Benton County Public Records / Benton County Arrest Records

Benton County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Benton County in 2026

BentonCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Benton County. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through official and third-party sources. Record categories available through official channels include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, criminal court case filings, and inmate rosters. The completeness and currency of records vary by source and agency.

Records may be searched through official county and state resources, including the Sheriff's Office online roster, court case search portals, public access terminals at the courthouse, and state-level criminal history databases. The following sections detail each available method.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Benton County Sheriff's Office maintains a current jail roster and booking records accessible to the public. Members of the public may view the Benton County Sheriff's Office inmate roster, which is updated on a regular basis and includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and bond status. The roster reflects individuals currently in custody and recent bookings. Historical arrest records beyond the active roster require a formal records request.

2. Local Police Departments

Benton County encompasses several incorporated municipalities, each with its own police department. The Bentonville Police Department and Rogers Police Department publish press releases and arrest logs through their respective official websites. Members of the public may review these releases for recent arrest information, including the name of the arrested individual, the nature of the charges, and the arresting agency. The Bentonville Police Department and Rogers Police Department maintain public-facing pages for this purpose.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal court case filings. Members of the public may search the Arkansas Judiciary CourtConnect portal by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal cases filed in Benton County Circuit Court. This system returns case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and case disposition information.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Arkansas State Police maintains the Arkansas Applicant Background Check system, which allows individuals and authorized entities to request criminal history records. The database includes arrests from all Arkansas jurisdictions. A standard name-based background check is available for a fee, and the results include arrest history, charge information, and disposition data where available.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Benton County Sheriff's Office 1300 SW 14th St, Bentonville, AR 72712 Phone: (479) 271-1008 Benton County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting the records division 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. Standard copy fees apply. The records division is open during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.

Police Departments:

Bentonville Police Department 200 SW A St, Bentonville, AR 72712 Phone: (479) 271-3170 Bentonville Police Department

Rogers Police Department 116 S 1st St, Rogers, AR 72756 Phone: (479) 621-1100 Rogers Police Department

Records requests at police departments are processed through each department's records division. Requestors should submit a written request identifying the subject by full name and approximate date of arrest. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with Arkansas law.

Clerk of Court:

Benton County Circuit Clerk 102 NE A St, Bentonville, AR 72712 Phone: (479) 271-1015 Benton County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk's office maintains criminal case files associated with arrests prosecuted in Benton County. Members of the public may inspect case files during regular business hours. Certified copies are available for a fee. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Benton County Sheriff's Office at 1300 SW 14th St, Bentonville, AR 72712. The request should include the full legal name of the subject, the date of arrest if known, the booking number if available, and the requestor's full name and return address. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included with the request. Processing time varies based on volume but is at present estimated at five to ten business days for standard requests.

By Phone:

The Benton County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (479) 271-1008 for general inquiries. Phone inquiries are limited in scope; staff may confirm whether an individual is currently in custody but are not able to provide comprehensive arrest history by phone. Requestors seeking detailed records are directed to submit a written request or visit the records division in person.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Detailed police reports, witness statements, and investigative files are accessible through these legal mechanisms rather than standard public records requests.

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, Bentonville PD, Rogers PD, etc.)

Are Arrest Records Public in Benton County

Arrest records in Benton 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., all public records of governmental bodies are open to inspection and copying by any citizen of Arkansas. Arrest records fall within this definition because they document the exercise of governmental authority by law enforcement agencies.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency and officer identification
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 under Arkansas law and are not available to the general public
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 to protect the integrity of the investigation
Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants are exempt from disclosure
Victim identifying information in certain cases, including sexual offenses, is protected
Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Arkansas Constitution and the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act together establish the framework for public access to government records. The Act reflects a legislative determination that transparency in government operations, including law enforcement activity, serves the public interest. Courts have consistently held that the First Amendment supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. At the same time, due process considerations require that arrest records be understood as documentation of an accusation rather than a finding of guilt.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies conducting background reviews
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance obligations
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 those records are obtained through consumer reporting agencies. Employers and landlords using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA notice and adverse action requirements. 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 without a resulting conviction does not establish criminal liability.

What's in Benton County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" designations
Date of birth and age at the time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at the time of arrest, which may be partially redacted

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
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 included
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was made pursuant to a warrant

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed at the time of booking
Arkansas statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions in plain language
Classification of each charge as a felony or misdemeanor, including degree or class
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation where applicable
Gang-related designation where applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of the booking facility
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in standard public records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status indicating whether the individual is in custody, released, or bonded out
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Release date and time if the individual has been released
Release conditions where those conditions are part of the public record

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following the filing of charges
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment where available in the public record

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques employed
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number, which is redacted from public records
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in the booking record
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
Background checks are comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Benton County is governed by the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records. Under Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-109, agencies may charge fees that do not exceed the actual cost of reproduction. Inspection of records at the agency's office is available at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.

