Craighead County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Craighead County
Arrest records in Craighead County are considered public information under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in Arkansas Code § 25-19-101 et seq. This statute establishes that all public records maintained by government entities, including law enforcement agencies, shall be open to inspection and copying by any Arkansas citizen.
The Arkansas FOIA defines public records as:
"'Public records' means writings, recorded sounds, films, tapes, electronic or computer-based information, or data compilations in any medium required by law to be kept or otherwise kept and that constitute a record of the performance or lack of performance of official functions."
It is important to note that while arrest records are generally public, there are significant distinctions between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody based on probable cause
- Conviction records indicate that a person was found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings
- An arrest alone does not constitute proof of guilt
- Under Arkansas Code § 16-90-1417, certain arrest records may be sealed if they did not result in a conviction
The Arkansas State Police maintains the central repository for criminal history information in the state, including arrest records from Craighead County. However, pursuant to Arkansas Code § 12-12-1008, access to complete criminal history information may be restricted to authorized entities for specific purposes.
What's in Craighead County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by Craighead County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with Arkansas Criminal Justice Information System requirements. Standard arrest records include:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Residential address
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- Arkansas statute citation for alleged offense
- Charge description
- Multiple charges (if applicable)
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Judge who signed the warrant
- Probable cause statement
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Processing officer
- Property inventory
- Medical screening information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted or not)
- Bond conditions
- Release date (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Expected release date (if sentenced)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known associates
- Vehicle information
- Employment information
- Emergency contact information
- Immigration status
The Craighead County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Arkansas law enforcement standards and the Arkansas Criminal Justice Information System.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Craighead County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Craighead County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains current systems for public access to these records in compliance with the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Individuals may request arrest records through the following procedures:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Craighead County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours
- Complete a public records request form, providing specific information about the record sought
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
- Allow processing time as specified by department policy
Craighead County Sheriff's Office
901 Willett Road
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 933-4551
Craighead County Sheriff's Office
Written Requests:
- Submit a formal written request to the Craighead County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Include specific details about the records being requested
- Provide contact information for response
- Include payment for applicable fees
- Allow 3-5 business days for processing as required under Arkansas Code § 25-19-105
Online Requests:
- Visit the Craighead County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the Records Request section
- Complete the electronic records request form
- Submit payment for applicable fees through the secure online payment system
- Receive records electronically or arrange for pickup/delivery
For arrest records related to cases that have entered the court system, the Craighead County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains court records that may contain arrest information.
Craighead County Circuit Clerk
511 Union Street, Suite 107
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 933-4530
Craighead County Circuit Clerk
How To Find Craighead County Arrest Records Online
Craighead County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems enhance public access while maintaining compliance with Arkansas public records laws. The following online resources are available for locating arrest records:
Craighead County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster:
- Navigate to the Craighead County Sheriff's Office website
- Locate the "Inmate Roster" or "Current Inmates" section
- Search by name, booking date, or other available parameters
- View basic arrest and custody information for current detainees
- Note that this resource only includes currently incarcerated individuals
Arkansas Court Connect:
- Access the Arkansas Judiciary CourtConnect portal
- Create a user account if required
- Select Craighead County from the jurisdiction options
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
- Review case information, which may include arrest details for cases that have been filed with the court
Arkansas Department of Corrections Inmate Search:
- Visit the Arkansas Department of Corrections inmate search page
- Enter the individual's name or ADC number
- Specify Craighead County if known
- Review results for current custody status and basic case information
- Note that this database only includes individuals who have been transferred to state custody
Arkansas Crime Information Center:
- Access the Arkansas Crime Information Center website
- Navigate to the public records section
- Follow instructions for requesting criminal history information
- Submit required identification and payment
- Receive comprehensive criminal history information, including arrests
When utilizing online resources, users should be aware that pursuant to Arkansas Code § 12-12-1009, certain information may be redacted from public records to protect privacy rights and ongoing investigations.
