Conway County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Conway County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Conway County may access publicly available information through a combination of official government portals, courthouse resources, and third-party aggregators such as ConwayRecords.us. Conway County, located in Arkansas, maintains criminal records through its court system, Sheriff's Office, and state-level repositories. Records available through these channels may include arrest logs, court case filings, disposition records, sentencing information, and booking data. The following categories of records are among those that may be accessible:
- Arrest and booking records
- Circuit and district court case filings
- Felony and misdemeanor conviction records
- Warrant information
- Sex offender registration data
- Jail inmate rosters
- Probation and parole records
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following five methods outline the primary avenues available to members of the public.
1. County Court Records
The Conway County Circuit Court handles felony, civil, and domestic matters, while the District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic violations.
Conway County Circuit Court Clerk
117 S. Moose Street
Morrilton, AR 72110
Phone: (501) 354-9621
Arkansas Judiciary
Members of the public may visit the Clerk's office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where possible, the full name of the subject and an approximate date of birth or case number. Public access terminals are available at the courthouse for in-person case lookups.
2. Sheriff's Office
The Conway County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and current inmate rosters.
Conway County Sheriff's Office
105 S. Moose Street
Morrilton, AR 72110
Phone: (501) 354-2411
Conway County Sheriff's Office
Members of the public may submit records requests in person or in writing. Arrest logs and booking reports are among the records available. Fees may apply for copies of records.
3. Online Court Search
The Arkansas Judiciary provides a statewide online case search portal through the Arkansas Court Connect system. Users may search by party name, case number, or attorney. The portal covers circuit and district court records statewide, including Conway County. Users should note that not all historical records are digitized, and some case details may be restricted from public view.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The Arkansas State Police maintains the state's criminal history repository and processes background check requests.
Arkansas State Police — Criminal History Division
1 State Police Plaza Drive
Little Rock, AR 72209
Phone: (501) 618-8500
Arkansas State Police Criminal History
Formal background check requests require submission of the subject's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Fingerprint-based checks are available for employment and licensing purposes. Processing times and fees vary by request type; at present, name-based checks are available for a nominal fee through the online portal.
5. Written/Mail Requests
Members of the public may submit written requests to the Conway County Circuit Court Clerk or the Arkansas State Police Criminal History Division. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and the specific records sought. Under Arkansas Code Annotated § 25-19-105, agencies are required to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time.
What Is Conway County Criminal Records
A criminal record in Conway County is an official compilation of documented interactions between an individual and the criminal justice system, maintained by law enforcement agencies, courts, and state repositories. Under Arkansas law, criminal records encompass a broad range of documentation generated at each stage of the criminal justice process.
The distinction between record types is significant for members of the public seeking accurate information:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody; it does not indicate guilt or a conviction. A conviction record reflects a formal finding of guilt by a court.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felonies are the more serious classification, carrying potential sentences of more than one year. Misdemeanors carry lesser penalties and are adjudicated at the district court level.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Adult records are subject to public access under state law. Juvenile records are sealed by operation of law and are not available to the general public.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect outstanding court orders for arrest. Historical records document past proceedings regardless of current warrant status.
The following agencies maintain criminal records in Conway County:
- Conway County Sheriff's Office — arrest records, jail records, booking data
- Conway County Circuit and District Courts — court case files, dispositions, sentencing orders
- Arkansas State Police Criminal History Division — statewide criminal history repository
- Local police departments — incident and arrest reports within their jurisdictions
Records are created when an individual is arrested, charged, arraigned, or sentenced, and are updated as cases progress through the system. Records may include charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing details, and probation or parole status. The Arkansas Judiciary case search portal provides access to court case information statewide.
Are Criminal Records Public In Conway County
Criminal records in Conway County are public records under Arkansas law. The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at Arkansas Code Annotated § 25-19-101 et seq., establishes the public's right to inspect and copy government records, including criminal justice records. As stated in the statute, "public records shall be open to inspection and copying by any citizen of the State of Arkansas during the regular business hours of the custodian of the records."
The following categories of records are accessible to the public under current law:
- Adult conviction records
- Court proceedings and case filings
- Arrest records (subject to agency policies)
- Booking information and jail rosters
- Sex offender registry data
Certain records are restricted from public disclosure, including:
- Juvenile records (sealed by statute)
- Expunged or sealed adult records
- Ongoing criminal investigations
- Victim and witness identifying information
- Records subject to court-ordered sealing
The Arkansas Attorney General's office provides guidance on the application of the FOIA to criminal records requests. Federal records maintained by agencies such as the FBI operate under separate federal statutes and are not subject to the Arkansas FOIA.
How To Find Criminal Records in Conway County Online
Official County Resources
The primary online resource for Conway County court records is the Arkansas Court Connect portal, which allows members of the public to search circuit and district court cases by party name or case number. The portal contains case filing dates, charges, dispositions, and hearing schedules. No registration is required for basic public searches. The Conway County Sheriff's Office website may also publish a current inmate roster.
