Union County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Union County in 2026
UnionCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records, booking data, and associated court filings in Union County, Arkansas. Members of the public may find records that include booking photographs, charge information, custody status, bond amounts, and court case numbers. The following categories of records may be available through official and third-party sources:
- Arrest and booking records
- Jail roster and inmate information
- Criminal court case filings
- Criminal history and background check data
- Expungement and sealing petitions
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Union County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Union County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and a current jail roster for individuals held at the Union County Detention Center. Members of the public may access the jail roster through the Union County Arkansas official website. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and current custody status. The jail roster is updated on a regular basis, reflecting current detainee information.
2. Local Police Departments
The El Dorado Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Union County. The department periodically releases arrest information and press releases through its official communications channels. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from the El Dorado Police Department may submit a written public records request to the department's records division. Additional municipal departments operating within the county include the Smackover Police Department and the Norphlet Police Department, each of which maintains its own arrest records subject to Arkansas public records law.
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal court case filings maintained by the Union County Circuit Clerk. Members of the public may search for court cases associated with an arrest using the Arkansas Judiciary CourtConnect portal, which allows name-based searches of circuit and district court case records statewide. Court case records include charge information, hearing dates, dispositions, and sentencing data.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC), administered by the Arkansas Department of Public Safety, maintains a statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a name-based criminal history search through the Arkansas State Police criminal background checks portal. A fee applies to name-based searches. The repository includes arrest data submitted by law enforcement agencies across the state, including Union County agencies. Individuals seeking their own criminal history record may submit a request through the ACIC criminal history forms page.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Union County Sheriff's Office
101 N. Washington Ave.
El Dorado, AR 71730
Phone: (870) 864-1960
Union County Arkansas
- Records division is located at the main office address above
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification
- Specific information about the arrest, including the subject's full name and approximate date of arrest, is required
- Copy fees apply per page; see fee schedule below
Police Departments:
El Dorado Police Department
110 E. Oak St.
El Dorado, AR 71730
Phone: (870) 881-4400
- Records requests are accepted in person during business hours
- Requestors must provide the subject's full name and date of arrest
- Fees for copies apply per page
Clerk of Court:
Union County Circuit Clerk
101 N. Washington Ave., Suite 101
El Dorado, AR 71730
Phone: (870) 864-1910
Union County Arkansas
- Criminal records division is located within the Union County Courthouse
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Members of the public may inspect case files at the clerk's office
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certified copies carry an additional certification fee
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Union County Sheriff's Office at 101 N. Washington Ave., El Dorado, AR 71730. Each written request should include:
- The arrestee's full legal name
- Date of arrest, if known
- Booking number, if known
- The requestor's full name, mailing address, and contact information
- Payment for applicable copy fees
Processing time for mailed requests is subject to the ten-business-day response period established under Arkansas public records law.
By Phone:
- Union County Sheriff's Office: (870) 864-1960
- Basic custody status information may be available by phone
- Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
- Detailed record copies require an in-person visit or written request
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery procedures in pending criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through routine public access channels. Detailed police reports and investigative files are subject to disclosure through the discovery process governed by the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, El Dorado Police Department, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Union County
Arrest records in Union County are public records subject to disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, codified at Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-101 et seq. Under current law, records maintained by law enforcement agencies, including booking records, jail rosters, and arrest logs, are presumptively open to inspection by any member of the public without the requirement to state a reason for the request.
