Conway County Public Records / Conway County Arrest Records

Conway County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Conway County in 2026

ConwayRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Conway County, Arkansas. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge details, and case disposition records. Information presented reflects publicly accessible data and may not represent complete criminal histories or final case outcomes.

Records may 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.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Conway County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed through the county detention facility. The public may access current inmate information and recent arrest data through the Sheriff's Office. Available information includes arrestee name, charges, booking date, bond amount, and custody status. Jail roster data is updated on a regular basis as new bookings occur and releases are processed.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Morrilton Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Conway County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are periodically published by the department. Members of the public seeking arrest information from municipal jurisdictions may contact the Morrilton Police Department directly.

Morrilton Police Department 200 E. Broadway St. Morrilton, AR 72110 Phone: (501) 354-2411 Morrilton Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Arkansas Judiciary provides a public case search portal through which members of the public may search criminal court cases by defendant name. Court cases linked to arrests, including charge information, hearing dates, and case dispositions, are accessible through the Arkansas Court Connect system. Searching by arrestee name will return associated criminal case records filed in Conway County Circuit Court.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Arkansas State Police maintains the state criminal history repository. Members of the public may request criminal history records through the Arkansas State Police Criminal History Records division. The repository includes arrest and disposition information submitted by law enforcement agencies statewide. A fee applies to criminal history record requests submitted by the general public.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Conway County Sheriff's Office 117 S. Moose St. Morrilton, AR 72110 Phone: (501) 354-2411 Conway County Sheriff's Office

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 full name and approximate date, assists in locating records
Copy fees apply per page

Police Departments:

Morrilton Police Department 200 E. Broadway St. Morrilton, AR 72110 Phone: (501) 354-2411 Morrilton Police Department

Records requests are processed through the records division during regular business hours
Requestors should provide the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date
Per-page copy fees apply

Clerk of Court:

Conway County Circuit Clerk 117 S. Moose St., Suite 1 Morrilton, AR 72110 Phone: (501) 354-9621 Arkansas Courts

Criminal records division handles case file inspection requests
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Case files may be inspected in person at the clerk's office
Copy fees apply per page

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Conway County Sheriff's Office at 117 S. Moose St., Morrilton, AR 72110. 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 applicable copy fees should be included with the request. Processing time varies based on request volume.

By Phone:

The Conway County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (501) 354-2411 during regular business hours. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Limited information is available by phone, and callers may be directed to the online system or an in-person visit for complete records.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in the context of legal proceedings. Discovery processes in criminal and civil cases provide additional mechanisms for obtaining arrest-related documentation.

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
Location of arrest and jurisdiction

Are Arrest Records Public in Conway County

Arrest records in Conway 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., members of the public have the right to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement. Arrest records are public because they document the exercise of governmental authority and serve the interests of transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalism and research, background screening, and legal proceedings.

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
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
Active investigation information may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is not disclosed
Victim identifying information is restricted in certain cases
Witness protection participants are protected from disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Arkansas Constitution and the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act establish the legal framework for public access to government records. Access to arrest records reflects the balance between governmental transparency and individual privacy. The First Amendment supports press access to arrest information, and due process considerations inform the distinction between arrest records and records of conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords using arrest records for screening purposes must comply with FCRA requirements. Arkansas does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. A critical distinction exists between arrest records, which document an accusation, and conviction records, which document a finding of guilt.

What's in Conway County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

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

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency, which may be the Sheriff's Office, a municipal police department, or the Arkansas State Police
Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification by felony degree or misdemeanor class
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not typically included in public records
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status, including whether the individual is in custody, released, or bonded out
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Bail bondsman information, if applicable
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, where public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available

Prior Arrest History, where included:

Previous arrests in the county
Previous booking numbers
Historical charges
Prior arrest history is not always included in a current arrest record

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical information
Mental health status
Substance abuse information
Detailed residential address or phone number
Social Security number, which is redacted
Bank account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and investigative information
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

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

The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act governs the fees that public agencies may charge for records. Under current law, agencies may charge for the actual cost of reproduction. The following fee structure applies to arrest records requests in Conway County:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies	$0.25–$0.50 per page (standard)
Certified copies	Additional certification fee applies
Electronic records	Actual cost of duplication
Search fees	Not permitted under FOIA for routine requests
Inspection of records	No charge for in-person inspection

Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge
Copy fees are assessed per page for paper reproductions
Certification fees apply when a certified copy is requested
Electronic format fees reflect the actual cost of duplication
Accepted payment methods at the Conway County Sheriff's Office and Circuit Clerk include cash, check, and money order; individual offices should be contacted to confirm current accepted payment methods
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest
The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act does not authorize agencies to charge search fees for routine public records requests
Criminal history record requests submitted to the Arkansas State Police carry a separate fee schedule; current fees are listed on the Arkansas State Police Criminal History Records page

How To Delete Arrest Records in Conway County

Arkansas law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the legal erasure of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Under Ark. Code Ann. § 16-90-1401 et seq., Arkansas provides for the expungement of certain arrest and conviction records, effectively sealing them from public view and allowing the individual to treat the arrest as if it did not occur for most purposes.

