Calhoun County DUI Records Search

Calhoun County DUI records are maintained by the county sheriff's office in Hampton, the circuit clerk under Jeanie Smith, and through the Arkansas statewide court system. Whether you need to look up a DWI arrest, search for a criminal case, or request copies of DUI-related documents, this guide covers what is available in Calhoun County and how to access it.

Calhoun County Sheriff and Jail

The Calhoun County Jail is at 449 9th St, Hampton, AR 71744. The phone number is (870) 798-2323. The jail holds pre-trial detainees and misdemeanor offenders for the county, including people arrested for DUI and DWI. Calhoun is one of the smaller counties in Arkansas with a population of around 4,700, so the jail is smaller than those in more populous areas.

For inmate inquiries, call the jail directly during business hours. There is no online inmate roster for Calhoun County. Arrest records are public documents under Arkansas Code § 25-19-101. Submit a written FOIA request by mail or in person at the sheriff's office. The agency has three business days to respond. Copy fees apply for printed records.

If you are trying to track down someone who received a state prison sentence after a felony DWI conviction, use the free Arkansas Department of Correction inmate search. That system shows state prison inmates by name, county of commitment, and offense. It does not include people held in the county jail.

The Calhoun County website provides contact information for county offices including the sheriff's office and circuit clerk in Hampton. It is a starting point for finding local records and submitting records requests.

Circuit Court and CourtConnect

Calhoun County Circuit Clerk Jeanie Smith maintains all court records for the county. The circuit court handles felony DWI cases and appeals from district court decisions. For misdemeanor DUI and DWI cases, district court is the first venue. The circuit clerk's office in Hampton is the place to request physical copies of case files.

Calhoun County has participation in the Arkansas CourtConnect system. Court records are accessible online at caseinfo.arcourts.gov. Search by defendant name or case number. The portal shows case status, charges, and hearing dates at no cost. This is the fastest way to find DUI and DWI case information for Calhoun County without calling or visiting the courthouse.

The CourtConnect portal is the free online search tool for Calhoun County court records. It gives access to DUI and DWI criminal cases, civil cases, and other court filings from the county's courts.

Standard copy fees at the circuit clerk are $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $5.00 plus $1.00 for each additional page. Pay court fines and fees online through the Arkansas Court Payment portal.

DWI and DUI Laws in Arkansas

Arkansas Code § 5-65-103 is the state DWI law. It applies in every county, including Calhoun. The law makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. A first DWI offense is a Class A misdemeanor. Penalty: up to one year in jail, $150 to $1,000 fine, six-month license suspension.

Second offense within 10 years: 7 days to 1 year in jail, fines from $400 to $3,000, and a 24-month suspension. Third offense: 90 days to 1 year in jail, $900 to $5,000 fine, 30-month suspension. A fourth offense within 10 years is a Class D felony. This means 1 to 6 years in prison, fines up to $5,000, and a 4-year revocation of driving privileges. Arkansas has a strict rule against plea bargaining from DWI to a lesser charge. The DWI is on record, period.

Underage DUI (ACA § 5-65-303) applies to drivers under 21 with a BAC between 0.02% and 0.08%. First offense brings a fine of $100 to $500, a 90-day suspension, and mandatory alcohol education. Second and third offenses bring escalating fines, longer suspensions, and community service requirements. No probation is available for underage DUI in Arkansas.

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration handles license suspension and reinstatement. They act separately from the criminal court. A DWI arrest in Calhoun County triggers both a criminal case in court and an administrative license action by DFA. Driver Control handles reinstatement at (501) 682-1631.

How to Get DUI Records and Background Checks

For court case records, use CourtConnect first. It is free and available around the clock. Search by name to find DUI and DWI cases. If you need physical copies, contact the Calhoun County Circuit Clerk in Hampton.

For arrest records from the sheriff, submit a FOIA request in writing. Include the subject's full name and approximate date of the arrest. The sheriff's office must respond within three business days under ACA § 25-19-101. If the request is denied, you can appeal to the circuit court or contact the state Attorney General's FOIA Hotline at (800) 482-8982.

The Arkansas State Police background check system provides official criminal history reports. Name-based checks cost $22.00. Mail-in requests cost $25.00. Written consent from the subject is required. Mail requests go to: Arkansas State Police Identification Bureau, 1 State Police Plaza Drive, Little Rock, AR 72209.

Crash reports involving DUI accidents are available at crashreports.ark.org for $10 each. The Arkansas State Police also maintains DUI arrest records for stops made by troopers on Calhoun County roads, including U.S. 278 and other state highways in the area.

Nearby Counties

Calhoun County is in southern Arkansas. Neighboring counties also have DUI records accessible through the state court system and local sheriffs.