Record Type	Standard Fee	Notes
Paper copies	$0.10–$0.25 per page	Varies by agency
Certified copies	$5.00 per document	Circuit Clerk standard fee
Electronic copies	Varies	Some agencies provide at no charge
State criminal history check	$22.00	Arkansas State Police fee
Search fee	No charge	Agencies may not charge for search time under FOIA

Accepted payment methods at the Benton County Sheriff's Office and Circuit Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order. Some agencies accept credit or debit cards; requestors should confirm accepted payment methods before submitting a request.

What Is Available at No Charge:

Online inspection of the current jail roster through the Sheriff's Office website
Online case search through the Arkansas Judiciary CourtConnect portal
In-person inspection of public records at the agency's office without requesting copies

Fee waiver provisions under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act allow agencies to waive or reduce fees when the request is made in the public interest and not primarily for commercial purposes. Requestors seeking a fee waiver should state the basis for the request in writing at the time of submission.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Benton County

Arkansas law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement under Ark. Code Ann. § 16-90-1401 et seq. results in the sealing of the record from public view and, in many cases, allows the individual to legally state that the arrest did not occur for most purposes. Sealing restricts public access to the record without necessarily destroying the underlying documentation. Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed and expunged records for specified purposes.

Eligibility for Expungement in Arkansas:

Eligibility depends on the nature of the offense, the outcome of the case, and the time elapsed since the arrest or conviction. The following circumstances at present qualify for expungement consideration:

Arrests where no charges were filed
Charges that were dismissed or nolle prossed
Acquittals following trial
First-time nonviolent felony convictions after completion of sentence and a waiting period
Misdemeanor convictions after completion of sentence
Certain drug offenses completed through diversion programs

Serious violent offenses, sex offenses requiring registration, and certain other categories are not eligible for expungement under current Arkansas law.

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information from the Benton County Circuit Clerk.
Confirm eligibility based on the offense type and case disposition.
Complete the Arkansas petition for expungement, available through the Circuit Clerk's office or the Arkansas Judiciary website.
File the petition in Benton County Circuit Court and pay the applicable filing fee.
Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office.
Attend the scheduled hearing if the court sets one.
If the order is granted, provide certified copies of the expungement order to the arresting agency, the Arkansas State Police Criminal History Records division, and any other agencies holding the record.

Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:

Benton County Circuit Clerk 102 NE A St, Bentonville, AR 72712 Phone: (479) 271-1015 Benton County Circuit Clerk

Arkansas State Police Criminal History Records 1 State Police Plaza Dr, Little Rock, AR 72209 Phone: (501) 618-8500 Arkansas State Police

Benton County Public Defender's Office 102 NE A St, Bentonville, AR 72712 Phone: (479) 271-1032 Arkansas Public Defender Commission

Individuals who cannot afford private legal counsel may apply for representation through the Public Defender's office. Private attorneys specializing in criminal record relief are also available through the Arkansas Bar Association lawyer referral service.

What Happens After Arrest in Benton County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Benton County, the arrested individual is transported to the Benton County Detention Center, located at 1300 SW 14th St, Bentonville, AR 72712. 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 the investigation requires it.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention center, the booking process begins. This process at present takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. The steps include:

Recording of personal identifying information
Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Collection of fingerprints
Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
Inventory and storage of personal property
Exchange of personal clothing for jail-issued clothing
Medical screening
Brief mental health screening
Housing classification based on charges and history

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Arkansas law requires that an arrested individual be brought before a judicial officer without unnecessary delay, at present interpreted as within 48 to 72 hours of arrest. At the first appearance, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines eligibility for appointed counsel, sets bond or bail, and advises the individual of their rights. First appearances in Benton County may be conducted in person or by video conference.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the detention facility. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus any applicable fees, provided the individual appears at all required court dates.

Surety Bond: The individual or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, at present set at ten percent of the bond amount in Arkansas.

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

No Bond: The court may order that no bond be set in cases involving serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violations of probation or parole, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision through the Benton County Pretrial Services division.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release, which at present takes between one and eight hours. Upon release, the individual receives their personal property, a written notice of the court date, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and the 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 including commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Benton County Public Defender's Office 102 NE A St, Bentonville, AR 72712 Phone: (479) 271-1032 Arkansas Public Defender Commission

Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. The application is completed at the first appearance or shortly thereafter.

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. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Benton County Detention Center during designated visitation hours, and consultations are confidential.

Charging Decision:

The Benton County Prosecuting Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. This review at present occurs within days to a few weeks of the arrest depending on the complexity of the case.

Benton County Prosecuting Attorney's Office 102 NE A St, Bentonville, AR 72712 Phone: (479) 271-1027 Benton County Prosecuting Attorney

For felony charges, the prosecutor may present the case to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment. The defense is not present during grand jury proceedings.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving all options for future proceedings. The court sets subsequent hearing dates at this stage.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, during which the prosecution and defense exchange evidence including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may address the admissibility of evidence, the sufficiency of the charges, or other legal issues. Pretrial conferences allow the parties and the court to assess the status of the case and explore resolution.

Plea negotiations may result in an agreement to resolve the case without trial. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial or, by agreement, a bench trial before the judge alone.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects in the case
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may complete pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court, resulting in dismissal upon successful completion
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a negotiated resolution, waiving the right to trial
Trial: The case is presented to a jury or judge, resulting in a verdict of guilty or not guilty

Sentencing follows a guilty verdict or plea and may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. The defendant receives credit for time served in pretrial detention.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: 48 to 72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: At present resolved within three to six months in most cases
Felonies: At present resolved within six to eighteen months in most cases
The right to a speedy trial under the Arkansas Constitution and the Sixth Amendment applies throughout

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy and public trial
Right to confront and cross-examine witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Benton County Detention Center 1300 SW 14th St, Bentonville, AR 72712 Phone: (479) 271-1008 Benton County Sheriff's Office

Benton County Circuit Clerk 102 NE A St, Bentonville, AR 72712 Phone: (479) 271-1015 Benton County Circuit Clerk

Benton County Prosecuting Attorney's Office 102 NE A St, Bentonville, AR 72712 Phone: (479) 271-1027 Benton County Prosecuting Attorney

Benton County Public Defender's Office 102 NE A St, Bentonville, AR 72712 Phone: (479) 271-1032 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 discuss the case until counsel is present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than an attorney
Contact family or friends who may assist with bail
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Benton County?

Records Retention Overview:

The retention of arrest records in Benton County is governed by Arkansas law and the records retention schedules established by the Arkansas State Library and applicable state agencies. Local law enforcement agencies follow the Arkansas General Records Retention Schedule, which establishes minimum retention periods for various categories of law enforcement records. The Arkansas State Police maintains the state criminal history repository and applies separate retention policies to records held at the state level.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions: Arrest records associated with felony convictions are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk, the Arkansas State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center. These records are part of the individual's permanent criminal history and appear on background checks indefinitely under current law.

Misdemeanor Convictions: Records associated with misdemeanor convictions are retained permanently by the court and the state repository. Local law enforcement agencies retain arrest records for a minimum period established by the retention schedule, at present set at a minimum of five years for most misdemeanor arrest records, though many agencies retain these records indefinitely in digital form.

Dismissed Charges: Arrest records where charges were dismissed remain in local law enforcement databases and the state repository unless the subject obtains an expungement order. Court records associated with dismissed cases are retained permanently by the Circuit Clerk. These records may remain accessible to the public unless expunged.

Acquittals: Records of arrests resulting in acquittal at trial are retained by local agencies and the court. The state repository retains the arrest record with a notation of the acquittal. These records are eligible for expungement under Arkansas law.

Charges Not Filed: Booking records where the prosecutor declined to file charges are retained by the Sheriff's Office for a minimum period under the retention schedule. These records are among the most readily eligible for expungement, and in some cases the subject may petition for immediate removal.

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained in accordance with the applicable retention schedule. Digital records maintained in the Sheriff's records management system and the court's electronic case management system are at present retained indefinitely in most cases, as digital storage costs do not create the same practical pressure for destruction that physical records do. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial websites are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely regardless of case outcome.

Retention by Agency:

Benton County Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained for a minimum of five years for misdemeanor arrests and permanently for felony arrests under the current retention schedule. Investigative files are retained based on the nature of the offense, with serious felony files retained permanently.

Benton County Circuit Clerk: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of ten years. Electronic records are retained indefinitely in the court's case management system.

Arkansas State Police Criminal History Repository: The state repository retains arrest records from all Arkansas jurisdictions. Records associated with convictions are retained permanently. Records associated with non-convictions remain in the repository unless the subject obtains an expungement order and provides a certified copy to the Arkansas State Police.

FBI Database: The National Crime Information Center and the Interstate Identification Index retain records at the federal level on a permanent basis. Law enforcement agencies nationwide have access to these records. Background checks conducted for employment, firearms purchases, and licensing draw from these federal databases.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across all databases. A dismissal may result in the record remaining accessible unless expungement is obtained. An expungement order directs local agencies and the state repository to seal the record from public access; however, the FBI database may retain the record with a notation, and third-party commercial websites are not legally required to remove records upon expungement, though the FCRA requires accuracy in consumer reports.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests are at present available through the online jail roster and the CourtConnect portal. Arrests from several years prior may require an in-person request to the Sheriff's records division or the Circuit Clerk. Very old arrests that predate digital record-keeping may exist only in paper form in the agency's archives and may require additional processing time and a retrieval fee.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Arkansas does not at present impose a shorter reporting period for non-convictions by state law. Arrests without convictions may appear on background checks but cannot be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in jurisdictions with applicable fair chance laws.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Benton County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (479) 271-1008 or submit a written public records request. The Circuit Clerk's office at (479) 271-1015 can confirm whether a court case file is currently on file. Fees may apply for copies of records retrieved in response to a formal request.