How To Search Craighead County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public may access certain Craighead County arrest records without payment through several authorized channels. The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act establishes the public's right to inspect records, though fees may apply for copies. The following methods provide free access to arrest record information:
Public Access Terminals:
- Visit the Craighead County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours
- Request to use the public access computer terminal
- Search for basic arrest information using the provided database
- View information on-screen at no charge
- Note that printing or copying records may incur fees
Craighead County Sheriff's Office
901 Willett Road
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 933-4551
Craighead County Sheriff's Office
Online Inmate Roster:
- Access the Craighead County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the current inmate roster section
- Search for individuals currently in custody
- View basic arrest and detention information at no cost
- Note that this resource is limited to current inmates only
Court Docket Review:
- Visit the Craighead County Circuit Clerk's Office during business hours
- Request to review the public court docket
- Search for cases by name or case number
- Review case information, which may include arrest details
- Examine records on-site at no charge (fees apply for copies)
Craighead County Circuit Clerk
511 Union Street, Suite 107
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 933-4530
Craighead County Circuit Clerk
Public Court Hearings:
- Obtain the Craighead County court calendar from the Circuit Clerk's Office
- Attend scheduled public court proceedings
- Observe arraignments, which often include discussion of arrest circumstances
- Take personal notes on proceedings
- Request to review public case files while at the courthouse
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(d)(3), "Examination and copying of public records shall be conducted under the supervision of the custodian of the records or a designee and shall be conducted during regular business hours."
How To Delete Arrest Records in Craighead County
Arkansas law provides specific mechanisms for the sealing or expungement of arrest records under certain circumstances. It is important to understand the distinction between these legal remedies:
- Expungement refers to the legal process of removing records from public view and, in some cases, destroying physical records
- Sealing restricts public access to records while maintaining them for limited official purposes
Under Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 et seq., individuals may petition for sealing of arrest records in the following circumstances:
- The arrest did not result in charges being filed
- Charges were dismissed
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The conviction was reversed and dismissed
- The individual completed a court-approved diversion program
- The individual received a pardon
The process for sealing arrest records in Craighead County includes:
- Determine eligibility under Arkansas Code § 16-90-1405 through § 16-90-1409
- Obtain and complete the Uniform Petition and Order to Seal Records from the Arkansas Judiciary
- File the petition with the Craighead County Circuit Clerk's Office
- Pay the required filing fee (fee waivers available for indigent petitioners)
- Attend the scheduled hearing if required by the court
- If granted, ensure the order is distributed to all agencies with records
Craighead County Circuit Court
511 Union Street
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 933-4570
Craighead County Circuit Court
For first-time offenders, Arkansas Code § 16-93-1207 provides additional pathways for sealing records through successful completion of probation. Individuals with questions about their specific circumstances should consult with a licensed attorney, as the Arkansas Legal Services Partnership may provide assistance to qualifying low-income individuals.
It is important to note that even when records are sealed at the county level, individuals may need to separately address records maintained by state and federal agencies.
What Happens After Arrest in Craighead County?
Following an arrest in Craighead County, individuals enter a standardized criminal justice process established by Arkansas law and local court rules. This process includes several distinct phases:
Initial Custody and Booking:
- Transportation to the Craighead County Detention Center
- Booking procedures (fingerprinting, photographs, personal information collection)
- Medical screening
- Property inventory and storage
- Initial detention in holding cell
Craighead County Detention Center
901 Willett Road
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 933-4551
Craighead County Detention Center
Probable Cause Determination:
- Review of arrest circumstances by judicial officer
- Determination that probable cause exists for detention
- Must occur within 48 hours of arrest per County of Riverside v. McLaughlin, 500 U.S. 44 (1991)
- May result in release if probable cause is not established
Initial Appearance:
- Conducted before a Craighead County District Judge
- Formal notification of charges
- Advisement of constitutional rights
- Bail determination
- Appointment of counsel for indigent defendants
- Scheduling of subsequent proceedings
Bail Considerations:
- Set according to Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 9.2
- Based on factors including flight risk, public safety, and charge severity
- May include special conditions (e.g., no contact orders, travel restrictions)
- Can be posted through cash, property, or commercial bond
- Release upon posting of bail or on own recognizance if approved
Formal Charging:
- Misdemeanors: Prosecutor files information in District Court
- Felonies: Case presented to grand jury or preliminary hearing held
- Formal charges must be filed within time limits established by Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure
- Charges may be modified or dismissed based on evidence review
Arraignment:
- Formal reading of charges in court of jurisdiction
- Entry of plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Setting of pretrial conference and trial dates
- Additional bail review if requested
Case Disposition:
- Plea agreement negotiations
- Pretrial motions and hearings
- Trial (bench or jury)
- Sentencing if convicted
- Post-conviction remedies if applicable
Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights protected under both the Arkansas and U.S. Constitutions, including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to a speedy trial as codified in Arkansas Code § 16-10-130.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Craighead County?
