Garland County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Garland County
Arrest records in Garland 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 records maintained by public agencies, including law enforcement entities, are presumptively open to public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by law.
The Garland County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official duties and makes these records available to the public in accordance with state law. However, members of the public should note the important distinction between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody based on probable cause that they committed an offense
- Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings
- An arrest alone does not constitute proof of guilt
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 12-12-1510, certain arrest records may be subject to limited disclosure if the arrest did not result in a conviction. Additionally, records pertaining to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld under exemptions provided in § 25-19-105(b)(6) of the Arkansas FOIA.
The Garland County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of arrest records within the county and processes public records requests in accordance with established procedures and applicable state laws.
What's in Garland County Arrest Records
Garland County arrest records typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records are maintained by the Garland County Sheriff's Office and generally include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Residential address
- Driver's license or state ID number
- Fingerprints and, in most cases, photographs (mugshots)
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Circumstances leading to the arrest
- Whether force was used during the arrest
- Miranda rights acknowledgment
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Classification of offense (misdemeanor or felony)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number and issuing authority
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or case identification
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount set
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond payment status
- Release eligibility
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled court appearances
- Case number assignments
- Arraignment details
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration
- Projected release date (if applicable)
- Custody level classification
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known associates
- Vehicle information
- Employer information
- Emergency contact details
- Medical alerts or special needs notations
The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense, arresting agency protocols, and circumstances surrounding the arrest. All information is collected and maintained in accordance with Arkansas law enforcement standards and the Arkansas Criminal Information Act.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Garland County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Garland County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains current systems for processing public records requests in accordance with Arkansas Freedom of Information Act provisions. Individuals may access these records through the following procedures:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Garland County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours
- Complete the official public records request form
- Provide proper identification (government-issued photo ID)
- Specify the records being requested with as much detail as possible
- Pay applicable fees for document reproduction
Garland County Sheriff's Office
525 Ouachita Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 622-3660
Garland County Sheriff's Office
Mail Requests:
- Download and complete the public records request form from the county website
- Include a clear description of the records being sought
- Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
- Include payment for applicable fees (call ahead to confirm amount)
- Mail the completed form to the Sheriff's Office address
Email Requests:
- Download and complete the public records request form
- Scan the completed form
- Email the form to the designated records custodian
- Include "FOIA Request" in the subject line
- Await confirmation and fee assessment before processing
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105, the custodian of records must respond to requests within three business days. If the request is approved, records will be made available for inspection or copying. If denied, the custodian must provide a written explanation citing the specific exemption under which access is denied.
Fees for record reproduction are established in accordance with Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(d)(2)(A) and currently include:
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page for standard documents
- Search fees: May apply for requests requiring extensive staff time
- Specialized document fees: Vary based on format and production requirements
How To Find Garland County Arrest Records Online
Garland County provides digital access to certain arrest records through official online platforms. Members of the public seeking electronic access to arrest information may utilize the following resources:
The Garland County Detention Center maintains an online inmate roster that is updated regularly. This system allows users to search for currently incarcerated individuals and access basic arrest information. To utilize this resource:
- Navigate to the Garland County Sheriff's Office website
- Locate the "Inmate Roster" or "Current Inmates" section
- Enter search criteria such as name, booking number, or date range
- Review the results, which typically include:
- Inmate name and booking photo
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Court dates
For more comprehensive arrest record searches, the Arkansas Court Connect system provides access to court records associated with arrests in Garland County. This system requires:
- Registration for a user account
- Selection of Garland County as the jurisdiction
- Entry of defendant name or case number
- Payment of applicable search fees
Additionally, the Arkansas Crime Information Center offers background check services that include arrest record information. This official state resource requires:
- Submission of required forms
- Payment of statutory fees
- Proper identification verification
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete arrest records, particularly for:
- Recent arrests still being processed
- Juvenile arrests (generally confidential under Arkansas Code § 9-27-309)
- Expunged or sealed records
- Cases under active investigation
For the most comprehensive and current arrest record information, direct contact with the Garland County Sheriff's Office Records Division remains the most reliable method.
How To Search Garland County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public may access certain Garland County arrest records without incurring fees through several authorized channels. The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act establishes the public's right to inspect records at no cost, though reproduction fees may apply.
