Criminal records in Craighead County, Arkansas, can be accessed through several channels. CraigheadCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information for this county. Additional access points include the Arkansas state court system, local law enforcement agencies, and the Craighead County Circuit Clerk's office. The methods below cover online searches, in-person visits, and written requests.
How to Search Criminal Records in Craighead
There are several ways to look up criminal records in Craighead County. Start with the method that best fits your situation.
Online Search Options
- CraigheadCourt.us — Search for publicly available court record information related to Craighead County criminal cases.
- Search ARCourts (Arkansas Judiciary Case Search) — The state's official court case lookup tool. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney across all Arkansas courts, including the Craighead County District Court and Craighead County Circuit Court. Some filings and documents are viewable online.
- Arkansas Online Criminal Background Check System — Operated by the Arkansas State Police, this tool provides name-based criminal history checks statewide. A fee applies.
- Arkansas Department of Correction Inmate Search — Look up individuals currently or formerly in state custody. You can filter by county of conviction, including Craighead.
In Person
Visit the Craighead County Circuit Clerk's office at the courthouse in Jonesboro. Public access terminals or assistance from clerk staff may be available for looking up case records. Bring a valid photo ID.
By Mail or Written Request
You can submit a written request to the Craighead County Circuit Clerk for copies of criminal case records. Include as much identifying information as possible: the defendant's full name, date of birth, and case number if known. For a statewide criminal history report, send a written request to the Arkansas State Police Identification Bureau in Little Rock.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Defendant's full legal name (first and last; middle name helps narrow results)
- Date of birth (if available)
- Case number (if known)
- Approximate date range of the case
Search Craighead Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching by it is the fastest way to pull up a specific record. Arkansas case numbers follow a standard format used across all circuit and district courts.
A typical Arkansas case number looks like this: 16CR-24-000123. Here's what each part means:
- 16 — The county code. Craighead County uses code 16.
- CR — The case type prefix. "CR" indicates a criminal case. Other prefixes include "JV" (juvenile), "CV" (civil), and "DR" (domestic relations).
- 24 — The two-digit filing year (2024 in this example).
- 000123 — The sequential case number assigned by the clerk.
Enter the full case number into the Search ARCourts portal to retrieve the case record, including charges, hearing dates, and disposition details when available.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Craighead
Criminal case records in Craighead County contain several categories of information. Below is a breakdown of what you'll typically find.
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | The Arkansas Code section the defendant is charged under (e.g., A.C.A. § 5-36-103 for theft of property) |
| Severity | Felony (Class Y, A, B, C, D), Misdemeanor (Class A, B, C), or Unclassified |
| Amended Charges | Charges may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations; amended charges replace or supplement original ones |
| Count Number | Each separate charge in a case is listed as a distinct count |
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Case filed but not yet resolved |
| Active | Case is currently being adjudicated |
| Disposed | Case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, acquittal) |
| Closed | All proceedings and obligations (fines, probation) are complete |
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — The defendant hears the charges and enters an initial plea.
- Preliminary Hearing — A judge determines whether probable cause exists (felony cases).
- Pre-Trial Conference — Attorneys discuss evidence, motions, and potential plea agreements.
- Trial — Bench or jury trial where the case is decided on its merits.
- Sentencing — The judge imposes penalties after a guilty verdict or plea.
- Review Hearing — Follow-up to monitor compliance with probation or other conditions.
Court Results (Dispositions)
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant convicted by plea or verdict |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted at trial |
| Nolle Prosequi / Dismissed | Prosecution dropped or court dismissed the charges |
| No Contest (Nolo Contendere) | Defendant does not contest the charge; treated as a conviction for sentencing |
| Suspended Imposition of Sentence (SIS) | Sentence deferred; may result in dismissal if conditions are met |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Craighead
Certified copies of criminal case records carry an official court seal and are accepted for legal proceedings, employment verification, and licensing purposes. In Craighead County, these are handled by the Circuit Clerk's office.
How to Submit a Request
- In person: Visit the Craighead County Circuit Clerk's office at the courthouse in Jonesboro. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- By mail: Send a written request that includes the defendant's full name, date of birth, case number (if known), and a description of the records you need. Include a check or money order for the applicable fees payable to the Craighead County Circuit Clerk.
For a statewide criminal history background check, submit a request through the Arkansas State Police online background check system or contact the Identification Bureau directly.
Craighead County Circuit Clerk's Office
What You'll Need
- Valid government-issued photo ID (for in-person requests)
- Defendant's full legal name and date of birth
- Case number (speeds up processing significantly)
- Payment for copy and certification fees
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Craighead
Fees for criminal record copies in Craighead County are set by Arkansas statute and local fee schedules. The table below covers the most common costs.
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.50 | Per A.C.A. § 21-6-306; non-certified copies |
| Certified copy | $5.00 per document | Includes court seal and clerk certification |
| Arkansas State Police name-based background check | $25.00 | Submitted online or by mail to ASP |
| Fingerprint-based background check (ASP) | $25.00+ | Required for certain licensing and employment purposes |
Processing Times
- In-person requests: Often processed the same day or within one to two business days, depending on the complexity of the search.
- Mail requests: Typically take five to ten business days after the clerk receives the request and payment.
- State Police background checks: Online results are usually available within one to three business days. Mail-in requests may take longer.
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts with the Craighead County Circuit Clerk's office or the Arkansas State Police background check portal before submitting payment.