OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Arkansas Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Arkansas. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 75 counties across 28 judicial circuits
  • Federal courts: 2 U.S. District Courts (Eastern, Western)
  • Background checks: Arkansas State Police — Online Criminal Background Check
  • Records law: Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through Arkansas State Police
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

Arkansas has 75 counties across 28 judicial circuits. You can search court cases statewide using Search ARCourts, the official public case search portal run by the Arkansas Judiciary. Enter a name or case number to find civil, criminal, and family case records.

County-level court records include circuit courts, district courts, and city courts. Availability varies by county — some have full online records through the Contexte Case Management System, others require an in-person visit or written request to the circuit clerk.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Arkansas are handled by two U.S. District Courts:

  • Eastern District — Little Rock, Helena, Jonesboro, Batesville, Pine Bluff
  • Western District — Fort Smith, Fayetteville, El Dorado, Harrison, Hot Springs, Texarkana

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ Search ARCourts — Statewide Court Records Search 🏛️ Arkansas Judiciary Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Arkansas are created and held by the agency that made the arrest — either a city police department, county sheriff's office, or state agency. To get a copy of an arrest report, contact the arresting agency directly. Most agencies accept requests in writing, by email, or through a public records portal.

For statewide criminal history, the Arkansas State Police operates the Online Criminal Background Check System. You can request a name-based search online. A state name-based check costs $22 with written consent or $24 for an open search.

🔍 Arkansas State Police — Online Criminal Background Check 📋 Arkansas State Police Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Arkansas operates under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Any citizen of the state can request government records in writing. Requests go to the agency that holds the records. Agencies must respond within 3 business days.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Arkansas

Court records are maintained at the county level by each county's circuit clerk. Criminal history is centralized through the Arkansas State Police. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in Arkansas

Arkansas has 75 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Arkansas state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Arkansas for free?
Use Search ARCourts, the official statewide search tool. It covers records from courts using the Contexte Case Management System. Not all 75 counties are online yet — check with your county's circuit clerk if results are missing.
Are arrest records public in Arkansas?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Arkansas?
The Arkansas State Police offers an online criminal background check through cbc.ark.org. A state name-based check costs $22 with written consent or $24 for an open search without consent.
What is the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. You can submit a written request to any state or local government body. Agencies must respond within 3 business days. The Arkansas Attorney General's office oversees disputes. More info at arkansasag.gov.
How many court systems does Arkansas have?
Arkansas has a multi-level court system: district courts, circuit courts (28 judicial circuits), the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court. Each county has a circuit clerk who maintains records at the local level.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026