Hot Spring County DWI and DUI Records

Hot Spring County DUI records are public documents available from the county sheriff, the circuit clerk, and the Arkansas CourtConnect system. Note that Hot Spring County and the city of Hot Springs in neighboring Garland County are two separate places. The Hot Spring County seat is Malvern. DUI and DWI cases filed in Hot Spring County go through the circuit court in Malvern. This page explains how to access those records and what resources are available.

Finding DUI Records in Hot Spring County

Hot Spring County was formed November 2, 1829. Malvern is the county seat. The county sits between Garland County to the west and Saline County to the east. A common source of confusion: Hot Spring County and the city of Hot Springs are not the same place. Hot Springs is in Garland County. Malvern is the main city in Hot Spring County. DUI arrests come from the sheriff's office, the Malvern Police Department, and Arkansas State Police troopers on area highways.

The best free starting point is the Arkansas CourtConnect portal. Hot Spring County participates in the statewide system. Search by name or case number to find DUI and DWI case information including charges, hearing dates, and case status. CourtConnect is available 24/7 at no cost. Records from before January 2009 may have details redacted per state court order.

The Hot Spring County Sheriff's website at hotspringcountysheriff.com has an inmate roster that is updated daily with new booking information. The latest bookings appear on the homepage. For older records, contact the office directly or submit a FOIA request. The sheriff's number is (501) 337-7738 for 24-hour calls, with the main office at (501) 332-3671.

The Arkansas CourtConnect portal provides free access to Hot Spring County DUI and DWI court case information. Search by name to find cases filed in Malvern circuit court.

Hot Spring County Sheriff DWI Arrest Records

The Hot Spring County Sheriff's Office is at 215 East Highland Street, Suite 119, Malvern, AR 72104. The 24-hour phone number is (501) 337-7738. The sheriff's office administrative line is (501) 332-3671. The sheriff handles law enforcement for unincorporated parts of the county and operates the county detention center.

The detention center opened in March 2009 and holds up to 199 inmates. It is staffed by 58 employees. The sheriff's website at hotspringcountysheriff.com shows the inmate roster and updates it daily with the latest bookings. You can check the homepage for the most recent DUI and DWI arrests. If you need records for a specific arrest, call the office or submit a written FOIA request. Include the subject's name and approximate arrest date.

Records available from the sheriff include the inmate roster, booking information, warrant data, and arrest records. DUI arrests are part of the standard booking log and are public under Arkansas FOIA. The office must respond to records requests within three business days. Fees are limited to actual copying costs and staff time.

Note: The sheriff's website has at times had server issues that caused connectivity problems. If the site is down, use the 24-hour phone number (501) 337-7738 to reach the office directly.

Circuit Court DUI Case Records

DUI and DWI criminal cases in Hot Spring County are handled by the circuit court in Malvern. The circuit clerk at the courthouse holds all case files, judgment records, and sentencing documents. These are public records. You can review them in person or request copies by mail.

CourtConnect is the most efficient starting point. Use the Arkansas CourtConnect portal to find the case number, then bring it to the circuit clerk's office in Malvern to request the full file. Copy fees apply. Certified copies cost more than standard copies. Call the clerk's office for current fees before visiting. Court fines from Hot Spring County DUI convictions can be paid through Arkansas Court Payment online.

Arkansas DUI and DWI Laws

Arkansas DWI under ACA § 5-65-103 applies to drivers 21 and over with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. A first conviction means up to one year in jail, a fine of $150 to $1,000, and a six-month license suspension. Second and third offenses within the 10-year lookback period bring longer jail terms and higher fines. A fourth DWI in 10 years is a felony with one to six years in state prison.

The 10-year lookback period was set by a 2021 state law change, extending it from five years. Prior DWI convictions within that window count toward escalating charges. There is no plea bargaining for DWI in Arkansas courts.

For underage drivers, ACA § 5-65-303 makes a BAC between 0.02% and 0.08% a DUI offense. A first offense means a fine, 90-day suspension, community service, and alcohol education. The implied consent law under ACA § 5-65-202 means any Arkansas driver has given implied consent to chemical testing. Refusing triggers an automatic 180-day suspension on the first refusal and the refusal is admissible as evidence at trial. A second refusal within five years means a two-year suspension. License actions are handled by Arkansas DFA Driver Services separately from the criminal case.

FOIA Requests in Hot Spring County

Arkansas FOIA under ACA § 25-19-101 gives anyone the right to public records. Agencies must respond within three business days. No residency is required. To request DUI arrest records from the Hot Spring County Sheriff, write to 215 East Highland Street, Suite 119, Malvern, AR 72104, or call (501) 337-7738. For court records, contact the Hot Spring County Circuit Clerk in Malvern.

Fees are limited to copying costs and staff time. Journalists and nonprofits may qualify for fee waivers. Records exempt from FOIA include active investigations, sealed cases, juvenile records, and grand jury materials. If a request is wrongly denied, contact the Arkansas Attorney General's FOIA Hotline at (800) 482-8982.

State Resources for Hot Spring County DUI Records

The Arkansas DFA Driver Services handles license suspensions and reinstatements for DUI arrests in Hot Spring County. For state prison inmates from the county, use the ADC Inmate Search. Crash reports for DUI-related accidents in Hot Spring County are available at crashreports.ark.org for $10 each.

The Arkansas State Police covers state highway DUI arrests in Hot Spring County and shares records with the Arkansas Crime Information Center. Criminal background checks with written consent are processed through cbc.ark.org. The VINE notification system allows victims to track criminal case status in Hot Spring County.

Nearby Counties

Hot Spring County sits between Garland County and Saline County in central Arkansas. Each neighboring county has its own circuit court and sheriff office for DUI cases.