquittals (Not Guilty):
- Local law enforcement: Typically retained for a minimum of three to five years
- Court records: Retained permanently
- State repository: Retained unless expunged or sealed by court order
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records: Typically retained for a minimum of three years
- Local arrest logs: Retained for a minimum of three years
- May be eligible for expungement petition
No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):
- Law enforcement: Typically retained for a minimum of three years
- Often eligible for expungement under Arkansas law
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork: Retained per applicable retention schedule, minimum three to five years
- Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently or transferred to state repository
- Photographs: Retained per retention schedule; digital images often retained permanently
- Evidence: Retention varies based on case outcome and offense classification
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Typically retained for a minimum of three years
- Records management systems: Often retained permanently
- Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency
- Court electronic records: Retained permanently in the Arkansas Judiciary case management system
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
- Third-party databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
- The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate and current information
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Minimum three to five years; many retained permanently
- Arrest reports: Minimum three to five years
- Investigative files: Varies based on offense classification; felony files often retained permanently
- Contact: (479) 963-2666
Police Departments:
- Arrest records: Minimum three to five years
- Incident reports: Minimum three years
- Retention may vary by department
- Paris Police Department: (479) 963-2526
- Booneville Police Department: (479) 675-2911
Clerk of Court:
- Criminal case files: Retained based on disposition and offense classification
- Felony cases: Retained permanently
- Misdemeanor cases: Retained for a minimum of five years; electronic records often permanent
- Traffic cases: Retained for a minimum of three years
- Electronic records: Retained permanently in the Arkansas Judiciary system
State Repository:
- The Arkansas State Police maintains the state criminal history repository
- Retention policy: Permanent for all reported arrests and dispositions
- Includes arrests from all jurisdictions within Arkansas
- Arkansas State Police Criminal History
FBI Database:
- The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records
- Federal retention: Typically permanent
- Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
- Used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other authorized purposes
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
Conviction:
- Permanent retention in most databases
- Part of the individual's permanent criminal history
- Appears on background checks indefinitely under federal law
Dismissal:
- May remain in databases unless expunged
- Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks
- Local retention varies by agency
Expungement:
- Physical records are sealed or destroyed at the local level following a court order
- The Arkansas State Police updates the state repository upon receipt of a certified expungement order
- The FBI database may retain a notation of the record with an expungement flag
- Timeframe for removal from databases: Typically 30 to 90 days following submission of the expungement order to each agency
No Charges Filed:
- Shortest retention period applies
- Booking records may be purged after three years in some agencies
- Individuals may petition for expungement in certain circumstances
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
Recent Arrests (Last 1–3 Years):
- Available online through the Sheriff's Office and the Arkansas Judiciary CourtConnect portal
- Updated on a regular basis
Older Arrests (3–10 Years Ago):
- May require an in-person records request at the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Clerk's office
- Possible retrieval fee for archived records
- Processing time may be longer for archived materials
Very Old Arrests (10+ Years Ago):
- Records may not be digitized
- Paper records may be held in archives
- Some records may have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule
- Contact the Logan County Sheriff's Records Division at (479) 963-2666 for information about specific records
Destruction of Records:
Authorized Destruction:
- Destruction is authorized after the applicable retention period expires
- Destruction may also occur following a court order for expungement
- Destruction must be carried out in accordance with the approved records retention schedule
- Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency
Records That Cannot Be Destroyed:
- Permanent retention is required for felony conviction records, serious violent offense records, sex offense records, and cases with ongoing appeals or litigation
Public Access to Old Records:
- Older records may not be available online and may require an in-person inspection
- Some very old records are permanently archived and accessible only through a formal records request
- Historical research access follows the same procedures as routine public records requests
Impact on Background Checks:
Standard Background Check Period:
- Most employment background checks cover seven years of history under the FCRA for positions paying under $75,000 annually
- Convictions may be reported indefinitely regardless of the seven-year limitation
- Arkansas does not currently impose additional state-level restrictions on the reporting period for convictions
"Ban the Box" and Fair Chance Laws:
- Arkansas does not currently have a statewide ban-the-box law applicable to private employers
- Federal contractors are subject to the federal Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act
- Employers subject to the FCRA may not consider arrests that did not result in conviction in certain circumstances
Important Notes:
- Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party databases
- Third-party websites may not update records following expungement
- Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records for official purposes
- Immigration records are maintained separately and are subject to different retention rules
- Juvenile records are subject to separate retention and access rules under Arkansas law
How to Check Retention Status: