Jefferson County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Jefferson County in 2026
JeffersonARRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Jefferson County, Arkansas. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party channels include arrest logs, booking records, criminal court case filings, bond information, and inmate rosters. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the originating agency and the disposition of the underlying case.
Records may be searched through official resources including the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the Pine Bluff Police Department, the Arkansas Judiciary's online case search portal, and the Arkansas State Police. Online tools, public access terminals at the courthouse, and direct requests to clerk offices are all available methods for locating arrest-related information.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and an inmate roster for individuals held at the W.C. "Dub" Brassell Adult Detention Center. Members of the public may access current custody information and recent booking data through the Sheriff's Office directly. The roster is updated on a regular basis and includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and bond status.
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office 1200 Martin Luther King Dr. Pine Bluff, AR 71601 Phone: (870) 541-5351 Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
2. Local Police Departments
The Pine Bluff Police Department serves the county seat and publishes press releases containing arrest information for notable cases. Members of the public may submit a public records request to the department's records division to obtain arrest logs and incident-related information.
Pine Bluff Police Department 200 E. 8th Ave. Pine Bluff, AR 71601 Phone: (870) 543-5100 Pine Bluff Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal court case filings. Members of the public may search ARCourts through the Arkansas Judiciary's CourtConnect portal to locate case numbers, charge information, and hearing dates associated with an arrest. Searching by the arrestee's name will return associated criminal case filings in Jefferson County Circuit Court.
Jefferson County Circuit Clerk 101 W. Barraque St., Suite 101 Pine Bluff, AR 71601 Phone: (870) 541-5322 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Arkansas State Police maintains the Arkansas Computerized Criminal History (ACCH) repository, which contains statewide arrest and conviction records. Members of the public may request a name-based criminal history record check. A fee of $25.00 applies to public requests. The repository includes arrests from all law enforcement agencies that report to the state system.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
- Address: 1200 Martin Luther King Dr., Pine Bluff, AR 71601
- Records division is located at the main facility
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Phone: (870) 541-5351
- What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known booking number or arrest date
- Fees for copies: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply
Police Departments:
- Pine Bluff Police Department, 200 E. 8th Ave., Pine Bluff, AR 71601, (870) 543-5100
- Records requests are submitted in writing or in person at the records division window
- Standard copy fee: $0.25 per page
Clerk of Court:
- Address: 101 W. Barraque St., Suite 101, Pine Bluff, AR 71601
- Criminal records division handles case file inspection
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Phone: (870) 541-5322
- Case files are available for public inspection at the clerk's office
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page; certified copies are $5.00 per document
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office at 1200 Martin Luther King Dr., Pine Bluff, AR 71601. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full name and return mailing address. Payment for copies should be included in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Processing time is typically 5–10 business days from receipt of a complete request.
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (870) 541-5351
- Basic custody status and booking information may be available by phone
- Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
- Detailed records and certified copies require an in-person visit or written request
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed investigative files not otherwise available to the public. In active criminal proceedings, discovery rules govern the exchange of arrest-related documentation between the prosecution and defense.
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, Pine Bluff PD, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Jefferson County
Arrest records in Jefferson 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., records maintained by government agencies are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific exemption applies. Arrest records serve the public interest by promoting government transparency, enabling community awareness of law enforcement activity, supporting journalism and academic research, and facilitating background screening processes.
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
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Arkansas law
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information related to active investigations may be withheld
- Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
- Confidential informant information is protected
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain offense categories
- Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Arkansas Constitution and the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act establish the legal framework for public access to government records. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public accountability. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the disposition of charges, including dismissals and acquittals.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- 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 governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA notice and authorization requirements. Under current law, arrests that did not result in conviction may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in certain contexts. Arkansas does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to separate requirements.
What's in Jefferson 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:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and, in some cases, arresting officer name and badge number
- Booking date, time, and booking number
- Warrant information if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges and statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence or gang-related designations where applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status
- Bond amount and bond type (cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond)
- Release date and time if the individual has been released
- Release conditions if made part of the public record
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned following arrest
- Court jurisdiction and scheduled arraignment date
- Judge assignment if available at time of record creation
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements and victim information
- Evidence collected and investigative techniques
- Medical, mental health, or substance abuse 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 in the public arrest record
- 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 Jefferson County?
Members of the public may inspect arrest records at the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office or the Circuit Clerk's office at no charge. Fees apply when copies are requested. Under Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-109, fees charged for copies of public records may not exceed the actual cost of reproduction.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.25 per page |
| Certified court document copies | $5.00 per document |
| Arkansas State Police criminal history (public request) | $25.00 per search |
| Electronic records (where available) | Varies by agency |
| In-person record inspection | No charge |
Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Circuit Clerk include cash, check, and money order. The Arkansas State Police accepts payment by check or money order for mailed requests. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest; applicants should submit a written waiver request to the relevant agency. Inspection of records at a public access terminal in the courthouse is available at no cost.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Jefferson County
Arkansas law provides two primary mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access: expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the physical destruction or removal of the record from public databases. Sealing restricts public access while allowing law enforcement agencies to retain the record for official purposes. The distinction is significant: an expunged record is treated as though the arrest did not occur for most purposes, while a sealed record remains accessible to courts and law enforcement.
Under Ark. Code Ann. § 16-90-1401 et seq., individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:
- Charges were dismissed or not filed following arrest
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The individual successfully completed a diversion or drug court program
- A first-time, non-violent felony conviction after completion of sentence and a waiting period
- Certain misdemeanor convictions after completion of sentence
The process for expungement in Jefferson County requires the petitioner to file a Petition for Expungement with the Jefferson County Circuit Court. The petition must identify the arrest date, the charges, the case number, and the basis for expungement eligibility. The prosecuting attorney's office is notified and may object. If the court grants the petition, an order is issued directing all relevant agencies to expunge or seal the record.
