Garland County Criminal Records
What Is Garland County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Garland County, Arkansas encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within county jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Arkansas Code § 12-12-1001, which establishes the Arkansas Crime Information Center as the central repository for criminal history information.
Criminal records in Garland County typically include several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Garland County Sheriff's Office and Hot Springs Police Department
- Court Records: Official proceedings in Garland County Circuit Court and District Courts
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding detention in the Garland County Detention Center
- Probation/Parole Records: Supervision documentation maintained by the Arkansas Department of Community Correction
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 Garland 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
Juvenile records (individuals under 18) receive special protection under Arkansas Code § 9-27-309, which generally seals these records from public view except under specific circumstances authorized by court order.
The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Garland County include:
Garland County Sheriff's Office
525 Ouachita Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 622-3660
Garland County Sheriff's Office
Garland County Circuit Clerk
501 Ouachita Avenue, Room 107
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 622-3380
Garland County Circuit Clerk
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 Garland County
Criminal records in Garland County are generally considered public information pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified under Arkansas Code § 25-19-105. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
The Arkansas FOIA 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."
While the presumption favors disclosure, certain categories of criminal records maintain restricted access:
- Active Investigations: Records pertaining to ongoing law enforcement investigations are exempt from disclosure until the investigation concludes
- Juvenile Records: As established in Arkansas Code § 9-27-309, records involving minors are generally sealed from public view
- Expunged Records: Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1417, records that have been legally expunged are removed from public access
- Sealed Court Records: Documents sealed by judicial order remain confidential
Adult conviction records, court proceedings, and completed case files are typically accessible to the public. The Garland County Circuit Clerk maintains these records and provides access during regular business hours. Additionally, certain information may be available through online portals maintained by the Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts.
Law enforcement agencies in Garland County, including the Sheriff's Office, maintain discretion regarding the release of certain records, particularly those involving ongoing investigations or matters of public safety. The Arkansas FOIA provides agencies with three business days to respond to records requests, though complex requests may require additional time.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Garland County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Garland County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county currently maintains both in-person and online access options for various record types.
For in-person requests at the Garland County Circuit Clerk's office:
- Visit the Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Complete a records request form, providing specific information about the case or individual
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees ($0.25 per page for copies, $5.00 for certified copies)
- Allow staff time to locate and retrieve the requested records
Garland County Circuit Clerk
501 Ouachita Avenue, Room 107
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 622-3380
Garland County Circuit Clerk
For criminal records maintained by law enforcement:
- Contact the Garland County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Complete the required records request form
- Provide specific information about the incident or individual
- Submit payment for applicable fees
- Allow 3-5 business days for processing
Garland County Sheriff's Office Records Division
525 Ouachita Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 622-3660
Garland County Sheriff's Office
For comprehensive criminal history information:
- Submit a request to the Arkansas Crime Information Center
- Complete form ASP-122 (Individual Record Check Form)
- Include fingerprints if requesting a complete criminal history
- Provide payment of $25 for standard background checks
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing
Arkansas Crime Information Center
322 South Main Street, Suite 615
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 682-2222
Arkansas Crime Information Center
Under current Arkansas law, requestors must provide proper identification when seeking criminal records. Third-party requests may require additional documentation or notarization depending on the nature of the records sought.
How To Find Criminal Records in Garland County Online?
Garland County provides several digital platforms for accessing criminal records information. These online resources offer varying levels of detail and accessibility.
The primary online resources for criminal records in Garland County include:
-
Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) CourtConnect
- Provides access to circuit and district court case information
- Searchable by name, case number, or filing date
- Displays case type, charges, hearing dates, and disposition information
- Available at Arkansas Judiciary CourtConnect
- No registration required for basic searches
- Enhanced access available for attorneys and registered users
-
Garland County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster
- Lists current detainees in the Garland County Detention Center
- Provides booking information, charges, and bond amounts
- Updated daily
- Available through the Garland County Sheriff's Office website
- No registration required
-
Arkansas Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE)
- Provides custody status and criminal case information
- Allows registration for notifications regarding changes in offender status
- Available at Arkansas VINE
- Registration required for notification services
-
Arkansas Sex Offender Registry
- Provides information on registered sex offenders residing in Garland County
- Searchable by name, location, or compliance status
- Includes offender photos, addresses, and offense information
- Available through the Arkansas Crime Information Center
- No registration required
When utilizing these online resources, users should note certain limitations:
- Historical records may not be fully digitized
- Juvenile records are not available online
- Expunged or sealed records will not appear in search results
- Case details may be limited compared to physical records
- Some documents require in-person requests to view
For comprehensive criminal history information, the Arkansas Crime Information Center provides official background checks for a fee of $25 through their online portal.
