Arkansas Warrant Search

An Arkansas warrant search allows members of the public to search for active warrants maintained by law enforcement agencies. This search provides access to information like full name, age, warrant number type, category and date, sex, height, weight, and charges. Individuals conduct warrant lookups in Arkansas for different purposes. For example, many employers run a background check that includes a warrant search to verify potential employees before extending a job offer. Conducting a warrant search helps prevent negative impacts on employers’ sales, employee morale, client relations, and brand reputation. Lawyers can conduct warrant searches to help their clients negotiate a lower bail amount.

What is a Warrant?

A warrant is an order from a court directed to a police officer to arrest an accused person or search a place or a person. There are different types of warrants available in Arkansas depending on the application received by a judge. Below are the most popular types of warrants in the state:

• Search warrant (Ark. R. Crim. P. 10.1(c)): This is an order issued by a judge authorizing a search, seizure, or both.
• Bench warrant: This type of warrant is issued when a defendant misses a court date.
• Arrest warrant: This is a legal document issued by a judicial officer granting police officers the authority to arrest a person suspected of committing a crime.
• Administrative inspection warrant (AR Code 8-1-107): This type of warrant authorizes the inspection of a facility when the Division of Environmental Quality finds evidence of a violation of any law within its jurisdiction.

Are Warrants Public Record in Arkansas?

Yes. Per the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), warrant records are publicly open to inspection and copying by any citizen during the regular business hours of a law enforcement agency. Executed warrants, along with the affidavit or sworn testimony on application, are publically accessible unless otherwise closed or sealed by the court for good cause.

How Do I Look Up Warrants in Arkansas?

Many third-party sites provide warrant lookups to the public. Basic warrant lookups can be performed by first and last name for free, but a full warrant report costs a small fee. The fee schedule varies by site, but it generally costs $4.95 for a 7-day unlimited access and $29.95 for a one-time report.

What is a Search Warrant in Arkansas?

Only judicial officers can issue search warrants in Arkansas (Ark. R. Crim. P. 13.1). All search warrant applications must specifically describe the places or persons to be searched and the things or persons to be seized. They must be supported by one (1) or more affidavits or recorded testimony that spelts out the necessary facts and circumstances to facilitate the search or seizure. The search warrant should be addressed to an officer. It should include a date and be issued in duplicate (Ark. R. Crim. P. 13.2). The search warrant must state or particularly describe:

• The judge’s identity
• The date and place where the search warrant application was made
• The judge's finding of reasonable cause for issuing the warrant
• The identity of the person to be searched
• The location and designation of the places to be searched
• The persons or things constituting the object of the search and authorized to be seized
• The timeframe within which the warrant is to be returned to the judge

Upon executing the search warrant, the officer must return the warrant to the issuing judicial officer. The officer must also submit a verified report of the facts and circumstances of execution and an inventory of things seized. If the judge is unavailable, the officer can return the warrant to any circuit or district court judge in the county where the warrant was issued.

• Are Search Warrants Public Records in Arkansas

  Yes, search warrants are publically accessible unless the court, for a good cause based upon reasonably specific facts, orders that they should be closed or sealed. However, affidavits or sworn testimony provided during warrant application are not public records if the warrant was not executed.

• How Long Does it Take to Get a Search Warrant in Arkansas?

  There is no specific time to get a search warrant in Arkansas because the issuance is based on determining probable cause. Generally, it takes between a few minutes and hours to get a search warrant, depending on whether the judge finds that the warrant application meets the requirements of Ark. R. Crim. P. 13.

• How Long Does a Search Warrant Last

  Per Ark. R. Crim. P. 13.2, all search warrants must be executed within 60 days from the date of issuance. Executed search warrants must be returned to the issuing judicial officer within 5 days after execution. Search warrants must be executed between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.

What is a Bench Warrant in Arkansas?

A judicial officer may issue an arrest warrant for a person who has failed to appear in response to a summons (Ark. R. Crim. P. 7.1(a)). The punishment for a bench warrant issued on any indictment is $100 or less (AR Code § 16-85-606). The court does not issue a bench warrant until there is reason to believe the defendant will escape punishment.

What is an Arrest Warrant in Arkansas?

Per Ark. R. Crim. P. 7.1(b), Arkansas judges issue arrest warrants when there is reasonable cause to believe an offense has been committed by a person. An affidavit, recorded testimony, or other documented information must be submitted during an arrest warrant application. Every arrest warrant must (Ark. R. Crim. P. 7.2):

• Be in writing on behalf of the state
• Date of issuance
• Be directed to all law enforcement officers in the state
• Have the judge’s signature with the title of their office
• Specify the name of the accused (if unknown, any name or description by which the accused can be identified with reasonable certainty)
• Have attached a copy of the affidavit supporting the issuance
• Command that the accused be arrested

The police officer who executed the warrant must return it to the issuing judge, and notice must be given to the prosecuting attorney.

How to Check if You Have a Warrant in Arkansas

Law enforcement agencies like City Police Departments and the County Sheriff’s Office maintain thousands of warrants issued by the District and Circuit Courts. Any person can obtain information on warrants pertaining to themselves in person. Requesters must be willing to provide information such as name, warrant date, charge(s)specified on the warrant, bond amount, and issuing court to facilitate the search. In-person requesters should visit with their IDs. Some law enforcement agencies provide warrant information by phone or email.

Can You Check Warrants Online in Arkansas?

Yes, most law enforcement agencies in Arkansas have search portals where individuals can check active warrants. For example, the Cross County Sheriff’s Office has a Warrant List where individuals can find warrant information by date or name.

How To Find Out If You Have a Warrant for Free

Interested persons can find out if they have a warrant for free at most law enforcement agencies in Arkansas. The following law enforcement agencies provide free warrant search options:

• County Sheriff’s Office: Individuals can find active warrants at the County Sheriff’s Office online or in person. For example, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office has a Warrant Search tool available to the public for free. In-person warrant requests can also be made Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
• City Police Department: Most City Police Departments provide access to active warrants by phone or in person. For example, the Fayetteville Police Department Warrant Division attends to inquiries concerning active warrants in person, online, and by telephone at (479) 575-8344 at no cost.
• District Court: Individuals who miss their court date should immediately contact their City District Court in person or on the phone for free to see if a warrant has been issued. ​​If it is an arrest warrant, individuals can contact the district court office to determine which agency the warrant was issued from, and they will be given further instructions on how to proceed.​

How to Find Out if Someone Has a Warrant Online For Free in Arkansas

The best way to find out if someone had a warrant online for free is to visit local law enforcement agency websites. Most agencies have search portals or warrant lists that are available to the public without cost. For example, Sebastian County has a County-wide Warrant Search tool that requesters can use to check for free if someone has a warrant. The search criteria are by last name, first name, warrant number, or warrant date.

How Long Does a Warrant Stay Active in Arkansas?

The length of warrant validity varies depending on the type. Therefore, peace officers must carefully review the warrants issued by a judge to determine their expiry date. Administrative inspection warrants are valid for 10 days, while search warrants last 60 days. In contrast, arrest and bench warrants do not expire.

How Do I Find Out If I Have a Federal Warrant?

Individuals can find out if they have a federal warrant by checking federal law enforcement agency websites. For example, requesters can review the Most Wanted list provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to check if a warrant is issued in their names. The U.S. Marshal Service also provides a Wanted Fugitives list that can be used to find out federal warrants. Alternatively, authorized individuals can use the U.S. Marshal Service’s Warrant Information System (WIN) to track individuals with federal warrants.