St. Francis County Public Records / St. Francis County Arrest Records

St. Francis County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in St. Francis County in 2026

StFrancisRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in St. Francis County, Arkansas. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, mugshots, and bond details through this resource. Record categories available include arrest logs, jail rosters, criminal court filings, and inmate status reports. Information presented reflects what is available through official public sources and may not reflect the most current status of a case.

Records may be searched through official resources including the St. Francis County Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state agencies. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The St. Francis County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed at the county detention facility. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmate status and recent arrest activity. The Sheriff's Office does not currently maintain a publicly accessible online jail roster portal, so direct contact or in-person inquiry is the primary method for obtaining this information.

Information available: arrestee name, booking date, charges, bond amount, custody status
Updates: records are updated as bookings occur
Search by: full name, booking number

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Forrest City Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within St. Francis County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information may be obtained through the department's records division. The department processes arrests independently of the Sheriff's Office, and records are maintained separately.

Forrest City Police Department
300 S. Washington St.
Forrest City, AR 72335
Phone: (870) 633-1441

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Court cases arising from arrests in St. Francis County are filed in the St. Francis County Circuit Court. Members of the public may conduct a case search through the Arkansas Judiciary portal, which provides access to criminal case filings, charge information, and case disposition records. Searching by the arrestee's name will return associated court case numbers and hearing dates.

Search by: defendant name, case number, filing date
Information available: charges, case status, court dates, disposition
Access: available at no cost through the online portal

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Arkansas State Police maintains a statewide criminal history repository accessible to the public for background screening purposes. Members of the public may submit requests for criminal background checks through the Arkansas Department of Public Safety. This database includes arrest and conviction records from jurisdictions across the state.

Information included: arrests, charges, dispositions, convictions
Fee: $25.00 per name-based search for the public
Access: online submission available through the Arkansas State Police portal

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:
St. Francis County Sheriff's Office
313 S. Izard St.
Forrest City, AR 72335
Phone: (870) 261-1700
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and booking number. Copy fees apply to printed records.

Clerk of Court:
St. Francis County Circuit Clerk
313 S. Izard St., Suite 1
Forrest City, AR 72335
Phone: (870) 261-1725
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

By Mail:

Written requests submitted by mail to the St. Francis County Sheriff's Office should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's return mailing address and contact information. Payment for copy fees should be included with the request. Processing time for mailed requests is typically 5–10 business days.

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (870) 261-1700
Circuit Clerk: (870) 261-1725
Phone inquiries may yield limited information; staff may direct callers to submit a written request or visit in person
Information needed: full legal name, date of birth, approximate arrest date

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated documentation through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records not available through standard public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings may include materials not otherwise available to the general public.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Forrest City PD, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in St. Francis County

Arrest records in St. Francis County are public records under Arkansas law. Pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, codified at Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-101 et seq., all records maintained by government agencies are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific exemption applies. Arrest records are subject to disclosure because they document the exercise of governmental authority and serve the public interest in transparency, safety, and accountability.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Arkansas law)
Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
Sealed records (court-ordered confidentiality)
Active investigation information that would jeopardize an ongoing case
Undercover officer identities
Confidential informant information
Victim identifying information in certain offense categories
Witness protection participants

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Arkansas Constitution and the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act establish the framework for public access to government records. Courts have recognized that the First Amendment supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. At the same time, due process considerations require that arrest records not be treated as proof of guilt, as an arrest reflects only that probable cause existed at the time of detention.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing screening. Employers and landlords using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Arkansas does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to separate requirements. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest without a resulting conviction does not establish criminal liability.

What's in St. Francis County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and race
Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Forrest City Police Department, Arkansas State Police, or other)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed at time of booking
Arkansas statute numbers violated
Charge classification (felony class or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time, if applicable
Release conditions, if made part of the public record

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction (Circuit Court or District Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Judge assignment, if available at time of record access

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report contents)
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during investigation
Investigative techniques or methods
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not always available to the public
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in St. Francis County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in St. Francis County is governed by the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records. Under Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-109, fees may not exceed the actual cost of reproduction.

