craighead county arkansas public records guide for residents

What you can find

From court dockets and land deeds to marriage licenses, tax rolls, and jail logs, Craighead County makes many public records accessible under Arkansas law. Offices in Jonesboro, including the County Clerk, Circuit Clerk, Assessor, and Sheriff, maintain different collections with varying update schedules.

How to request efficiently

Start by identifying the custodian: court matters usually live with the Circuit Clerk, while property and voter files sit with the County Clerk or Assessor. Submit a clear description, date ranges, and names; broad asks may slow responses. Arkansas’s Freedom of Information Act allows inspection unless an exemption applies, such as active investigations or protected personal data.

Practical tips

• Bring a photo ID and small fees for copies or certification.
• Check online portals first; many indexes are searchable at no charge.
• For genealogy, request older deed books and probate files by volume and page.
• Verify parcel numbers before pulling tax history to avoid look‑alike addresses.
• Ask about turnaround times and whether email delivery is available.

Respect privacy boundaries, cite your sources, and keep notes so repeat searches stay quick and accurate.