Criminal records in Lonoke County, Arkansas, are available through several channels. LonokeCourt.us allows quick access to public information on criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court system, law enforcement agencies, and the Circuit Clerk's office. Below is a practical guide on searching, understanding, and requesting criminal records.
How to Search Criminal Records in Lonoke
Start by determining what specific information you need. Most searches will require the person's full name (last and first name), and if possible, the date of birth or case number.
Online Search
- LonokeCourt.us — enter the name or case number to view publicly available information on criminal proceedings in the county.
- Case Search on the Arkansas Judiciary portal — the official search system for all state courts. Here you can find Circuit Court and District Court cases in Lonoke County by party name or case number.
- Search ARCourts — an advanced portal that also provides access to documents in some public cases. Note: some information may be restricted according to Arkansas law.
- Arkansas Department of Corrections Inmate Search — if the person is serving a state-level sentence, they can be found here by last name.
- Online Fine Payment — allows you to find a citation for the Southern District Court of Lonoke County and other courts.
In-Person Visit
Visit the Circuit Clerk's office in the Lonoke County courthouse. There are usually public access terminals available for court records. The clerk will assist with the search if online tools do not yield results — especially for older cases that have not yet been digitized.
Lonoke County District Court is located at:
Written Request
Send a request by mail to the Lonoke County Circuit Clerk, specifying the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and the type of record you need. Include a copy of your ID and payment for the applicable fees (check or money order). For a complete state-level criminal history, contact the Arkansas State Police — Identification Bureau.
Search Lonoke Criminal Cases by Case Number
A case number in Arkansas has a standard format that includes several elements:
- County Code — a two-digit number identifying the county (for Lonoke County, it is 43).
- Case Type — a letter code: CR means a criminal case, TR means a traffic violation, JV means a juvenile case.
- Year — four digits of the year the case was filed.
- Sequential Number — a unique number within the year.
For example, the format might look like 43CR-2024-00123. If you have such a number, enter it in the "Case Number" field on the Arkansas Case Search portal. This is the fastest way to find a specific case — it bypasses the need to filter results by name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Lonoke
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Here's what they mean in practice.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the Arkansas Code (e.g., § 5-64-419 — drugs) |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, or Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce charges during the case |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made.
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, and hearings are scheduled.
- Disposed — the case is completed: a verdict has been issued, or it has been closed or dismissed.
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed, including the execution of the sentence.
Types of Hearings
Arraignment — the first court hearing where charges are read to the defendant. Preliminary hearing determines if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. Pre-trial conference — a meeting of the parties before the main hearing. Sentencing occurs after a guilty plea or jury verdict. Review hearings monitor compliance with conditions, such as probation.
Results
| Result | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty — by court decision or the defendant's admission |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted as a result of the hearing or jury decision |
| Dismissed | The case is closed by the prosecutor or judge without a verdict |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to pursue the case |
| Acquitted | Full acquittal after trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Lonoke
Certified copies of criminal records are official documents with the court's seal, accepted by employers, attorneys, and government agencies.
Where to Apply
For certified copies of Circuit Court cases, contact the Lonoke County Circuit Clerk. According to the county financial report, the position of Circuit Clerk is held by Deborah Oglesby.
For District Court cases, contact the Lonoke County District Court directly.
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the clerk's office with valid identification (driver's license or passport). Provide the defendant's name, case number, or approximate dates.
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the full name, date of birth, case number (if known), a copy of your ID, and a check or money order for the applicable fees.
- State-Level Criminal History — for a complete criminal history check, contact the Arkansas State Police, Identification Bureau. You will need to complete a request form and provide fingerprints for an FBI-based check.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Lonoke
Fees for criminal records in Arkansas are set according to state law and court rules. Below are approximate amounts.
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of Court Document (per page) | $0.25 – $0.50 | Depends on the court and type of document |
| Document Certification | $5.00 per document | In addition to the cost of the copy |
| Criminal History Check (Arkansas State Police) | $25.00 | Name-based; fingerprint-based check costs more |
| FBI Check (through ASP) | Approximately $40.00+ | Includes fingerprint processing |
Processing time depends on the request method. In-person requests at the clerk's office are usually processed the same day or within a few business days. Mail requests may take one to three weeks. Checks through the Arkansas State Police typically take 5 to 15 business days, although fingerprint-based requests may take longer.
Confirm current amounts directly with the clerk, as fees may change. Payment is usually accepted in the form of a money order, cashier's check, or, in some cases, a card — inquire about available options when contacting.