Free On-Site Inspection: The most direct method for free access is in-person inspection at the records custodian's office:
- Visit the Garland County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Complete a public records request form
- Present valid identification
- Specify the records for inspection
- Review materials on-site without reproduction
Garland County Sheriff's Office
525 Ouachita Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 622-3660
Garland County Sheriff's Office
Free Online Resources: Several digital platforms provide limited arrest record information at no cost:
- The Garland County Detention Center website offers a free inmate lookup tool showing current inmates and basic arrest information
- The Garland County Circuit Clerk provides free public access terminals at their office for searching court records related to arrests
- The Arkansas Department of Corrections maintains a free inmate search database that includes individuals transferred from county custody
Public Library Access: The Garland County Library offers public computer terminals where citizens may access:
- The Arkansas Court Connect system (limited free searches)
- County government websites with arrest information
- Public records databases
Garland County Library
1427 Malvern Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 623-4161
Garland County Library
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(d)(2)(C), agencies may waive fees entirely when the request is determined to be in the public interest. Individuals may request such waivers when submitting records requests, particularly for research, educational, or journalistic purposes.
While inspection is free, reproduction costs apply when copies are requested. Current statutory fees include $0.25 per page for standard documents and additional charges for certified copies or specialized formats.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Garland County
Arkansas law provides specific mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access through expungement or sealing processes. These legal remedies differ significantly in their implementation and effect:
Expungement refers to the legal process that removes an arrest record from public view and, in some cases, from official records entirely. Under Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 through § 16-90-1419, certain arrest records may qualify for expungement.
Sealing restricts public access to records while maintaining them for limited official use. This process does not completely delete records but significantly limits who may access them.
Individuals seeking to remove arrest records in Garland County must follow these procedures:
-
Determine eligibility under Arkansas law:
- First-time offenders for certain misdemeanors and felonies
- Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal
- Arrests not resulting in charges within one year
- Successful completion of diversion or probation programs
- Pardoned offenses
-
File a petition with the Garland County Circuit Court:
- Complete the Uniform Petition and Order for Expungement
- Include certified copies of the disposition of the case
- Pay the filing fee (approximately $50, subject to change)
- Serve copies to the prosecuting attorney and arresting agency
Garland County Circuit Court
501 Ouachita Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 622-3600
Garland County Circuit Court
- Attend the scheduled hearing if required
- If granted, ensure the order is properly distributed to:
- Arkansas Crime Information Center
- Arkansas State Police
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Garland County Sheriff's Office
- Any other agencies with custody of the records
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1417, individuals with successfully expunged records may legally state they have never been arrested or convicted of the expunged offense. However, certain exceptions exist for:
- Law enforcement agencies conducting investigations
- Licensing boards for certain professions
- Employers in specific sectors (education, healthcare, childcare)
The Arkansas Crime Information Center provides detailed guidance on expungement eligibility and procedures. Individuals with complex cases may benefit from legal representation during this process.
What Happens After Arrest in Garland County?
Following an arrest in Garland County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Arkansas law and local procedures. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:
Initial Custody and Booking: Upon arrest, individuals are transported to the Garland County Detention Center where they undergo:
- Identification verification
- Fingerprinting and photographing
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Criminal history check
- Initial charge documentation
Garland County Detention Center
3564 Albert Pike Road
Hot Springs, AR 71913
(501) 622-3690
Garland County Detention Center
First Appearance/Arraignment: Within 72 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), defendants appear before a judicial officer for:
- Formal notification of charges
- Advisement of constitutional rights
- Determination of counsel (appointment of public defender if qualified)
- Initial bail/bond consideration
- Preliminary hearing scheduling for felony cases
Bail/Bond Determination: The court establishes conditions for pre-trial release based on:
- Nature and severity of charges
- Criminal history
- Community ties
- Flight risk assessment
- Public safety considerations
Preliminary Proceedings: For felony cases, the following may occur:
- Probable cause hearing to determine if evidence supports the charges
- Grand jury presentation in certain cases
- Filing of formal charges by the prosecuting attorney
Pre-Trial Phase: This period involves:
- Discovery exchanges between prosecution and defense
- Filing of motions (suppression, dismissal, etc.)