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.25 per page (standard rate)
Certified copies	$5.00 per document (Circuit Clerk)
Electronic records	Varies; may be provided at no cost or at cost of media
Search fee	No statutory search fee; agencies may charge staff time in limited circumstances
In-person inspection	No charge for inspection of public records

Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Circuit Clerk: cash, money order, and personal check
Fee waivers are not formally established by statute for standard public records requests, though agencies retain discretion
Court records accessed through the Arkansas Judiciary case search portal are available at no cost for online viewing
Inmate status information through the Arkansas Department of Corrections inmate search is available at no cost online

How To Delete Arrest Records in St. Francis County

Arkansas law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the destruction or removal of the record from public access, while sealing restricts public inspection without physically destroying the underlying record. Under Ark. Code Ann. § 16-90-1401 et seq., the Arkansas Comprehensive Criminal Record Sealing Act governs eligibility and procedures for sealing criminal records in the state.

Eligibility for Expungement or Sealing:

Arrests that did not result in charges being filed
Charges that were dismissed by the prosecutor or the court
Acquittals following trial
Certain misdemeanor convictions after completion of sentence and a waiting period
Certain felony convictions after completion of sentence, depending on offense class
First-time offenders who completed a diversion or drug court program
Juvenile adjudications (subject to separate procedures)

Individuals convicted of Class Y felonies, sex offenses requiring registration, and certain violent offenses are not eligible for sealing under current Arkansas law.

Steps to Petition for Sealing:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case number from the St. Francis County Circuit Clerk.
Confirm eligibility based on the offense type, disposition, and time elapsed since completion of sentence.
Complete the petition for sealing, available through the Circuit Clerk's office.
File the petition with the St. Francis County Circuit Court and pay the applicable filing fee.
Serve copies of the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office.
Attend the scheduled hearing, if required by the court.
If the court grants the petition, the order is transmitted to the Arkansas State Police, the arresting agency, and other relevant repositories for record update.

Contact Information for Sealing Petitions:

St. Francis County Circuit Clerk
313 S. Izard St., Suite 1
Forrest City, AR 72335
Phone: (870) 261-1725
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

St. Francis County Prosecuting Attorney – 1st Judicial District
313 S. Izard St.
Forrest City, AR 72335
Phone: (870) 261-1730

Individuals seeking to seal records are advised to obtain legal representation, as the petition process involves court filings and a prosecutorial review. The St. Francis County Public Defender's Office may be contacted regarding eligibility for appointed counsel in post-conviction matters.

What Happens After Arrest in St. Francis County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in St. Francis County, the arrested individual is transported to the St. Francis County Detention Center, located at 313 S. Izard St., Forrest City, AR 72335. Transport is conducted by the arresting officer. The individual remains in custody during transport and is not permitted to leave until the booking process is completed and, if applicable, bond is posted.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention facility, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
Personal property inventoried and secured
Issuance of jail clothing
Medical and brief mental health screening
Housing classification determination

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Arkansas law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judicial officer without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than 72 hours after arrest. At the first appearance:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify
Bond or bail is set or denied
The individual is advised of their rights

First appearances in St. Francis County may be conducted in person or via video conference at the detention facility.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
Amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
Amount set by the presiding judge or magistrate, or according to a bond schedule

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The individual is released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment is required
Granted based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

The individual is held without the possibility of bond
Applies in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Conditions imposed at release may include regular check-in with pretrial services, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision compliance.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing for release typically takes one to eight hours
Personal property is returned
A written notice of court date is provided
Written conditions of release are issued
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody at the St. Francis County Detention Center
Housing assignment is made following classification
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedule are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for appointed representation through the Arkansas Public Defender Commission. Eligibility is based on income and the nature of the charges.

St. Francis County Public Defender
313 S. Izard St.
Forrest City, AR 72335
Phone: (870) 261-1735

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Arkansas Bar Association maintains a lawyer referral service. Attorney visits to the detention facility are conducted in confidential consultation rooms.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The 1st Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The prosecutor may file charges as presented, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges based on the evidence.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally presented with the charges and enters a plea. Available pleas in Arkansas include not guilty, guilty, and nolo contendere (no contest). The court sets subsequent hearing dates at arraignment. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at this stage to preserve time for case review and negotiation.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through the discovery process. Pretrial motions may be filed to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or address procedural issues. Pretrial conferences allow the parties and the court to assess case readiness and explore resolution.

