Cleburne County Public Records / Cleburne County Arrest Records

Cleburne County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Cleburne County in 2026

CleburneRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Cleburne County, Arkansas. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party channels include:

Booking and arrest logs
Criminal charge information
Court case filings
Inmate custody status
Warrant records
Sex offender registry entries

Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following sections detail each available method.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Cleburne County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and arrest information for individuals taken into custody within the county. According to the Sheriff's Office, "Most Sheriff's Office records are public," and members of the public may submit requests for copies of reports and records through the agency's records division. The Sheriff's Office website provides access to offender information, most wanted listings, and community resources. Arrest records available through this channel include the arrestee's name, booking number, charges, arresting agency, and custody status. Records are updated as bookings occur.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Heber Springs Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Cleburne County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are periodically published through the department's official channels. Members of the public seeking arrest records from city-level law enforcement may submit written requests to the Heber Springs Police Department.

Heber Springs Police Department
1001 W. Pine St.
Heber Springs, AR 72543
Phone: (501) 362-2231

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Court cases linked to arrests in Cleburne County are searchable through the Arkansas Judiciary's CourtConnect portal, which provides a streamlined search tool for Arkansas court cases with enhanced filtering and simplified access to public court records. Members of the public may search by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal case filings, scheduled hearings, and case dispositions. The Cleburne County Circuit Clerk maintains the official case files at the courthouse.

Cleburne County Circuit Clerk
301 W. Main St., Suite 1
Heber Springs, AR 72543
Phone: (501) 362-8149
Cleburne County Arkansas Official Website

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Arkansas State Police maintains a statewide criminal history repository accessible to the public for background screening purposes. A criminal history record check through the Arkansas State Police includes arrests, charges, and dispositions from all reporting jurisdictions within the state. A fee applies for public criminal history requests; at present, the standard fee is $25.00 per name-based search submitted to the Arkansas State Police Identification Bureau. Additionally, the Arkansas Department of Corrections inmate search allows members of the public to locate individuals currently in state custody.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Cleburne County Sheriff's Office
301 W. Main St.
Heber Springs, AR 72543
Phone: (501) 362-2822
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Cleburne County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full name of the subject, the approximate date of arrest, and any known booking number. Fees for copies of records apply as described in the fees section below.

Clerk of Court:

Cleburne County Circuit Clerk
301 W. Main St., Suite 1
Heber Springs, AR 72543
Phone: (501) 362-8149
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Cleburne County Arkansas Official Website

Criminal case files are available for inspection during regular business hours. Copy fees apply per page as set by Arkansas law.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Cleburne County Sheriff's Office at 301 W. Main St., Heber Springs, AR 72543. Each written request should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full name, mailing address, and contact telephone number. Payment for copies must accompany the request. Processing time varies and is subject to the volume of pending requests.

By Phone:

The Cleburne County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (501) 362-2822 during regular business hours. Staff can confirm whether a record exists and advise on the appropriate method to obtain copies. Detailed record information is not released by telephone; requestors are directed to submit written requests or visit in person.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Records subject to restriction may be obtained through subpoena or as part of the discovery process in active legal proceedings.

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, city police, or state agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Cleburne County

Arrest records in Cleburne County are public records under Arkansas law. The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, codified at § 25-19-101 et seq. of the Arkansas Code, establishes that records maintained by government agencies—including law enforcement—are open to inspection and copying by any person. The policy reflects the state's commitment to government transparency, public safety awareness, and accountability in the administration of justice.

Arrest records serve several recognized public interests:

Government transparency and accountability
Public safety and community awareness
Journalism and investigative research
Employment and housing background screening
Legal proceedings and due process

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 (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 together establish the legal framework for public access to government records. Courts have consistently recognized that the First Amendment supports press and public access to arrest information, while due process principles require that arrest records accurately reflect the outcome of criminal proceedings, including dismissals and acquittals.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the 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 decisions made through consumer reporting agencies. 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 does not constitute a finding of guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions carries legal risk under applicable anti-discrimination frameworks.

What's in Cleburne County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, city police, 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
Arkansas statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

The Cleburne County Detention Center serves as the primary booking facility for the county, with a capacity of 70 inmates. Long-term female inmates are held at the White County Jail in Searcy, Arkansas. The facility does not house juveniles. Booking records generated at this facility include the intake timestamp, booking photograph, and property inventory.

Custody and Bond Information:

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

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction (Circuit Court or District Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Judge assignment, if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

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

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate request procedures
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Cleburne County?

Under Arkansas law, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records. The following fee structure applies to records requests submitted to Cleburne County law enforcement and court offices:

Record Type	Fee
Standard copy (per page)	$0.25–$0.50 per page
Certified copy	$5.00 per document (court records)
Electronic records (where available)	Varies by agency
Search fee	No separate search fee required under FOIA
Arkansas State Police criminal history	$25.00 per name-based request

Inspection of public records during regular business hours is available at no charge. Fees for copies are governed by § 25-19-109 of the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, which limits charges to the actual cost of reproduction. Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Circuit Clerk's office include cash, money order, and check made payable to the respective agency. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors upon written application; members of the public seeking a waiver should submit a written request explaining the basis for the waiver at the time of the records request.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Cleburne 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 file. Under § 16-90-1401 et seq. of the Arkansas Code (the Arkansas Expungement Act), eligible individuals may petition the court to expunge arrest records under specified circumstances.

Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Expunged:

Charges were dismissed or nolle prossed (not prosecuted)
The individual was acquitted at trial
The arrest did not result in the filing of charges
The individual successfully completed a court-ordered diversion program
The individual completed a sentence for certain eligible offenses and the required waiting period has elapsed
First-time offenders who meet statutory eligibility criteria

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case from the Cleburne County Circuit Clerk.
Confirm eligibility under the Arkansas Expungement Act based on the offense type and case disposition.
Complete the petition for expungement form, available through the Circuit Clerk's office.
File the petition in the Cleburne County Circuit Court and pay the applicable filing fee.
Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office as required by statute.
Attend the scheduled hearing; the court will grant or deny the petition based on statutory criteria.
If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge or seal the record.

Cleburne County Circuit Court
301 W. Main St.
Heber Springs, AR 72543
Phone: (501) 362-8149
Cleburne County Arkansas Official Website

Prosecuting Attorney – 16th Judicial District
301 W. Main St.
Heber Springs, AR 72543
Phone: (501) 362-8175

Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed Arkansas attorney to assess eligibility and navigate the petition process. The Arkansas Public Defender Commission may provide referrals for those who qualify for appointed counsel in post-conviction proceedings.

What Happens After Arrest in Cleburne County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Cleburne County Detention Center located at 301 W. Main St., Heber Springs, AR 72543. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion prior to transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Detention Center, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted for criminal history check
Outstanding warrants check conducted
Personal property inventoried and stored
Clothing exchanged for jail-issued attire
Medical and brief mental health screening completed
Housing classification assigned

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 indigent defendants
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are formally advisement

Hearings may be conducted via video conference from the detention facility.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the court or detention facility. The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, at present set at 10% of the bond amount under Arkansas law. The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear, without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The court may order detention without bond 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 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 takes approximately one to eight hours. The individual receives a written notice of court dates and conditions of release. Failure to appear 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, commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Indigent defendants are entitled to appointed counsel under the Sixth Amendment. Eligibility is determined based on income at the first appearance hearing.

Cleburne County Public Defender
301 W. Main St.
Heber Springs, AR 72543
Phone: (501) 362-8149

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Arkansas Bar Association provides attorney referral services for individuals seeking private representation.

Charging Decision:

The Prosecuting Attorney for the 16th Judicial District reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere. The majority of defendants enter an initial not guilty plea, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery (exchange of evidence), pretrial motions (including motions to suppress or dismiss), pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs (such as drug court or mental health court), plea agreement, or trial. Defendants convicted at trial proceed to a sentencing hearing at which the court may impose incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment requirements, or a combination thereof.

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
Felonies: Resolved within several months to over one year
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Arkansas Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Important Contacts:

Cleburne County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
301 W. Main St.
Heber Springs, AR 72543
Phone: (501) 362-2822
Cleburne County Sheriff's Office

Cleburne County Circuit Clerk
301 W. Main St., Suite 1
Heber Springs, AR 72543
Phone: (501) 362-8149
Cleburne County Arkansas Official Website

Prosecuting Attorney – 16th Judicial District
301 W. Main St.
Heber Springs, AR 72543
Phone: (501) 362-8175

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than retained or appointed counsel
Contact family or friends to assist with bail arrangements
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Cleburne County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Arkansas is governed by state law and agency-specific records retention schedules established by the Arkansas History Commission and the Arkansas State Library. Agencies are required to maintain records in accordance with approved schedules, and unauthorized destruction of public records is prohibited.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions: Arrest and conviction records for felony offenses are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk, and the Arkansas State Police criminal history repository. These records are also transmitted to the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III), where they are maintained indefinitely.

Misdemeanor Convictions: Records of misdemeanor convictions are retained permanently at the state repository level. Local law enforcement and court retention periods may vary by agency policy, though electronic records are at present retained indefinitely in most jurisdictions.

Dismissed Charges and Acquittals: Arrest records for charges that were dismissed or resulted in acquittal remain in law enforcement and court databases unless the subject obtains a court order for expungement. These records may appear in background checks until expunged.

Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests that did not result in the filing of charges are subject to shorter local retention periods and may be eligible for expungement upon petition.

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the applicable records retention schedule. Digital records maintained in records management systems and court electronic filing systems are at present retained indefinitely. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely regardless of case outcome.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained in accordance with the Arkansas records retention schedule applicable to law enforcement agencies. Investigative files are retained based on the nature and disposition of the case.

Clerk of Court: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum period established by the Arkansas Supreme Court's records retention policies. Electronic court records are at present retained indefinitely.

Arkansas State Police: The state criminal history repository retains arrest and disposition records from all reporting jurisdictions. Members of the public may access their own criminal history record through the Arkansas State Police Identification Bureau.

FBI Database: The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index retain records transmitted by Arkansas law enforcement agencies. Federal retention is permanent, and these records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background check and investigative purposes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across all databases. A dismissal or acquittal may remain in databases unless expunged by court order. Expungement directs local agencies and the state repository to seal or destroy the record; however, the FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement, and third-party commercial databases may not update records promptly or at all following an expungement order.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumer reporting agencies may report criminal convictions indefinitely. Non-conviction arrest records are subject to the seven-year reporting limitation for most employment background checks under the FCRA, though this limitation does not apply to positions with annual compensation above a specified threshold. Arkansas does not at present impose additional state-level restrictions on the reporting period for conviction records.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Cleburne County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (501) 362-2822 or submit a written public records request. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.