Arrest records are maintained as public records for several recognized purposes:
- Government transparency and accountability
- Public safety awareness within the community
- Support for journalism and academic research
- Pre-employment and tenant background screening
- Use in civil and criminal legal proceedings
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at the time of arrest
- Booking number
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- 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 is restricted in certain offense categories
- Participants in witness protection programs are exempt
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Arkansas Constitution and the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act establish the public's right of access to government records, including law enforcement records. Courts have recognized that the First Amendment supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of government accountability. At the same time, due process considerations and statutory exemptions protect individuals from disclosure of information that could cause undue harm, particularly where charges were not pursued or were dismissed.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Professional licensing agencies
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
- 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 when records are obtained through consumer reporting agencies. Employers subject to FCRA must follow adverse action procedures before taking employment action based on arrest record information. Under current federal law, an arrest without a conviction may not be used as the sole basis for an adverse employment decision in certain regulated industries. 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 Union County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth
- Age at time of arrest
- Sex/gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks, including scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Arkansas statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification by felony degree or misdemeanor class
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
- Gang-related designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph
- 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 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
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Financial account information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not included in booking records
- Court records: Document legal proceedings following the arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
- Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources, including court and law enforcement databases
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Union County?
Members of the public may inspect arrest records at the Union County Sheriff's Office or Circuit Clerk's office at no charge. Fees apply when copies are requested. Under Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-109, custodians of public records may charge fees that do not exceed the actual cost of reproduction.
Current standard fees are as follows:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copies (Circuit Clerk) | $5.00 per document plus $0.25 per page |
| Electronic records (where available) | Actual cost of reproduction |
| ACIC name-based criminal history search | $10.00 per request (online) |
- Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Circuit Clerk include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective office
- The ACIC online portal accepts credit and debit card payments
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors upon written application; the custodian retains discretion to grant or deny such requests
- Inspection of records in person, without requesting copies, is available at no charge during regular business hours
How To Delete Arrest Records in Union County
Under Arkansas law, the process of removing or restricting public access to arrest records is referred to as expungement. Expungement results in the sealing of the record from public view, though law enforcement agencies and certain licensing bodies retain access to sealed records. Sealing restricts public access without physical destruction of the record, while expungement under Arkansas law operates as a sealing mechanism rather than physical destruction in most cases.
Pursuant to the Arkansas Expungement Act, codified at Ark. Code Ann. § 16-90-901 et seq., individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:
- Charges were filed but subsequently dismissed
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The prosecutor declined to file charges following arrest
- The individual successfully completed a court-ordered diversion program
- The individual completed a sentence for certain eligible offenses and the applicable waiting period has elapsed
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information from the Union County Circuit Clerk
- Confirm eligibility under Ark. Code Ann. § 16-90-901 based on the disposition of the case
- Complete the petition for expungement form, available from the Circuit Clerk's office
- File the petition with the Union County Circuit Clerk and pay the applicable filing fee
- Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office
- Attend the scheduled hearing; the court will grant or deny the petition
- If granted, the court issues an order of expungement directing all relevant agencies to seal the record
- Provide certified copies of the expungement order to the Union County Sheriff's Office, the El Dorado Police Department (if applicable), and the ACIC
Individuals who believe their criminal history record maintained by ACIC contains inaccurate information may submit a challenge through the ACIC criminal history correction process.
Union County Circuit Clerk
101 N. Washington Ave., Suite 101
El Dorado, AR 71730
Phone: (870) 864-1910
Union County Arkansas
Union County Prosecuting Attorney – 13th Judicial District
101 N. Washington Ave.
El Dorado, AR 71730
Phone: (870) 864-1940
What Happens After Arrest in Union County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Union County, the arrested individual is transported to the Union County Detention Center located at 101 N. Washington Ave., El Dorado, AR 71730. 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 while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.
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 in the booking process include:
- Recording of personal identifying information
- Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
- Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to ACIC
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
- Personal property inventoried and secured
- Exchange of personal clothing for jail-issued clothing
- Medical screening
- 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 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
First appearances in Union County may be conducted in person or via video conference at the discretion of the court. The Arkansas Judiciary CourtConnect portal may be used to locate scheduled hearing dates.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the detention facility. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set at ten percent of the total bond amount under standard practice. The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant 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 the defendant held 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 between one and eight hours. The defendant receives a written notice of court dates and conditions of release. Personal property is returned upon release. Failure to appear at any required court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.
