Sebastian County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Sebastian County
Arrest records in Sebastian County are considered public information under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105, public records, including those created, maintained, or received by a public agency, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The statute defines public records as "writings, recorded sounds, films, tapes, electronic or computer-based information" maintained by government entities.
The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant in Sebastian County. Arrest records document the initial apprehension and charging of an individual, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of the charged offense. Under Arkansas law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations or juvenile records.
The Sebastian County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records in accordance with state regulations and provides public access to these documents as required by law. However, certain information within these records may be redacted to protect privacy interests as outlined in Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(b).
What's in Sebastian County Arrest Records
Sebastian County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Home address
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge severity level
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Processing officer information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Housing location if incarcerated
- Projected release date if applicable
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation or parole status
- Risk assessment scores
- Medical alerts or special needs
- Emergency contact information
The Sebastian County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in compliance with Arkansas Code § 12-12-1003, which governs the collection and maintenance of criminal justice information.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Sebastian County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Sebastian County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county provides multiple avenues for record retrieval, depending on the requester's specific needs and the type of information sought.
To obtain arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
Sebastian County Sheriff's Office Records Division
801 South A Street
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-1051
Sebastian County Sheriff's Office
The Records Division maintains public office hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding county holidays. Requesters should be prepared to:
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for record reproduction
For written requests, individuals may submit a formal Arkansas FOIA request to the Sheriff's Office by mail or email. The request should include:
- Requester's full name and contact information
- Specific description of records being sought
- Preferred method of receiving records (mail, email, in-person pickup)
- Signature and date
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(e), the custodian of records must respond to requests within three business days. If the request is approved, records will be provided in the format requested if reasonably possible. If denied, the custodian must provide a written explanation citing the specific exemption that applies.
Fees for record reproduction are established in accordance with state law and county ordinances. Currently, standard fees include:
- Paper copies: $0.25 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 per document
- Electronic copies: Variable based on storage medium
How To Find Sebastian County Arrest Records Online
Sebastian County provides digital access to certain arrest records through official online platforms. The county's commitment to transparency while balancing privacy concerns has resulted in a structured online records system.
The primary online resource for Sebastian County arrest records is the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office Inmate Inquiry system. This database allows public access to information about individuals currently in custody or recently released. To utilize this system effectively:
- Navigate to the official Sebastian County Sheriff's Office website
- Select the "Inmate Inquiry" option from the menu
- Enter search criteria (at least one field is required):
- Last name (partial or complete)
- First name (optional)
- Subject number (if known)
- Booking number (if known)
- Specify date parameters if desired
- Review search results displaying basic information about matching records
- Select specific records to view more detailed information
The online inmate search portal provides information including:
- Inmate name and demographic information
- Booking date and time
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Housing location
- Scheduled court dates
For more comprehensive arrest records that may not appear in the online system, individuals may need to submit a formal records request through the Sheriff's Records Department. Some historical records or cases with special circumstances may not be available through the online portal.
Users should note that the online system primarily focuses on current inmates and recent bookings. Historical arrest records may require additional research methods or formal requests.
How To Search Sebastian County Arrest Records for Free?
Sebastian County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest records without incurring fees through several authorized channels. The county provides no-cost options for basic record searches in accordance with public information laws.
The most accessible free resource is the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office online inmate inquiry system. This database allows users to search for:
- Currently incarcerated individuals
- Recently released inmates
- Basic booking information
- Charge details
- Court dates
- Bond information
To conduct a free search:
- Access the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the Inmate Inquiry section
- Enter search parameters (name, booking number, etc.)
- Review the results displayed on screen
Additional no-cost options include:
- In-person record inspection at the Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (viewing only, copying fees may apply)
- Public access terminals at the Sebastian County Courthouse
- Attendance at public court proceedings where arrest information may be discussed
Sebastian County Courthouse
35 South 6th Street
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-3900
Sebastian County Circuit Clerk
While basic searches are free, requesters should be aware that fees may apply for:
- Printed copies of records
- Certified documents
- Extensive research requiring staff time
- Records requiring special processing or redaction
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(d)(3), agencies may charge reasonable fees for reproduction costs but not for staff time spent on routine record retrieval.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Sebastian County
The process of removing arrest records from public access in Sebastian County involves distinct legal mechanisms: expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These processes are governed by Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 et seq., which establishes specific criteria and procedures.
Expungement in Sebastian County legally removes an arrest record from public view and, in some cases, from official records entirely. Sealing restricts access to records without completely removing them, making them available only to certain government agencies under specific circumstances.
Eligibility for expungement or sealing in Sebastian County typically requires one of the following conditions:
- Charges were dismissed
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The arrest did not result in charges being filed
- The individual completed a diversion program
- The conviction was for certain eligible misdemeanors or felonies after completion of sentence and waiting period
- The individual received a pardon
The process for seeking expungement or sealing includes:
- Determining eligibility based on offense type and disposition
- Obtaining a complete criminal history from the Arkansas State Police
- Filing a Petition for Expungement with the Sebastian County Circuit Court
- Paying applicable filing fees (approximately $50, though fee waivers may be available)
- Attending a scheduled hearing if required by the court
- If granted, ensuring the order is properly distributed to all relevant agencies
Sebastian County Circuit Court
35 South 6th Street
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-3900
Sebastian County Circuit Court
Certain offenses are ineligible for expungement under Arkansas law, including most violent felonies, sexual offenses, and certain crimes against children. Additionally, expungement eligibility often depends on the individual's entire criminal history, not just the specific arrest in question.