Cases in Which Expungement May Be Available:

Arrests that did not result in charges being filed
Charges that were dismissed or nolle prossed
Acquittals following trial
First-time nonviolent offenses where the sentence has been completed
Certain drug offenses where the individual completed a diversion or drug court program
Juvenile adjudications, subject to separate procedures
Cases resolved through pretrial diversion programs

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information from the Conway County Circuit Clerk
Determine eligibility based on the nature of the charge, the case disposition, and the time elapsed since the arrest or completion of sentence
Complete the petition for expungement form, available through the Arkansas Judiciary
File the petition in the Conway County Circuit Court, Criminal Division, located at 117 S. Moose St., Morrilton, AR 72110
Pay the applicable filing fee, or request a fee waiver if eligible
Serve copies of the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office and any other required parties
Attend the scheduled hearing, at which the court will determine whether expungement is appropriate
If the petition is granted, the court issues an order of expungement, which is forwarded to the arresting agency, the Circuit Clerk, and the Arkansas State Police for record updates

Conway County Circuit Court – Criminal Division 117 S. Moose St. Morrilton, AR 72110 Phone: (501) 354-9621 Arkansas Courts

Conway County Prosecuting Attorney – 20th Judicial District 117 S. Moose St. Morrilton, AR 72110 Phone: (501) 354-9638 Arkansas Prosecuting Attorneys Association

Following the entry of an expungement order, the arrest record is sealed from public access. Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records for law enforcement purposes. Third-party commercial databases may not update their records promptly following expungement, and individuals may need to contact those services separately to request removal.

What Happens After Arrest in Conway County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Conway County, the arrested individual is transported to the Conway County Detention Center. 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.

Conway County Detention Center 117 S. Moose St. Morrilton, AR 72110 Phone: (501) 354-2411 Conway County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention facility, the booking process begins. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. During booking, the following steps occur:

Personal information is recorded
Miranda rights are read if not previously administered
A booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
Fingerprints are collected and submitted to state and federal databases
A criminal history check is conducted
Outstanding warrants are checked
Personal property is inventoried and stored
Clothing is exchanged for a jail uniform
Medical screening is conducted
A brief mental health screening is administered
Housing classification is determined

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 court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the individual of the right to counsel, and appoints a public defender if the individual is indigent. First appearances may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are available through Arkansas Court Connect.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash
The amount is refunded when the case concludes, minus applicable fees
The amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate, or according to a bond schedule

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, which is 10% of the bond amount in Arkansas
The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The individual is released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment is required
Eligibility is based on ties to the community, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk

No Bond:

The individual is held without bond
Reasons include serious violent offenses, a determination that the individual poses a danger to the community, a high flight risk, a violation of probation or parole, an immigration hold, or an out-of-state warrant

Conditions of Release:

Scheduled check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing for release typically takes one to eight hours
Personal property is returned
A court date is provided in writing
Written conditions of release are issued
The individual must appear at all scheduled court dates or the bond is subject to forfeiture

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody pending further proceedings
A housing assignment is made within the facility
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel are entitled to appointed representation. Eligibility is based on income. The application process is initiated at the first appearance.

Arkansas Public Defender Commission – District 20 117 S. Moose St. Morrilton, AR 72110 Phone: (501) 354-9638 Arkansas Public Defender Commission

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Arkansas Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service. Attorney visits to the detention facility are conducted under confidential conditions.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Conway County Prosecuting Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The prosecutor may file an information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest depending on the complexity of the case.

Grand Jury:

For certain felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed. Grand jury proceedings are conducted without the presence of defense counsel and result in an indictment if the grand jury finds probable cause.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the formal charges are read and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio and video recordings.

Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled as needed.

Pretrial conferences are meetings between attorneys and the judge to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.

Plea negotiations may result in an offer from the prosecutor for reduced charges or a recommended sentence. The defendant decides whether to accept the offer or proceed to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal occurs when charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness problems, or legal issues. Following dismissal, the individual may be eligible to petition for expungement.

Diversion programs, where eligible, include pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, and veterans court. Successful completion of a diversion program results in dismissal of charges.

Plea agreement involves the defendant accepting a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges, with a sentencing hearing scheduled thereafter.