If bond is not posted, the defendant remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules, commissary access, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Union County Public Defender's Office
101 N. Washington Ave.
El Dorado, AR 71730
Phone: (870) 864-1950
Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Defendants must complete an application for public defender services at or following the first appearance. Private counsel may be retained at any stage of the proceedings and is permitted confidential consultation access at the detention facility.
Charging Decision:
The 13th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney's Office 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 by indictment. The prosecuting attorney's review typically occurs within days to weeks of the arrest.
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 a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs (including drug court, mental health court, and veterans court), plea agreements, and jury or bench trial. Upon conviction, the court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or treatment programming.
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
- Misdemeanor cases: Resolved within weeks to a few months
- Felony cases: Resolved within several months to over one year
- Right to speedy trial: Governed by the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure
Important Contacts:
Union County Sheriff's Office (Detention Center)
101 N. Washington Ave.
El Dorado, AR 71730
Phone: (870) 864-1960
Union County Arkansas
Union County Circuit Clerk
101 N. Washington Ave., Suite 101
El Dorado, AR 71730
Phone: (870) 864-1910
Union County Arkansas
13th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney
101 N. Washington Ave.
El Dorado, AR 71730
Phone: (870) 864-1940
Union County Public Defender's Office
101 N. Washington Ave.
El Dorado, AR 71730
Phone: (870) 864-1950
What to Do If You're 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 that right
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than retained or appointed counsel
- Contact family members or trusted individuals for assistance with bail
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Union County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Union County is governed by Arkansas law and the records retention schedules established by the Arkansas History Commission and applicable state agencies. Under current law, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules, which vary based on the type of record and the disposition of the associated case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, and ACIC
- Maintained indefinitely in the FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Circuit Clerk
- Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years; many agencies retain permanently
- ACIC retains indefinitely as part of the statewide criminal history repository
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of three to five years
- Court records: Retained permanently unless expunged by court order
- ACIC: Record remains unless expungement order is received and processed
Acquittals:
- Court records: Retained permanently
- Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of three years
- May be sealed or expunged upon petition
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records: Retained for a minimum of two to three years
- Eligible for expungement petition upon demonstration that no charges were filed
Digital vs. Physical Records:
- Physical booking paperwork: Retained per applicable retention schedule, minimum three years
- Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently by ACIC and the FBI
- Booking photographs: Retained for the duration of the associated record's retention period
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained for a minimum of two years
- Records management system entries: Often retained permanently
- Court electronic records: Retained permanently
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies. The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate records and to update or remove information when notified of expungement or sealing orders, but compliance timelines vary.
Retention by Agency:
Union County Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Minimum three years; felony-related records retained permanently
- Arrest reports: Minimum three years; felony-related records retained permanently
- Investigative files: Retained per case disposition and applicable schedule
- Contact: (870) 864-1960
El Dorado Police Department:
- Arrest records: Minimum three years
- Incident reports: Minimum three years
- Contact: (870) 881-4400
Union County Circuit Clerk:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
- Traffic cases: Minimum five years
- Electronic records: Permanent
ACIC (State Repository):
- Maintains arrest and disposition data submitted by all Arkansas law enforcement agencies
- Retention is permanent for conviction records; non-conviction records may be sealed upon receipt of a valid expungement order
- Members of the public may access their own records through the Arkansas State Police criminal background checks portal
FBI Database:
- NCIC and III records are retained permanently
- Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
- Used in employment background checks for federally regulated positions and firearms purchases
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention in all government databases; reported on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: Remains in databases unless expunged; not reported on standard employment background checks by compliant consumer reporting agencies
- Expungement: Local records sealed; ACIC updates its repository upon receipt of the court order; FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed
- No charges filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after two to three years; eligible for immediate expungement petition in many cases
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Arkansas does not currently impose a statewide statutory limit on the reporting period for conviction records in private employment background checks. Arrests without convictions are not to be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in federally regulated industries.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Union County Sheriff's Records Division at (870) 864-1960 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request may be required, and applicable fees may apply for copies of responsive records.