- Plea negotiations
- Case preparation
- Pre-trial conferences
Trial or Plea Resolution: Cases conclude through:
- Guilty/no contest plea agreements
- Bench trials (judge only)
- Jury trials
- Dismissal of charges
Sentencing (if convicted): The court imposes penalties that may include:
- Incarceration in county jail or state prison
- Probation supervision
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution to victims
- Community service
- Treatment programs
Post-Conviction: Following disposition, defendants may pursue:
- Appeal of conviction or sentence
- Probation compliance
- Incarceration in the Arkansas Department of Corrections
- Record expungement (if eligible)
Throughout this process, arrest records are maintained and updated to reflect the current status of the case. These records become part of the individual's criminal history and are accessible through the methods previously described, subject to applicable privacy laws and restrictions.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Garland County?
Arrest records in Garland County are maintained according to the Arkansas General Records Retention Schedule and specific provisions in Arkansas Code § 12-12-1501 through § 12-12-1512. These regulations establish standardized retention periods for law enforcement records throughout the state.
The Garland County Sheriff's Office retains arrest records according to the following guidelines:
Permanent Retention:
- Felony arrest records resulting in conviction
- Homicide case files regardless of outcome
- Sex offense arrest records regardless of outcome
- Domestic violence arrest records resulting in conviction
- Records involving public officials or employees
Extended Retention (25+ years):
- Felony arrests without conviction: 25 years from date of arrest
- Class A misdemeanor convictions: 25 years from date of arrest
- Violent crime arrests without conviction: 25 years from date of arrest
Standard Retention (5-10 years):
- Non-violent misdemeanor convictions: 5 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor arrests without conviction: 5 years from date of arrest
- Juvenile arrest records (non-violent): 5 years after subject reaches age 18
- DWI/DUI arrests: 10 years from date of arrest
Administrative Retention:
- Arrest log books: Permanent
- Booking photographs (mugshots): Same as corresponding arrest record
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent (with digital backup)
- Arrest warrants (executed): 10 years after execution
These retention periods serve several critical public functions:
- Preservation of evidence for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
- Maintenance of criminal history information for law enforcement investigations
- Documentation for background checks and security clearances
- Statistical analysis and crime pattern recognition
- Historical documentation and accountability
The Arkansas Crime Information Center serves as the central repository for criminal history information statewide and maintains records according to these same retention schedules. Local agencies like the Garland County Sheriff's Office synchronize their records with this central database.
Records that have reached the end of their retention period may be destroyed according to procedures established in Arkansas Code § 13-4-301, which requires formal documentation of destruction and appropriate methods to protect confidential information.
How to Find Mugshots in Garland County
Mugshots, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and maintained as part of Garland County's arrest records. These photographs serve as visual identification of arrested individuals and are subject to specific access protocols.
What Mugshots Are: Booking photographs are standardized images taken by law enforcement during the arrest processing procedure. These photographs typically include:
- Front-facing (frontal) view of the arrestee
- Profile (side) view in some cases
- Identification information displayed (booking number, date)
- Standard background and lighting conditions
Where Mugshots Are Maintained: In Garland County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
- The Garland County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- The Garland County Detention Center
- The Arkansas Crime Information Center (state repository)
Finding Mugshots: Members of the public seeking access to booking photographs may utilize several methods:
-
Submit a formal public records request to the Garland County Sheriff's Office:
- Complete the standard FOIA request form
- Specify the individual's name and approximate arrest date
- Provide proper identification
- Pay applicable reproduction fees
-
Visit the Garland County Sheriff's Office Records Division in person:
- Request assistance from records personnel
- Provide specific information about the arrest
- Review available photographs on-site
Garland County Sheriff's Office
525 Ouachita Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 622-3660
Garland County Sheriff's Office
Can They Be Found Online: Limited booking photographs may be available through:
- The Garland County inmate roster (current inmates only)
- Arkansas Department of Corrections offender search (for transferred inmates)
- Third-party websites (not officially endorsed or verified)
Obtaining Mugshots Officially: For certified or official copies of booking photographs, individuals must:
- Submit a written request on the approved form
- Provide case-specific information (name, DOB, arrest date)
- Pay established fees ($5-10 per photograph, subject to change)
- Present valid identification
- Specify intended use of the photographs
Restrictions on Mugshot Access: Access to booking photographs may be limited in cases involving:
- Juvenile arrestees (protected under Arkansas Code § 9-27-309)
- Expunged or sealed records
- Ongoing investigations
- Victims of certain crimes
- Arrests more than 5 years old (may require special processing)
The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act generally permits access to mugshots as public records, but recent legislative changes have imposed certain limitations on commercial publication and distribution of booking photographs, particularly by websites charging removal fees.
Lookup Arrest Records in Garland County
Garland County Detention Center