Plea negotiations may result in an agreement to resolve the case without trial. The defendant retains the right to reject any plea offer and proceed to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may complete pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
Plea Agreement: The defendant enters a guilty or no contest plea in exchange for an agreed sentence or sentencing recommendation
Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury or bench trial; the prosecution bears the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt

Sentencing (If Convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: within 72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: several months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanors: resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
Felonies: resolved within several months to over a year in complex cases
Right to speedy trial: guaranteed under the Arkansas Constitution and applicable court rules

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

St. Francis County Sheriff's Office (Detention Center)
313 S. Izard St.
Forrest City, AR 72335
Phone: (870) 261-1700

St. Francis County Circuit Clerk
313 S. Izard St., Suite 1
Forrest City, AR 72335
Phone: (870) 261-1725

1st Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney
313 S. Izard St.
Forrest City, AR 72335
Phone: (870) 261-1730

St. Francis County Public Defender
313 S. Izard St.
Forrest City, AR 72335
Phone: (870) 261-1735

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely invoke the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
Contact family or a bondsman for assistance with bail
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in St. Francis County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Arkansas is governed by state law and the records retention schedules established by the Arkansas History Commission and the Arkansas State Police. Local agencies are required to maintain records in accordance with applicable schedules, and destruction of records must be authorized and documented.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, Arkansas State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
No statutory provision for destruction of felony conviction records

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently in most cases by the Circuit Clerk and state repository
Local law enforcement retention may vary by department policy

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: retained for a minimum of several years under standard retention schedules
Court records: retained permanently in the electronic case management system
State repository: records remain unless the subject obtains a sealing order
Records may remain in databases unless expunged or sealed by court order

Acquittals:

Court records: retained permanently
Local law enforcement: retained per agency retention schedule
Eligible for sealing petition under Arkansas law

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: retained for a minimum period per agency policy
May be eligible for sealing or expungement upon petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards: retained per state records retention schedule
Photographs: retained per agency policy, often indefinitely in digital format

Digital Records:

Records management systems: records are often retained permanently once entered
Court electronic records: retained permanently in the Arkansas Judiciary system
Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not required to update records following expungement unless subject to a specific legal obligation. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain reasonable procedures to ensure accuracy, but enforcement is the responsibility of the subject or a regulator.

Retention by Agency:

St. Francis County Sheriff's Office
313 S. Izard St.
Forrest City, AR 72335
Phone: (870) 261-1700

Booking records: retained per Arkansas records retention schedule
Arrest reports: retained per agency policy, minimum several years
Investigative files: retained based on case outcome and offense classification

St. Francis County Circuit Clerk
313 S. Izard St., Suite 1
Forrest City, AR 72335
Phone: (870) 261-1725

Felony case files: retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files: retained for a minimum period per state schedule
Electronic records: retained permanently in the court case management system

Arkansas State Police Criminal History Repository
1 State Police Plaza Dr.
Little Rock, AR 72209
Phone: (501) 618-8500
Arkansas Department of Public Safety

Maintains arrest and disposition records from all Arkansas jurisdictions
Records updated upon receipt of disposition information from courts and agencies
Retention: indefinite for most records; updated upon receipt of sealing orders

FBI Database:

The FBI's NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain arrest records submitted by Arkansas agencies. Federal retention is permanent. These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal: Remains in databases unless sealed; may not appear on standard employment background checks depending on the reporting agency's policies
Expungement/Sealing: Local records sealed or destroyed per court order; state repository updated; FBI database may retain with a notation indicating the record has been sealed
No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged after a set number of years or upon petition

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests: available online through the Arkansas Judiciary case search and by contacting the Sheriff's Office
Older arrests: may require in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Clerk; retrieval fees may apply
Very old arrests: may exist only in paper format in archival storage; contact the records division for availability

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for expungement, or pursuant to the agency's records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention requirements, including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, and sex offenses, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records, though convictions may be reported indefinitely. Arkansas does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting conviction records after a set number of years. Arrests without convictions may appear on background checks but cannot be used as the sole basis for adverse employment action in jurisdictions with applicable fair chance laws.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the St. Francis County Sheriff's Records Division at (870) 261-1700 to inquire about the status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request may be required, and applicable copy fees will apply.

Lookup Arrest Records in St. Francis County

Inmate Search – Arkansas Department of Corrections
Criminal Background Checks – Arkansas Department of Public Safety
Case Search • Arkansas Judiciary – Search Arkansas court records by defendant name or case number
Arkansas.gov – Official Arkansas state government portal