Warrant records in Desha County, Arkansas are classified as public records pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at Arkansas Code § 25-19-101 et seq. This legislation establishes the presumption that government records, including warrant information, shall be accessible to citizens to promote transparency in governmental operations.
The Arkansas FOIA specifically provides that all public records shall be open to inspection and copying by any citizen of Arkansas during regular business hours of the custodian of the records. Warrant records maintained by the Desha County Sheriff's Office and the Desha County Circuit Court fall within this statutory framework, thereby ensuring public access to information regarding judicial proceedings and law enforcement activities.
Public access to warrant records serves multiple governmental and societal interests, including:
Certain exceptions may apply to the disclosure of warrant information in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile matters pursuant to Arkansas Code § 9-27-309, or where specifically sealed by judicial order.
Warrant records maintained by Desha County authorities typically contain comprehensive information regarding the legal authorization for law enforcement action. Standard elements included in these official documents are as follows:
The level of detail contained in warrant records may vary according to the type of warrant issued (arrest, bench, search) and the nature of the underlying offense. All warrant information is maintained in accordance with Arkansas records retention schedules as established by the Arkansas State Archives.
Members of the public may access warrant information in Desha County through several no-cost methods established by local authorities. The following official channels provide free warrant verification services:
Desha County Sheriff's Office
601 Main Street
Arkansas City, AR 71630
(870) 877-2327
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Individuals seeking warrant information may submit inquiries in person during regular business hours. Photo identification is required for all in-person requests. The Sheriff's Office maintains a public terminal for self-service searches of non-confidential warrant information.
Desha County Circuit Clerk's Office
407 Oak Street
McGehee, AR 71654
(870) 222-4753
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Circuit Clerk serves as the official custodian of court records, including warrant information. Pursuant to Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 19, certain court records are available for public inspection at the clerk's office.
Telephone inquiries regarding warrant status may be directed to either office; however, verification of identity may be limited through this method, and certain information may be withheld in accordance with privacy protocols.
The Desha County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for executing warrants within the unincorporated areas of the county. Sheriff warrants are issued under the authority of the Desha County Circuit Court and District Courts pursuant to Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 7.1.
Sheriff warrants in Desha County are categorized as follows:
The execution of warrants by the Desha County Sheriff's Office follows strict procedural guidelines as established in Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure Rules 13.1 through 13.5. Deputies must identify themselves, state their purpose, and present the warrant upon request unless exigent circumstances exist.
Individuals with active warrants may voluntarily surrender at the Desha County Sheriff's Office to resolve the matter in a controlled environment rather than risking arrest at an unpredictable time and location.
As of 2025, Desha County has implemented enhanced digital systems for warrant verification. Individuals seeking to determine their warrant status may utilize the following official resources:
Online Verification Portal: The Arkansas Judiciary's case search system provides searchable access to court records, including warrant information. Users must create an account and may search by name and date of birth.
Automated Telephone System: The Desha County warrant verification line at (870) 877-2330 provides 24-hour automated access to warrant status information. Callers must provide name and date of birth for verification purposes.
In-Person Verification: Individuals may appear at the Desha County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours to verify warrant status. Photo identification is required for this service.
Legal Counsel Inquiry: Licensed attorneys may submit warrant verification requests on behalf of clients through the Arkansas Court Connect system, which provides secure access to court records.
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-906, individuals who believe they may be subject to an erroneous warrant may petition the court for correction of records. Such petitions must be filed with the court that issued the original warrant.
Desha County maintains systematic procedures for verifying outstanding warrants in accordance with Arkansas public records laws. Authorized methods for conducting warrant searches include:
Electronic Database Access The Desha County Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable database of active warrants accessible through public terminals at the Sheriff's Office. This database is updated daily and includes all current warrants issued within county jurisdiction.
Written Request Submission Written requests for warrant information may be submitted to:
Desha County Records Division
PO Box 470
Arkansas City, AR 71630
All written requests must include:
Third-Party Background Services While commercial background check services may provide warrant information, the Desha County Sheriff's Office cautions that such services may not reflect the most current status of warrants. Official verification should be obtained through county resources.
Individuals conducting warrant searches should note that pursuant to Arkansas Code § 5-54-122, it is unlawful to knowingly harbor or conceal a person for whom an arrest warrant has been issued. Violation of this statute constitutes a Class A misdemeanor.
Desha County residents and interested parties may access warrant records through multiple official channels. The following resources provide authorized access to warrant information:
Arkansas Child Support Enforcement Office
400 East Capitol Avenue
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 682-8398
Child Support Enforcement Division
The Child Support Enforcement Office maintains records of warrants issued for non-payment of court-ordered child support. These specialized warrants are executed under the authority of Arkansas Code § 9-14-239, which authorizes the arrest of individuals who are delinquent in child support payments.