Craighead County Criminal Records
What Is Craighead County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Craighead County encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Arkansas Code § 12-12-1501, which establishes the framework for criminal history information management throughout the state.
Criminal records in Craighead County include several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Craighead County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments within the county
- Court Records: Official proceedings from Circuit and District Courts, including charges, hearings, and case dispositions
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding detention in the Craighead County Detention Center or state correctional facilities
- Probation/Parole Records: Documentation of supervised release conditions and compliance
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document instances where individuals were taken into custody but do not necessarily indicate guilt. Conviction records, conversely, confirm that legal proceedings resulted in a finding of guilt, either through trial verdict or plea agreement.
Criminal offenses in Craighead County are classified according to severity:
- Felonies: Serious offenses potentially punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses typically punishable by up to one year in county jail
- Violations: Minor infractions usually resulting in fines rather than incarceration
Juvenile records (individuals under 18) receive special protection under Arkansas Code § 9-27-309 and are generally sealed from public view, with limited exceptions for certain serious offenses.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Craighead County:
Craighead County Sheriff's Office
901 Willett Road
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 933-4551
Craighead County Sheriff's Office
Craighead County Circuit Court
511 Union Street
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 933-4570
Craighead County Circuit Court
Arkansas Crime Information Center
322 South Main Street, Suite 615
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 682-2222
Arkansas Crime Information Center
Are Criminal Records Public In Craighead County
Criminal records in Craighead County are generally considered public documents under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in Arkansas Code § 25-19-105. This statute establishes that public records shall be open to inspection and copying by any Arkansas citizen during regular business hours of the custodian of the records.
The statute specifically states: "Except as otherwise specifically provided by this section or by laws specifically enacted to provide otherwise, all public records shall be open to inspection and copying by any citizen of the State of Arkansas during the regular business hours of the custodian of the records."
Public criminal records in Craighead County typically include:
- Adult arrest records
- Court proceedings and case files
- Conviction records
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:
- Active criminal investigations
- Grand jury proceedings
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records sealed or expunged by court order
- Certain victim information in sensitive cases
Law enforcement investigative files are exempt from disclosure until the investigation is closed or a final determination is made not to file criminal charges. Additionally, records containing information of a personal nature where public disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy are exempt from disclosure.
The Craighead County Circuit Clerk serves as the official custodian of court records, while the Craighead County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and detention records. Both agencies must comply with state FOIA requirements while balancing privacy protections established under state and federal law.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Craighead County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Craighead County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county provides both in-person and online options for record retrieval.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Craighead County Circuit Clerk's Office
511 Union Street, Suite 107
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 933-4520
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Craighead County Circuit Clerk
The procedure for in-person requests includes:
- Complete a records request form specifying the information sought
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
- Allow processing time (typically 1-3 business days for standard requests)
For criminal background checks, individuals may contact:
Craighead County Sheriff's Office
901 Willett Road
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 933-4551
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Craighead County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office requires:
- Submission of a completed background check request form
- Payment of the search fee ($20 per name search)
- Presentation of valid identification
- Notarized authorization if requesting records for another individual
For comprehensive statewide criminal history information, requests may be submitted to:
Arkansas State Police
Criminal Background Check Division
1 State Police Plaza Drive
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 618-8500
Arkansas State Police
State-level requests require:
- Completion of the Arkansas State Police Criminal History Request Form
- Payment of the required fee ($25 per search)
- Submission of fingerprints for certain types of background checks
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 12-12-1513, individuals may also request their own criminal history information and challenge inaccuracies through a formal review process.
How To Find Criminal Records in Craighead County Online?
Craighead County offers several digital platforms for accessing criminal records information online. These resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests.
The primary online resource for court records is the Search ARCourts portal maintained by the Arkansas Judiciary. This system provides access to:
- Case information for Circuit and District Courts
- Case status and scheduled hearings
- Party information and attorney representation
- Case disposition and judgment details
- Selected court documents (for certain case types)
To utilize this system:
- Navigate to the Search ARCourts website
- Select "Craighead County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, or date range)
- Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information
For current inmate information, the Craighead County Sheriff's Office maintains an online Detention Center Roster that includes:
- Current inmates housed in the facility
- Booking information and charges
- Bond amounts
- Scheduled court dates
The Arkansas Online Criminal Background Check System provides statewide criminal history information for a fee. This system:
- Requires user registration and account creation
- Charges $25 per name-based search
- Provides records of arrests and convictions from participating agencies statewide
- Delivers results electronically, typically within 24-48 hours
For sex offender information, the Arkansas Sex Offender Registry allows searches of registered offenders residing in Craighead County. This database includes:
- Offender photographs and physical descriptions
- Registered addresses
- Conviction information
- Risk level assessments
The Jonesboro, AR Official Website provides access to police reports and local ordinance violations within the city limits, which encompasses a significant portion of Craighead County.
