Hempstead County Public Records
Hempstead County public records are held by several offices in Hope, Arkansas. The county clerk, circuit clerk, assessor, and sheriff each maintain distinct sets of documents that cover court cases, property data, vital records, and arrest logs. Most offices are open Monday through Friday. This page explains what each office holds, who to contact, and how to search or request records in person, by mail, or online. A free statewide court search tool is also available at no cost.
Hempstead County Records Overview
Hempstead County Circuit Clerk Records
The Hempstead County Circuit Clerk is located at 400 S. Washington Street, Hope, AR 71801. Phone: (870) 777-6161. Fax: (870) 777-6940. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Kim Harrison serves as Circuit Clerk. This office is the ex-officio county recorder and clerk of the civil, domestic relations, criminal, and juvenile courts.
Court records held here include civil case filings, criminal case histories, divorce records, child support files, and juvenile court records. The Circuit Clerk also records land documents including deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, and plats. Land recording fees are $15.00 for the first page and $5.00 for each additional page. The Real Property Transfer Tax is $3.30 per $1,000 of consideration on sales over $100.
Certified copy fees are $5.00 per document. New civil or domestic filings carry a court fee of $165.00. Summons and subpoenas cost $2.50 per person. You can visit the office in person to search records or submit a written request by mail. For free statewide court searches, visit Arkansas CourtConnect.
Note: Under Arkansas Code 25-19-105, government agencies must respond to public records requests within three business days.
Hempstead County Clerk: Vital and Probate Records
The Hempstead County Clerk is at 400 S. Washington Street, Hope, AR 71801. Phone: (870) 777-2384. Fax: (870) 777-6940. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Cindy Bright is the County Clerk.
This office holds marriage licenses, probate court records, voter registration records, and official county government records. Marriage licenses cost approximately $60.00. Both parties must appear in person with valid photo ID and social security cards. There is no waiting period for adults 18 and older. Licenses are valid for 60 days from the date of issue.
Probate records maintained here cover decedent estates, guardianships, and adoptions. Adoption records are sealed under Arkansas law. Probate case filing fees run approximately $165.00. The County Clerk also keeps county court orders, DBA filings, quorum court minutes, and voter registration data. Copies are generally $1.00 per page. For a certified copy, expect a $5.00 certification fee on top of copy costs. Mail requests should include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment by money order.
Hempstead County Property Records
The Hempstead County Assessor is at 400 S. Washington Street, Hope, AR 71801. Phone: (870) 777-2224. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Pam Sutton serves as Assessor.
The screenshot below is from the Hempstead County Assessor page on ARCountyData.com, a free public portal for property searches.
The ARCountyData.com portal lets you search Hempstead County property records by owner name, parcel number, or address at no cost. Data includes assessed values, ownership history, legal descriptions, and tax information.
The Assessor values all real and personal property at 20% of market value. Real property is assessed from January 1 through July 1 each year. Personal property must be assessed from January 1 through May 31. Late filings carry a 10% penalty. The Assessor also administers the Amendment 79 homestead credit of up to $600 on property taxes for qualifying primary residences. Owners 65 and older or those who are 100% disabled may qualify for a freeze on their taxable value.
Hempstead County Arrest Records and Sheriff
The Hempstead County Sheriff's Office is at 400 S. Washington Street, Hope, AR 71801. Phone: (870) 777-6727. Fax: (870) 777-6123. Sheriff James Singleton leads the office. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking logs, incident reports, and the county jail roster for all individuals taken into custody in Hempstead County. Under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, these records are available to the public. You can submit a request in person at the office or send a written request by mail.
Arrest records are maintained for incidents within the county's jurisdiction. The Sheriff also handles civil process serving and operates the county detention facility. For background check needs that require fingerprinting, contact the Sheriff's Office for referral to the appropriate provider. The Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC) manages the statewide criminal history repository and handles formal background check requests through licensed providers.
Note: The Arkansas Department of Corrections maintains a statewide inmate search for individuals currently in state prison.
Hempstead County Tax and Collector Records
Property taxes in Hempstead County are collected from March 1 through October 15 each year. The Collector's office is at 400 S. Washington Street, Hope, AR 71801. Phone: (870) 777-2231. Kim Harrison holds a dual role as both Circuit Clerk and Tax Collector.
Property tax records, payment histories, and delinquent tax lists are public records in Arkansas. The county collector handles all real and personal property tax payments. Unpaid taxes can result in a tax lien and eventual sale. Tax records can be used to confirm ownership, check payment status, and research property transaction history.
State and county tax data is also accessible through the ARCountyData.com portal for Hempstead County at no charge. The Treasurer's office, held by Jimmie Strother, manages county funds and financial records.
Online Tools for Hempstead County Records
Several free tools let you search Hempstead County public records from home. Arkansas CourtConnect provides access to circuit court case information statewide. You can search by party name or case number. Not all older records are digitized, but most active cases and many older filings are available.
Property data is searchable free of charge at ARCountyData.com. The Arkansas Crime Information Center provides statewide criminal history access for authorized requests. The Arkansas Secretary of State maintains business entity records and UCC filings. For vital records such as birth and death certificates, contact the Arkansas Department of Health, which maintains those statewide.
FOIA requests to any Hempstead County office can be submitted in writing. The county is required by law to respond within three business days. There is no single online FOIA portal for the county; written requests delivered in person or by mail are the standard method.
Nearby County Records
Hempstead County borders several other southwest Arkansas counties. Each maintains its own records offices.