State-Level Resources
The Arkansas State Police background check portal provides name-based criminal history searches for a fee. The Arkansas Judiciary's statewide portal covers all counties, including Conway County.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name and any known aliases
- Case number searches return the most precise results
- Cross-reference multiple databases to obtain a complete picture
- Be aware that records older than approximately 15–20 years may not be fully digitized
- Sealed or expunged records will not appear in public search results
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks. Older records that predate electronic filing systems may require in-person requests. Online searches do not substitute for certified official background checks required for employment or licensing purposes.
Can You Search Conway County Criminal Records for Free?
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection
Under Arkansas Code Annotated § 25-19-105, members of the public have the right to inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours. Copying fees may apply. In-person inspection is available at the Conway County Circuit Court Clerk's office and the Sheriff's Office.
2. Free Online Databases
The Arkansas Court Connect portal provides free access to court case information. The Arkansas Sex Offender Registry, maintained by the Arkansas Crime Information Center, is also available at no cost.
3. Sheriff's Logs
Daily arrest and booking reports may be available through the Conway County Sheriff's Office at no charge, subject to agency policy.
What Costs Money
| Record Type | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copies of court records | $1.00–$5.00 per page (varies) |
| Official state background check (name-based) | $10.00–$25.00 |
| Fingerprint-based background check | $25.00+ |
| Staff-assisted record searches | Varies by agency |
| Expedited processing | Additional fee may apply |
Fee amounts are subject to change and are set by the custodial agency or by statute. Under current Arkansas law, fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances as determined by the records custodian.
What's Included in a Conway County Criminal Record
Identifying Information
A Conway County criminal record at present may include the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description, mugshot photograph, last known address, State Identification Number (SID), and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information
Arrest records include the date and time of arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond information, and the name of the jail facility where the individual was held.
Court Case Information
Court records include the case number, court and jurisdiction, filing date, charges and applicable statutes (with felony or misdemeanor classification), plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition
Disposition records reflect the verdict or outcome, conviction date where applicable, sentencing details (including type and length of sentence, fines, restitution, and conditions of supervision), any appeals filed, and probation or parole status.
Additional Record Types
- Outstanding warrants
- Protective and restraining orders
- Sex offender registration status (searchable via the Arkansas Crime Information Center)
- DUI/DWI adjudications
- Traffic violations adjudicated in district court
- Pending charges
NOT Included in Public Records
- Juvenile adjudications (sealed by statute)
- Expunged or sealed adult records
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Records from completed diversion programs where sealing has been ordered
Accuracy Note
Members of the public who identify errors in their own criminal records may seek correction through the originating agency or the Arkansas State Police Criminal History Division. Inaccurate records can affect employment, housing, and licensing outcomes, and individuals have the right to challenge incorrect information under Arkansas law.
How Long Does Conway County Keep Criminal Records
Legal Requirements
Arkansas record retention schedules govern how long criminal records must be maintained by county and state agencies. The Arkansas History Commission and the Arkansas State and Local Records Management Division establish retention requirements applicable to county offices.
Retention by Record Type
- Felony convictions: Retained permanently by courts and the state repository
- Misdemeanor convictions: Retained permanently by circuit and district courts under current Arkansas court rules
- Arrest records without conviction: Retained for a minimum period; subject to expungement under Arkansas Code Annotated § 16-90-1401 et seq.
- Dismissed or acquitted cases: Retained permanently with disposition noted; eligible for expungement in certain circumstances
- Juvenile records: Sealed upon the subject reaching adulthood; destruction timelines governed by juvenile code provisions
- Pending cases: Retained until final resolution
Agency Differences
- County courts: Permanent retention for case files under Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 19
- Sheriff and jail records: Retention periods vary; booking records are retained for a minimum of several years
- Arkansas State Police repository: Permanent retention for conviction records
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records. Physical documents may be destroyed after scanning and digitization, but the electronic record persists in the state repository.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement
- Destruction refers to the physical or electronic elimination of a record.
- Sealing removes a record from public view but preserves it for law enforcement access.
- Expungement under Arkansas law results in the record being treated as if it never existed for most purposes, though law enforcement agencies may retain access.
Individuals seeking expungement in Arkansas may review eligibility criteria and obtain forms through the Arkansas Judiciary. Expungement eligibility depends on the nature of the offense, the sentence imposed, and the time elapsed since completion of the sentence, pursuant to Arkansas Code Annotated § 16-90-1401.
Federal Records
Records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation are governed by federal law and are retained separately from state and county records. Federal retention rules differ from Arkansas state requirements.
Practical Implications
Felony and misdemeanor convictions that have not been expunged appear on background checks indefinitely under Arkansas law. Employment background checks conducted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act at present cover criminal history for seven to ten years in most contexts, though professional licensing boards may require full disclosure regardless of the age of the conviction. Even if a county agency destroys physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the records have been legally expunged.