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete criminal history information, particularly for older cases that have not been digitized. Additionally, certain sensitive or sealed records are excluded from online access in accordance with state law.
Can You Search Craighead County Criminal Records for Free?
Pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, members of the public have the right to inspect public records during normal business hours at no charge. However, fees may be assessed for copies or extensive searches.
Free inspection of criminal records is available at:
Craighead County Circuit Clerk's Office
511 Union Street, Suite 107
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 933-4520
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Craighead County District Court
410 West Washington Avenue
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 933-4568
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Several online resources provide free access to limited criminal record information:
- The Craighead County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster provides current detention information at no cost
- Basic case information through Case Search • Arkansas Judiciary is available without charge
- The Arkansas Sex Offender Registry offers free public access to registered offender information
While inspection is free, copy fees typically apply:
- Standard paper copies: $0.25 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 per document
- Electronic copies (when available): $10.00 per case file
Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(d)(3) permits agencies to waive fees when the request is non-commercial and in the public interest. Educational or research requests may qualify for fee waivers at the discretion of the records custodian.
For comprehensive criminal background checks, fees are generally required:
- Arkansas State Police background checks: $25.00
- FBI background checks (fingerprint-based): $15.00 state fee plus $13.25 federal fee
- Commercial background check services: Varying fees based on search depth
What's Included in a Craighead County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Craighead County typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content varies based on the type of record and maintaining agency but generally includes the following categories:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, identifying marks)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
Arrest Information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest (including statute numbers)
- Bail or bond amount
- Pre-trial detention status
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (Circuit or District)
- Judge assigned to the case
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Classification of offenses (felony class A-Y or misdemeanor class A-C)
- Plea entered
- Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
- Hearing dates and appearances
- Motions filed and rulings
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, nolle prosequi)
- Conviction date
- Sentence details:
- Incarceration length and facility
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines, court costs, and restitution
- Community service requirements
- Treatment or education programs ordered
- Post-conviction proceedings
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Pending cases in other jurisdictions
In accordance with Arkansas Code § 16-90-1417, records that have been sealed or expunged through court order will not appear in standard criminal record searches. Additionally, juvenile records are generally not included in public criminal records unless the juvenile was charged as an adult for certain serious offenses.
How Long Does Craighead County Keep Criminal Records?
Craighead County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Arkansas Records Retention Program. These schedules vary by record type and are governed by Arkansas Code § 13-4-301 et seq., which establishes the state's records management program.
The standard retention periods for criminal records in Craighead County include:
- Arrest Records: Maintained permanently by the arresting agency
- Booking Information: Retained for a minimum of 7 years after release from custody
- Misdemeanor Case Files: Kept for 10 years after case closure
- Felony Case Files: Maintained permanently
- Court Dockets: Preserved permanently as historical records
- Probation Records: Retained for 5 years after completion of probation
- Jail Records: Kept for 7 years after release
- Criminal Investigation Files:
- Solved cases: 20 years after closure
- Unsolved cases: Maintained permanently
- Homicide cases: Preserved permanently
Certain records receive special treatment:
- Capital offense records are preserved permanently
- Juvenile records may be sealed upon reaching adulthood and eventually expunged
- Records ordered sealed or expunged by court order are removed from public access but may be maintained for limited official use
Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. The Craighead County Information Technology Department maintains backup systems to ensure the preservation of electronic criminal justice records in accordance with state mandates.
The Arkansas State Archives provides oversight for county records management programs and must approve any destruction of public records. Records scheduled for destruction must be documented through a formal disposition process that includes verification that retention requirements have been met.
Individuals seeking older criminal records should note that while retention policies mandate preservation for specified periods, the format and accessibility of older records may vary. Records predating digital systems may require manual retrieval from archived storage.