About Arkansas Public Records

About Arkansas public records

Arkansas government divisions independently offer public records searches, satisfy requests for documentation, provide official certificates and criminal history information. For employment purposes, the state police conducts background checks and drivers records can be obtained from the Department of Finance and Administration. County departments can individually provide police reports of incidents occurring within their areas, records of arrests, and outstanding warrants. Amongst the most routine requested are real estate property records from Arkansas assessors' offices. The circuit court clerk keeps a record of proceedings and by virtue performs as the recorder of the county.

State background and court information

The state of Arkansas is contained in 52,068 square miles and is populated by almost 3 million people. Arkansas was admitted to the union on June 15, 1836. The capital and largest city in Arkansas is Little Rock. There are seventy-five counties in Arkansas, Pulaski County being the largest and most populated. Arkansas is represented in the United States Congress by 2 senators and 4 members in the House of Representatives. The food products industry is the largest source of employment in Arkansas, followed closely by lumber and wood products. Arkansas is also one of the largest producers of cotton, rice and soybeans.

Through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Arkansas is bound to make certain documents available to the public. This means the public has access to state agency rules and methods of operation, as well as the documents and information those agencies maintain. Meetings of state agencies and organizations typically fall under the Freedom of Information Act as well, allowing the public to view meeting minutes which help provide transparency as to the operation of the various state agencies.

Arkansas criminal records are maintained and provided through the Arkansas State Police. An individual representing an employer or a professional licensing board may access an online request for a criminal history check. Individuals outside of the above listed categories who wish to obtain a criminal history of an individual, must submit a manual record request in person or by mail to the Arkansas State Police Identification Bureau. This request will result in a record of felony and misdemeanor convictions in Arkansas.

The Arkansas city courts hear cases involving contracts and real property rights ($0/$300). The city courts also hear cases involving misdemeanors. The city courts also include preliminary hearings. The Arkansas district courts are the state's trial courts with jurisdiction to hear cases involving contracts and personal property rights ($0/$5,000).

The district courts also have jurisdiction over small claims, which include cases where the amount in dispute ranges from $0 to $5,000. As with the city courts, the district courts have jurisdiction to hear cases involving misdemeanors and hear preliminary proceedings. The Arkansas circuit courts have jurisdiction to hear cases involving tort, contract, real property rights ($100/no maximum), and miscellaneous civil cases.

The Arkansas circuit courts have exclusive jurisdiction to hear cases involving estate, mental health, and civil appeals. Furthermore, the circuit courts have exclusive jurisdiction over domestic relations matters. The circuit courts have hear cases involving misdemeanor. Its exclusive jurisdiction also extends to felonies, and criminal appeals matters. Also, exclusive juvenile jurisdiction.

The Arkansas court of appeals have mandatory jurisdiction in civil, noncapital criminal, administrative agency, juvenile, interlocutory decision cases. It has no discretionary jurisdiction. The Arkansas supreme court has mandatory jurisdiction in civil, capital criminal, criminal, administrative agency, lawyer disciplinary, certified questions from federal courts, original proceeding, interlocutory decision cases. Its jurisdiction is discretionary regarding civil, noncapital criminal, administrative agency cases.

Vital records

Statewide Arkansas vital records. Search births, marriage records and death certificates. Divorces filed with courts. State vital records offices. Link to the agencies in Arkansas and order vital records. Many records are public information available to the public from private and government entities. You can use information to verify your records. Look up vital statistics and free vital searches in Arkansas to conduct research online. Learn how to change or correct certificates or find information about Arkansas births, deaths, marriages and divorces on record.

Government records and agencies

Access Arkansas government agencies and obtain information on executive branches, legislative branches and jucidial branches within state jurisdiction. Link below to the state government agencies as well as state government information and services. Other state government resources such as codified state law, voters registration and other state government departments

Driving and vehicle records

Free and easy to use direct Arkansas official government links to driver license and registration sources. Register your vehicle, get your tags, obtain the history of a vehicle. Online forms and processing from your computer anywhere. You can also see the status of your applications at anytime online without having to call the clerk. Locations, hours and office information are also available online.

Expungements and record clearing

Expunge your criminal past of felonies, misdemeanors, D.U.I convictions and more in the state of Arkansas. Get information regarding expungements and begin to erase your previous Arkansas criminal records statewide as well as nationwide. Some records can contain inaccurate or erroneous information that can be amended. Both juvenile and adult cases that can be corrected and begin your search for employment without a tainted past showing.

Genealogy and historical research

Arkansas genealogy related links and topics. Individual state search of your ancestors, start a family tree, browse census records and more online.

Missing children resources

The initial contact for an Arkansan searching for, or reporting a missing child, is the Arkansas State Police. The Arkansas State Police are the coordinating law enforcement agency in Arkansas to alert the public of missing or abducted children. There is information concerning the Arkansas Amber Plan and the manner in which an Amber Alert may contribute to finding a missing child. The State Police will inform citizens of what steps need to be taken and the resources available to help with search and recovery of a missing child. Internet searches for missing children are available at some of the links listed below, as well as runaway prevention guides, resources, and support for parents who are victims of criminal child abduction.