Trial may be a jury trial or a bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned. If guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Sentencing (if convicted):

The judge imposes a sentence that may include prison or jail time, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, drug or alcohol treatment, or a combination of these options. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: within 72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: days to weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanor cases: resolved within weeks to several months in most instances
Felony cases: resolved within several months to over a year depending on complexity
The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under the Arkansas Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution

Rights Throughout the 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

Important Contacts:

Conway County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 117 S. Moose St. Morrilton, AR 72110 Phone: (501) 354-2411 Conway County Sheriff's Office

Conway County Circuit Clerk 117 S. Moose St., Suite 1 Morrilton, AR 72110 Phone: (501) 354-9621 Arkansas Courts

Conway County Prosecuting Attorney – 20th Judicial District 117 S. Moose St. Morrilton, AR 72110 Phone: (501) 354-9638 Arkansas Prosecuting Attorneys Association

Arkansas Public Defender Commission – District 20 117 S. Moose St. Morrilton, AR 72110 Phone: (501) 354-9638 Arkansas Public Defender Commission

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 an attorney
Contact family members or friends who may assist with bail
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of bond or release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Conway County?

Records Retention Overview:

The retention of arrest records in Conway County is governed by Arkansas law and the records retention schedules established by the Arkansas History Commission and the Arkansas State Library. Under the Arkansas records management statutes, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records for specified minimum periods based on the nature of the record and the disposition of the associated case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk, the Arkansas State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI
Maintained indefinitely in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for a minimum of seven years depending on the agency and the nature of the offense
Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum period established by the state retention schedule
Court records are retained permanently in electronic form
The state repository retains records indefinitely

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of three to five years
Court records are often retained permanently in electronic systems
State repository records may remain unless the individual obtains an expungement order
Records may remain accessible unless expunged

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum period per the state retention schedule
Court records are often retained permanently
State repository records vary by policy
Records may be sealed or expunged upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum period, typically three years
Local arrest logs are retained per the applicable retention schedule
Individuals may be eligible to petition for immediate expungement in some circumstances

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement retains records per the applicable retention schedule
These cases are among those most commonly eligible for expungement

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork is retained per the state retention schedule, with a minimum of three to five years for non-conviction records
Fingerprint cards are retained for the duration of the retention period applicable to the associated case
Photographs are retained for the same period as the associated booking record
Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and the nature of the evidence

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for a minimum of three years
Records management system data is often retained permanently
Mugshot databases vary by agency policy
Court electronic records are retained permanently under current Arkansas Judiciary policy

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement and are not subject to the same retention schedules
Third-party databases may not update records when expungement orders are issued
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency:

Conway County Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: minimum three to five years for non-conviction records; permanent for felony convictions
Arrest reports: retained per the state retention schedule
Investigative files: retained based on case outcome and offense classification
Contact: (501) 354-2411

Morrilton Police Department:

Arrest records and incident reports are retained per the state retention schedule
Retention periods may vary by offense classification
Contact: (501) 354-2411

Conway County Circuit Clerk:

Felony case files: retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files: retained for a minimum of seven years
Traffic cases: retained for a minimum of three years
Electronic records: retained permanently under current policy

State Repository:

The Arkansas State Police maintains the state criminal history repository, which includes arrest and disposition records submitted by all law enforcement agencies in the state. The Arkansas State Police Criminal History Records division administers this repository. Retention is governed by state policy and federal requirements.

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) are maintained by the FBI
Federal retention is permanent for most records
These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
Records in these databases are used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.

Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless expunged. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks, but the arrest record may still appear.

Expungement: Following a court order of expungement, local records are sealed or destroyed, the state repository updates its records, and the FBI database may retain a notation with restricted access. The timeframe for removal from various systems varies.

No Charges Filed: These records have the shortest retention period and may be purged automatically after the applicable minimum retention period. Individuals may request immediate removal in some circumstances.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests (within the last five years):

Available online through the Arkansas Court Connect system and the Sheriff's Office
Updated on a regular basis

Older Arrests (five to twenty years ago):

May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Clerk
Records may be stored in archives
A retrieval fee may apply
Processing time is longer than for recent records

Very Old Arrests (more than twenty years ago):

Records may not be digitized
Paper records may be held in archives
Some records may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Conway County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (501) 354-2411 for information about specific records

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order of expungement, or according to the records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention requirements, including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with ongoing appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a period of seven years for non-conviction records. Some states restrict the reporting of non-conviction records after a specified period. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Arkansas does not currently impose a statewide restriction on the reporting period for conviction records beyond the FCRA framework. Arrests without conviction may not be considered by certain employers under applicable fair chance hiring laws.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Conway County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (501) 354-2411 to request information about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A public records request may be required, and fees may apply for copies of responsive records.