Jackson County DUI Records
Jackson County DUI records come from the sheriff's office, the circuit court in Newport, and state agencies that track DWI arrests across Arkansas. This guide covers where those records are held, how to access them online, and what you need to make an in-person or written request.
Jackson County DUI Records
Jackson County Sheriff's Office
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county. The office is at 3300 Theater Drive, Newport, AR 72112. Phone is (870) 523-5842. Fax is (870) 523-7418. Email for the department is rbrinsfield@jacksonsheriff.org. The sheriff's office also operates the Jackson County Detention Center at the same phone number.
DUI arrests by sheriff's deputies are booked into the Jackson County Detention Center. Booking records are public once an arrest has been made. You can confirm a booking by calling the jail line at (870) 523-5842. The detention center holds pre-trial inmates and may also hold people serving short sentences. If you need an arrest report for a DUI case, submit a FOIA request to the sheriff's office in writing.
The sheriff's website is at jacksoncountyar.com. It lists department information and may post news about recent activity. For records, a written FOIA request is the proper method. Include the subject's name, approximate arrest date, and any other identifying information. The office must respond within three business days under ACA § 25-19-101.
The Arkansas State Police also patrols Jackson County, especially on U.S. 67 and other main routes. State trooper DUI arrests are logged in ASP records and shared with the Arkansas Crime Information Center. Those records are separate from the county sheriff's records. Contact the Arkansas State Police for trooper-specific records. Newport Police handle DUI arrests inside the city limits.
The Jackson County Sheriff's page provides contact information and department details for the Newport, Arkansas law enforcement agency.
Second Judicial District Circuit Court
Jackson County is served by the Second Judicial District Circuit Court. The circuit court office is at 208 Main Street, Newport, AR 72112. The court phone is (870) 523-7420. This court handles criminal felonies and misdemeanors, civil cases over $25,000, domestic relations, probate, and juvenile matters. DWI charges, whether misdemeanor or felony, go through this court.
The circuit court clerk maintains the official record of all DUI and DWI cases filed in Jackson County. You can look up cases online using the Arkansas CourtConnect portal. Search by the defendant's name or case number. DWI and DUI cases appear under criminal filings. Results show the charge, filing date, court dates, judge, and case status. Cases from before January 2009 may show limited detail online under Administrative Order 19.
Court documents available through the circuit clerk include the original charge information, any motions filed, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and probation terms. If the court ordered the defendant to complete alcohol treatment or attend an education program, that will also appear in the case file. These records are public unless the case was sealed or expunged.
To get paper copies, contact the circuit clerk at 208 Main Street in Newport. Bring the case number if you have it. Copy fees apply. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. The clerk will not give legal advice but can confirm whether a case exists and what documents are on file. For online fine payments, check the Arkansas Court Payment portal.
DWI Penalties in Arkansas
Arkansas DWI law (ACA § 5-65-103) applies throughout Jackson County. The 0.08% BAC threshold applies to adult drivers. An officer can also charge DWI based on observed impairment without a BAC reading in some cases. A first-offense DWI brings up to one year in jail, a fine between $150 and $1,000, and a six-month license suspension. Arkansas does not allow plea bargaining on DWI counts.
The 10-year lookback period means prior DWI offenses within the last 10 years count as priors. Second offense: 7 days to one year jail, up to $3,000 fine, 24-month suspension. Third offense: 90 days to one year jail, up to $5,000 fine, 30-month suspension. Fourth or later within 10 years is a felony, carrying one to six years in prison and a four-year license revocation.
For drivers under 21, the DUI threshold under ACA § 5-65-303 is just 0.02% BAC. First offense brings a 90-day suspension, fine, community service, and alcohol education. There is no plea bargaining for underage DUI. A second offense brings a one-year suspension. A third offense can revoke the license until age 21 or three years, whichever is longer.
Implied consent law (ACA § 5-65-202) requires all drivers to submit to chemical testing when lawfully stopped. Refusing the test means a 180-day license suspension for a first refusal. Second refusal within five years brings a two-year suspension. The refusal is admissible as evidence of guilt. Officers must advise the driver of the right to an independent test at the driver's own expense.
License Records and Statewide Searches
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration handles administrative license suspensions after DWI arrests in Jackson County. This process runs parallel to the criminal court case. The DFA Driver Control office is at (501) 682-1631 or Drivercontrol@dfa.arkansas.gov. It handles reinstatement, ignition interlock requirements, and license status. The DFA DUI/DWI page covers the reinstatement process in detail.
For state prison inmate searches covering felony DWI convictions, use the Arkansas Department of Correction inmate search. It is free and searchable by name. It covers people serving time in state facilities, not county jails. For county jail status, call the Jackson County Detention Center directly at (870) 523-5842.
Criminal background checks that include DWI convictions are available through the Arkansas State Police background check system. A name-based check costs $22 and requires written consent from the subject. The Arkansas Crime Information Center at (501) 618-8000 maintains statewide criminal history data. Crash reports from DUI-related accidents are available at crashreports.ark.org for $10 per report.
Making Records Requests
To request DUI arrest records from the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, submit a written FOIA request to 3300 Theater Drive, Newport, AR 72112, or email the department at rbrinsfield@jacksonsheriff.org. The request should identify the subject by name and approximate arrest date. The agency has three business days to respond. Copy fees are limited to actual duplication costs. No residency requirement applies.
For court records, contact the circuit clerk at 208 Main Street, Newport, AR 72112, or call (870) 523-7420. You can also search cases first on CourtConnect before visiting in person. The Arkansas Judiciary website lists all circuit court contacts. For CourtConnect help, the Administrative Office of the Courts is at (501) 410-1900 or (866) 823-5778.
MADD Arkansas at (501) 376-6100 provides victim services and monitors DUI court cases. Their office is at 10515 W Markham St, Little Rock. Legal aid organizations and the Arkansas Bar Association can provide referrals to DWI attorneys in Jackson County.
Nearby Counties
Jackson County borders several counties in northeast Arkansas. Cases near county lines may involve multiple jurisdictions.