Madison County

Madison County is located in the scenic Ozark Mountains of northwestern Arkansas, covering approximately 837 square miles of rugged, forested terrain. Madison County seat is Huntsville, a historic town situated along Highway 412 that is the administrative and commercial center. Established on September 30, 1836, Madison County was one of Arkansas's original counties and was named after James Madison, the fourth President of the United States. Madison County's population hovers around 17,032 residents, making it one of the more sparsely populated counties in Arkansas, with a strong rural character. The scene is dominated by the Boston Mountains, part of the larger Ozark Plateau, offering stunning vistas, limestone bluffs, and pristine waterways including War Eagle Creek and the Kings River. Madison County is home to Withrow Springs State Park, a popular destination featuring hiking trails, caves, and natural springs. War Eagle Cavern on Beaver Lake attracts tourists year-round, and Madison County's natural beauty draws outdoor enthusiasts for fishing, canoeing, and hiking. Madison County's economy historically relied on timber, agriculture, and small-scale manufacturing, though tourism has become increasingly important. Madison County Courthouse in Huntsville, a stately structure on the town square, houses the County Clerk's office at 201 W Main Street, the Circuit Clerk, and the County Judge's administrative offices. Madison County Recorder maintains property records, while the County Assessor's office at the same courthouse complex handles property valuations and tax assessments. Madison County retains much of its 19th-century character with historic buildings, family farms, and close communities spread across towns like Hindsville, St. Paul, and Wesley.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in Arkansas Code Annotated § 25-19-101 et seq, arrest records are generally considered public information and can be requested from the arresting agency.
• Mugshots and booking photos are maintained as part of arrest records and may be obtained through the same FOIA request process, though some agencies may charge reasonable copying fees.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond process follows Arkansas state laws, allowing for the posting of bail to secure the release of an inmate pending trial.

• District Court in Madison County handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil matters under $25,000, with proceedings held at the same courthouse location.
• Certified copies of court documents cost $5 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a certification fee.
• While Madison County does not currently offer online case search through the Arkansas CourtConnect system available in some counties, records can be researched through written requests or in-person visits.
• For legal research and case law, the Arkansas Judiciary website (arcourts.gov) provides statewide resources.
• Fees for filing civil cases vary based on case type, with circuit court civil filings typically costing around $165.

• Certified copies of recorded documents cost $3 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $3 certification fee.
• The Assessor provides parcel information, assessed valuations, ownership data, property descriptions, and historical tax information.
• Recording fees are set by state statute and typically cost $10 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• The fee for a certified birth or death certificate is typically $12 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously.
• Processing time for in-person requests at the County Clerk's office is usually same-day if the record is on file; mail requests may take 7-10 business days.
• Online ordering is available through VitalChek.com, the state's authorized vendor, though this service includes additional processing fees of approximately $10-$15.
• The marriage license fee is $60 if both parties attend a premarital counseling course and $80 without counseling, per Arkansas law.
• Divorce records and decrees are maintained by Madison County Circuit Clerk as part of court records and can be accessed following the same procedures as other civil court cases, with certified copies available for a fee.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• The filing fee is typically around $25, and registrations must be renewed periodically.
• Arkansas businesses must also register for sales and use tax permits with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration if selling tangible goods or certain services.
• Alcohol licensing for restaurants, bars, and retail sales requires permits from the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, with local approval processes varying by county.