Arrest records in Craighead County are maintained according to the Arkansas Records Retention Schedule established pursuant to Arkansas Code § 13-4-301 et seq. This comprehensive framework governs the preservation and eventual disposition of all public records, including those related to arrests and criminal proceedings.
The retention periods for arrest records vary based on several factors:
Active Criminal Case Records:
- Felony arrest records: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrest records: Minimum 10-year retention
- Juvenile arrest records: Until subject reaches age 21, then sealed pursuant to Arkansas Code § 9-27-309
- Homicide and sex offense arrests: Permanent retention regardless of outcome
Closed Case Records:
- Cases resulting in conviction: Permanent retention for felonies; 10 years for misdemeanors
- Cases resulting in acquittal: 3-year retention, then eligible for sealing
- Cases dismissed without prejudice: 3-year retention, then eligible for sealing
- Cases dismissed with prejudice: 1-year retention, then eligible for sealing
Booking and Detention Records:
- Booking photographs (mugshots): 7-year minimum retention
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention (copies sent to Arkansas State Police)
- Detention logs: 7-year minimum retention
- Property/evidence inventories: Retention until case disposition plus 3 years
Investigative Records:
- Active investigations: Until case closure
- Closed investigations resulting in arrest: Follow case record retention schedule
- Closed investigations with no arrest: 5-year minimum retention
The Craighead County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian for arrest records generated by county law enforcement. Additionally, the Arkansas Crime Information Center maintains the central state repository for all criminal history information, including arrests, pursuant to Arkansas Code § 12-12-1001 et seq.
It is important to note that even when physical records reach the end of their retention period, digital records may be maintained for longer periods in accordance with evolving law enforcement practices and technological capabilities.
How to Find Mugshots in Craighead County
Mugshots, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in Craighead County. These photographs serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of processing into the criminal justice system.
What Mugshots Are: Booking photographs are standardized images taken by law enforcement during the arrest processing procedure. These photographs typically include:
- Front-facing (portrait) image
- Profile (side) image
- Identifying information board or number
- Date of booking
- Agency identification
Where Mugshots Are Maintained: In Craighead County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
Craighead County Sheriff's Office
901 Willett Road
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 933-4551
Craighead County Sheriff's Office
Finding Mugshots: Members of the public seeking booking photographs may:
- Submit a formal records request to the Craighead County Sheriff's Office
- Complete the required public records request form
- Provide specific identifying information about the subject
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and reproduction
- Receive copies in accordance with department policy
Can They Be Found Online: The Craighead County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster that may include booking photographs of currently incarcerated individuals. This information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website. However, pursuant to Arkansas Code § 12-12-1512, the publication of booking photographs on commercial websites that charge removal fees is prohibited.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially: For official copies of booking photographs, individuals should:
- Contact the Records Division of the Craighead County Sheriff's Office
- Submit a formal Arkansas Freedom of Information Act request
- Provide specific details about the photograph being requested
- Allow processing time as specified by department policy
- Pay applicable reproduction fees
Restrictions on Mugshot Access: Access to booking photographs may be restricted in certain circumstances, including:
- Juvenile arrests (sealed under Arkansas Code § 9-27-309)
- Ongoing investigations where release could compromise public safety
- Cases where records have been sealed by court order
- Certain domestic violence cases to protect victim privacy
The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act provides the legal framework for accessing these records, while also establishing protections for privacy and public safety concerns.