Can You Search Garland County Criminal Records for Free?
Pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (A.C.A. § 25-19-105), members of the public maintain the right to inspect public records during regular business hours at no cost. While inspection is free, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies or certified documents.
Free inspection of criminal records is available at the following locations:
Garland County Circuit Clerk's Office
501 Ouachita Avenue, Room 107
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 622-3380
Garland County Circuit Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Garland County Sheriff's Office
525 Ouachita Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 622-3660
Garland County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Several online resources provide free access to limited criminal records information:
-
Arkansas Judiciary CourtConnect
- Free access to basic case information
- Searchable by name or case number
- Provides case type, filing date, charges, and disposition
- Available at Arkansas Judiciary CourtConnect
-
Garland County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster
- Free access to current jail population information
- Provides booking information and charges
- Updated daily
- Available through the Garland County Sheriff's Office website
-
Arkansas Sex Offender Registry
- Free access to registered sex offender information
- Searchable by name or location
- Available through the Arkansas Crime Information Center
While these resources provide free access to basic information, certain limitations apply:
- Comprehensive criminal history reports require payment
- Certified copies incur fees ($5.00 per document)
- Photocopies typically cost $0.25 per page
- Research assistance may incur additional fees
- Some detailed records require formal requests
The Arkansas Crime Information Center charges $25 for official criminal history background checks, which provide more comprehensive information than the free resources listed above.
What's Included in a Garland County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Garland County typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are maintained in accordance with Arkansas Code § 12-12-1003, which establishes standards for criminal history information.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, distinguishing features)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest (including Arkansas statute citations)
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention location and status
- Arresting agency case number
Court Case Information:
- Court 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 proceedings
- Motions filed and rulings
Disposition Information:
- Final verdict or outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length and facility
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines, court costs, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment or program mandates
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
- Completion or discharge date
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or pending charges
- Protective orders or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Probation/parole status and violations
- Completion of court-ordered programs
Criminal records may also contain notations regarding expungements, sealed records, or pardons when applicable. The comprehensiveness of information varies based on the specific record source and the nature of the case.
How Long Does Garland County Keep Criminal Records?
Garland County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Arkansas Records Retention Program under the authority of Arkansas Code § 13-4-301 et seq. These schedules establish minimum retention periods for various document types within the criminal justice system.
The retention periods for common criminal record documents include:
- Arrest Records: Maintained permanently by the arresting agency
- Booking Information: Retained for a minimum of 5 years after release from custody
- Investigation Reports: Maintained permanently for felonies; 5 years for misdemeanors
- Criminal Case Files (Felony): Maintained permanently by the Circuit Clerk
- Criminal Case Files (Misdemeanor): Retained for 10 years after case closure
- Court Dockets: Maintained permanently as official court records
- Probation Records: Retained for 5 years after completion of probation
- Jail Records: Maintained for 5 years after release from custody
- Sex Offender Registration: Maintained for the duration of registration requirement plus 15 years
These retention periods represent minimum requirements. In practice, Garland County often maintains records beyond these minimums, particularly for serious offenses. Felony records are generally maintained permanently, while misdemeanor records may eventually be archived or destroyed according to the retention schedule.
Digital records management systems have extended the practical retention of many criminal records. The Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts maintains digital court records indefinitely through their case management system, even after physical documents may have been destroyed according to retention schedules.
Expungement provides a legal mechanism for removing certain criminal records from public access. Under Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 et seq., eligible individuals may petition the court to have records sealed. When granted, these records are removed from public access but maintained under seal by law enforcement agencies for limited purposes.
The Arkansas Crime Information Center maintains the central repository for criminal history information in the state and retains these records permanently unless modified by court order.