Jefferson County Circuit Court – Criminal Division 101 W. Barraque St. Pine Bluff, AR 71601 Phone: (870) 541-5322 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Jefferson County Public Defender's Office 101 W. Barraque St., Suite 204 Pine Bluff, AR 71601 Phone: (870) 534-4000
Following entry of an expungement order, the Arkansas State Police updates the ACCH repository. Third-party background check companies are not automatically notified and may retain records beyond the date of expungement; individuals may need to contact those companies separately to request removal. Law enforcement agencies retain access to expunged records for official purposes.
What Happens After Arrest in Jefferson County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Jefferson County, the arrested individual is transported to the W.C. "Dub" Brassell Adult Detention Center, operated by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Individuals arrested by the Pine Bluff Police Department or other municipal agencies within the county are also booked at this facility.
W.C. "Dub" Brassell Adult Detention Center 1200 Martin Luther King Dr. Pine Bluff, AR 71601 Phone: (870) 541-5351 Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the detention center, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. Steps 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 warrants check
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Medical and brief mental health screening
- Housing classification assignment
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Arkansas law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judicial officer within 48 hours of arrest for a first appearance. At this hearing:
- The individual is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
- Bond or bail is determined
- Rights are explained
The hearing may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules may be accessed through the Arkansas Judiciary's CourtConnect portal.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees. The amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate according to the county bond schedule.
Surety Bond: The defendant engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is 10% of the bond amount in Arkansas.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond: The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes between one and eight hours. The individual receives a court date, written conditions of release, and the return of personal property. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.
If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules including commissary, phone, and visitation procedures.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Applications are processed through the Jefferson County Public Defender's Office.
Jefferson County Public Defender's Office 101 W. Barraque St., Suite 204 Pine Bluff, AR 71601 Phone: (870) 534-4000
Private Attorney:
Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Arkansas Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service. Attorney visits at the detention center are confidential.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. Options include filing an information, requesting additional investigation, declining to prosecute, or filing different charges. This review typically occurs within days to a few weeks of arrest.
Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney's Office 101 W. Barraque St., Suite 301 Pine Bluff, AR 71601 Phone: (870) 541-5374
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through discovery, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Pretrial conferences allow attorneys and the judge to discuss case resolution and trial readiness. Plea negotiations may result in a reduced charge or agreed sentencing recommendation.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal defects. Dismissal may create eligibility for expungement.
- Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
- Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea in exchange for an agreed charge or sentencing recommendation, waiving the right to trial.
- Trial: The defendant proceeds to a jury or bench trial. If found guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Sentencing (if convicted):
The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.
Individuals sentenced to state incarceration in Jefferson County may be housed at the Pine Bluff Unit of the Arkansas Department of Corrections, located west of Pine Bluff off West 7th Avenue, with a mailing address of 890 Free Line Drive, Pine Bluff, AR 71603.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 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: May take six months to over a year depending on complexity
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Arkansas Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
Rights Throughout Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to an attorney
- Right to a speedy trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
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 waive that right
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Jefferson County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Jefferson County is governed by Arkansas state law and the records retention schedules established by the Arkansas History Commission and the Arkansas State Police. Under current law, the retention period varies based on the type of record, the agency maintaining it, and the disposition of the underlying case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, Arkansas State Police ACCH repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- No scheduled destruction date
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently or for a minimum of five years by local law enforcement
- Court records are retained permanently in electronic form
- State repository retains indefinitely
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement: Minimum of three years from date of dismissal
- Court records: Retained permanently in electronic systems
- State repository: Retained unless expunged by court order
- Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order
Acquittals:
- Local law enforcement: Minimum of three years
- Court records: Retained permanently
- State repository: Retained unless expunged
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records: Minimum of two years
- Local arrest logs: Minimum of two years
- May be eligible for expungement upon petition
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards: Retained per agency schedule, minimum three years for non-conviction records
- Photographs: Retained per agency schedule
Digital Records:
- Records management systems: Often retained permanently
- Court electronic records: Retained permanently
- Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency and third-party operator
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not automatically updated when a record is expunged. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain reasonable procedures to ensure accuracy, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework are not subject to the same obligations.
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Minimum three years for non-conviction; permanent for conviction
- Arrest reports: Minimum three years
- Investigative files: Varies by case type and outcome
- Contact: (870) 541-5351
Clerk of Court:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
- Traffic cases: Minimum five years
- Electronic records: Permanent
State Repository: The Arkansas State Police maintains the ACCH repository, which includes arrests reported by all law enforcement agencies in the state. Retention is permanent for conviction records and subject to expungement orders for non-conviction records.
FBI Database: The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, typically permanently. These databases are accessible to law enforcement nationwide and are used for employment background checks involving firearms purchases and certain licensed professions.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: May remain in databases unless expunged; not reported on standard employment background checks in many cases
- Expungement: Local records destroyed or sealed; state repository updated; FBI database may retain with a notation; removal from third-party websites requires separate action
- No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after two years; eligible for expungement petition in most cases
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
- Recent arrests: Available online through the Sheriff's Office and CourtConnect
- Arrests from five or more years ago: May require an in-person request; possible retrieval fee applies
- Very old arrests: May not be digitized; paper records held in archives; some records may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule; contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (870) 541-5351
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Arkansas does not currently impose a shorter reporting window by state statute for conviction records. Arrests that did not result in conviction are not reportable as convictions, and employers subject to the FCRA must distinguish between arrests and convictions when making employment decisions.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Jefferson County Sheriff's Records Division at (870) 541-5351 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act may be required to obtain a formal response. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.