Successful expungement means the record should no longer appear in public background checks, though certain government agencies may retain access to the information for specific purposes as permitted by law.
What Happens After Arrest in Sebastian County?
Following an arrest in Sebastian County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process with several key stages. This process begins immediately upon apprehension and continues through final disposition of the case.
The initial post-arrest procedure typically includes:
-
Transport and Booking: The arresting officer transports the individual to the Sebastian County Detention Center where booking procedures occur, including:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Collection of personal information
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Assignment to appropriate housing
-
Initial Appearance: Within 72 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), the individual appears before a judicial officer who:
- Informs them of charges
- Advises them of constitutional rights
- Makes preliminary bail determinations
- Appoints counsel if the individual qualifies for public defender services
-
Bail Determination: The court sets bail based on factors including:
- Nature and severity of charges
- Criminal history
- Community ties
- Flight risk assessment
- Public safety considerations
-
Formal Charging: The prosecutor's office reviews the case and determines whether to:
- File formal charges
- Modify the initial charges
- Decline prosecution
-
Arraignment: If formally charged, the defendant appears for arraignment where they:
- Hear the formal charges
- Enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Receive trial scheduling information
-
Pre-trial Proceedings: May include:
- Discovery exchanges
- Motion hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
-
Case Resolution: The case concludes through:
- Plea agreement
- Trial verdict
- Dismissal of charges
- Diversion program completion
-
Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing may involve:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines and costs
- Restitution
- Community service
- Treatment programs
Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights protected under both Arkansas and federal law, including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to a fair trial. The Sebastian County Public Defender's Office provides legal representation to qualifying individuals who cannot afford private counsel.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Sebastian County?
Arrest records in Sebastian County are maintained according to Arkansas Code § 12-12-1004, which establishes the state's criminal history information system and record retention requirements. The Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC) serves as the central repository for criminal justice information throughout the state, including Sebastian County.
Under current law, arrest records are generally maintained permanently unless specifically ordered expunged or sealed by a court. The retention schedule varies based on several factors:
-
Arrest Records Without Charges: Records of arrests where no charges were filed may be eligible for expungement after one year, but remain in law enforcement databases unless specifically expunged.
-
Misdemeanor Convictions: Records of misdemeanor convictions are maintained permanently in the official record but may be eligible for sealing after completion of sentence and applicable waiting periods (typically 60 days to 5 years depending on offense type).
-
Felony Records: Felony arrest and conviction records are maintained permanently, though certain non-violent felonies may be eligible for sealing after completion of sentence and waiting periods (typically 5 years).
-
Juvenile Records: Records for juvenile offenders are generally sealed automatically when the individual reaches 21 years of age, provided there are no subsequent adult offenses.
Different agencies within Sebastian County maintain separate record systems with varying retention periods:
- The Sebastian County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and arrest records indefinitely
- The Sebastian County Detention Center keeps incarceration records for at least 7 years
- The Circuit Court maintains case records permanently
- The Prosecutor's Office retains case files according to their internal policies
The Arkansas Records Retention Schedule provides comprehensive guidance on the maintenance of all government records, including those related to arrests and criminal proceedings.
Records retention serves several important purposes, including preserving evidence for potential appeals, maintaining accurate criminal history information for law enforcement purposes, and ensuring accountability within the criminal justice system.
How to Find Mugshots in Sebastian County
Mugshots, the booking photographs taken during the arrest process, are specific records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Sebastian County. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of booking.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots are standardized photographs taken during the booking process that typically include:
- Front-facing (portrait) view
- Profile (side) view
- Identifying information board or number
- Date of booking
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Sebastian County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
Sebastian County Sheriff's Office
801 South A Street
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-1051
Sebastian County Sheriff's Office
Finding Mugshots
To locate mugshots in Sebastian County, individuals may:
- Submit a formal records request to the Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Provide the full name and date of birth of the subject
- Specify the approximate date of arrest if known
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction
Can They Be Found Online
The Sebastian County Sheriff's Office does not currently publish a comprehensive public mugshot database online. Limited booking information may be available through the inmate inquiry system, but this typically does not include full mugshot images for public viewing.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
Official requests for mugshots must be submitted through proper channels:
- In-person at the Sheriff's Office Records Division
- By mail with appropriate documentation
- Through an attorney with proper authorization
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Cases involving juveniles
- Sealed or expunged records
- Active investigations where release could compromise public safety
- Cases where the court has specifically ordered restrictions
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 12-12-1510, certain criminal history information, including mugshots, may be restricted from public disclosure in specific circumstances. Additionally, commercial use of mugshots, particularly for websites requiring payment for removal, is subject to increasing regulation under Arkansas law.
Lookup Arrest Records in Sebastian County
Sebastian County Sheriff's Inmate Inquiry