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Real Estate General

Are Police Reports Public Record in Arkansas?

If you find yourself in a sticky situation in Arkansas, you might have a lot of questions. Arrests and public records vary from state to state, so you should have a good understanding of what you’ll be facing no matter where you are. Here’s everything you need to know about being arrested in Arkansas. 

What Are The Laws In Arkansas?

You should always know the laws of your area, even if you’re only visiting. In Arkansas, you can be arrested for disorderly conduct which is good to know if you’re planning to enjoy a night on the town or an Arkansas State Red Wolves Game. An arrest of disorderly conduct could result in thirty days in jail and $500 in fines. As for gun control, in Arkansas, you must have a permit to carry a concealed gun

Your permit can be from another state as long as you are still following Arkansas law. Even if you have a permit, it’s still a felony to have your weapon on or near school grounds, and many weapons that are illegal in other states (brass knuckles, bombs, machine guns) are also illegal in Arkansas.  

What If I’m Arrested In Arkansas?

If you’re arrested, don’t panic and don’t resist arrest. Even if you believe you didn’t do anything wrong, your situation will drastically decline if you resist arrest. Make sure you ask for a lawyer, even if you don’t believe you can afford one. You have the right to an attorney and they can appoint one to you if needed. You’ll want to read everything in detail before you sign anything, and if you’re not sure what you’re signing, ask for a lawyer to review it. 

If you’re visiting from another state, you might feel scared and alone. Just know that you still have rights and that you can call your friends and family members from jail. Stay calm and continue to ask the police for information on your arrest if you feel confused, but try not to admit guilt or wrongdoing without the advice of an attorney.  

What If I Believe I Am Wrongly Accused?

Even if you don’t think you’ve broken a law, it’s important that you don’t resist arrest. Resisting arrest is illegal in Arkansas, so by protesting that you haven’t broken a law you actually are breaking the law and can be charged with this crime. 

If you think you’ve been mistreated by the police or wrongly accused, write down every detail about your arrest. Write down the officers’ badge numbers; the location, date, and time of your arrest; and contact information for any witnesses. The more information you can provide your lawyer, the better chance you have of winning a case if it goes to trial. You can also file a complaint with the state about your treatment at the hands of the police. 

Are Police Records Public?

If you’re arrested in Arkansas, you will have a criminal record with the state. This document contains your criminal history from every court, law enforcement agency, and jail in the state. It also includes your name, a mug shot, your birthday, and your fingerprints. 

All police records, including Danville arrest records, are public information. Your arrest records provide details on each arrest, including the name of the officer who arrested you and the circumstances of the arrest. Your police records and arrest records can be accessed by any interested parties, including yourself. 

Being arrested by the police is a very scary experience, especially if you’re in a new state and don’t know the local laws. Understand what is and isn’t illegal before you visit a new place, and know that anyone can access your police records at any time.