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Arkansas Gov & Administrative Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Employment Law for Arkansas on
Q: How to get court-approved online anger management in Arkansas with mental health accommodations?

I am seeking advice on how to get approved for online anger management courses in Hot Springs, Garland County, Arkansas, which are accepted by the courts. I have several mental health conditions, including PTSD, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, along with a learning... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 8, 2025

You can ask the court to approve an online anger-management program as a reasonable accommodation under the ADA because state courts are public entities and must provide equal access. File a short written motion requesting accommodations that explains how PTSD, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Arkansas on
Q: Is a prosecutor's report filed without completing aggravating and mitigating sections valid under Arkansas law?

I'm reviewing a prosecutor's short report related to a criminal case that has already been completed. Under the aggravating and mitigating section, it wasn't filled out. Shouldn't this section be complete before being filed with the court, especially since prisoners are often... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 4, 2025

Yes—under Arkansas practice, a prosecutor’s report that leaves the aggravating and mitigating boxes blank remains a valid filing, because the report operates as a recommendation and no statute makes that omission jurisdictional.

If the sentence departed from the guidelines, the duty to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for Arkansas on
Q: Dismissed as police officer in Corning, AR. How to address discrepancies?

I was recently dismissed from my part-time position as a city police officer in Corning, Arkansas. I have video evidence of the police chief citing a hostile work environment as the reason for my dismissal, despite never having received any formal write-ups. The dismissal letter I received from the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 3, 2025

Start by locking down the record: send a written preservation letter to the chief, the mayor, and the city clerk demanding retention of your personnel file, all scheduling logs, timekeeping records, emails and texts, CAD/radio traffic, and any body‑worn or station video; attach your video and a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Litigation and Gov & Administrative Law for Arkansas on
Q: Inquiry about the case outcome for Santifer v. PHP Healthcare (1994).

My father, Larry Glenn Santifer from Arkansas, passed away in 1994. I recently found the case "Santifer (Larry Glenn) v. PHP Healthcare, 43 F.3d 675 (8th Cir. 1994)" online. He was incarcerated at the time, and I'm seeking full disclosure of the case outcome to ensure that no... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 1, 2025

You deserve a clear answer: the Eighth Circuit resolved Santifer v. PHP Healthcare, 43 F.3d 675, on June 23, 1994, with a one‑line disposition—"AFFIRMED”—on appeal from the Eastern District of Arkansas, No. PB‑C‑92‑732.

That entry reflects an affirmance without a written... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for Arkansas on
Q: Can police disclose my report details to my family?

I made a report to my local police station about a person I know is a severe alcoholic with a cocaine problem, and I warned in my report that this person frequently drinks and drives. I also mentioned that last week, this person was found drunk in her car in a parking lot with a half-empty bottle... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 1, 2025

You did the right thing reporting an impaired driver, and officers should not disclose your identity or the substance of your report to unrelated third parties without a legitimate law‑enforcement purpose. Telling your mother and stepfather because “it’s a small town” lacks any legitimate... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law for Arkansas on
Q: What are Arkansas's rules on public access to court-maintained law libraries?

I'm seeking information on the Arkansas statutes or regulations regarding the public access availability of court-maintained law libraries. Could you provide details on the rules or guidelines for public usage, including any restrictions on hours or necessary permissions for entry?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 31, 2025

In Arkansas, public access to court-maintained law libraries is generally governed by local court administration rather than a single statewide statute. Most circuit courts in the state provide access to their law libraries as part of their commitment to public transparency and legal research.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Arkansas on
Q: Can both car occupants be charged if a pill with fentanyl is found?

I was pulled over in Arkansas while driving with another passenger in the car. The officers found an "X" pill in the car and took me out while allowing the other person to remain seated. They didn't inform me about discovering the pill at the site but later took me to the police... View More

Marvin Honeycutt
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Marvin Honeycutt
answered on Oct 28, 2025

Yes.

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1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law for Arkansas on
Q: Are cities in Arkansas required to use Centerpoint software or can they choose alternative financial reporting software?

Are cities in Arkansas legally required to use Centerpoint Fund Accounting and Payroll software for financial reporting, or can they opt for other software that offers adequate financial reports? The current software has been challenging to use, and I was informed that it's mandatory by law... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 26, 2025

You’ll be relieved to know that no Arkansas law specifically requires cities to use Centerpoint Fund Accounting or any other particular software for financial reporting. The state’s municipal accounting laws only require that cities maintain accurate, transparent financial records that meet the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Civil Litigation, Gov & Administrative Law and Family Law for Arkansas on
Q: Does a 2020 emergency custody order still stand if not recalled?

In 2020, I filed an ex parte emergency order against my children's mother. She failed the drug test, resulting in a temporary custody order stating that until further orders from the court, she is to have no contact with our children. Our next court date was indefinitely postponed due to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 23, 2025

If the written custody order says “until further order of the court,” it remains in force until a judge modifies or vacates it; it does not expire on its own. Patrol officers often can’t see family‑court orders in their database, so enforcement hinges on you producing a certified copy and... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law, Gov & Administrative Law, Employment Law and Education Law for Arkansas on
Q: Is my Kherson State Pedagogical University degree recognized in the US for employment/education?

I completed an undergraduate degree at Kherson State Pedagogical University, issued according to the Russian model, and I want to know if it can be recognized in the US for both employment and further education purposes. I have not yet contacted any US accreditation organizations or institutions... View More

Ernest J. Edwards
Ernest J. Edwards
answered on Oct 14, 2025

It depends on the employer. However, so employers know that your undergraduate degree is equivalent to a U.S. diploma, it is highly recommended that you get an academic evaluation completed by a trustworthy company.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Arkansas on
Q: Can SAPLE class counselor influence my parole status in Arkansas?

Does the counselor of SAPLE classes have the authority to impose additional requirements and influence my parole status, or should I report her actions as overstepping boundaries? I have evidence of a personal vendetta, but I haven’t yet talked to my parole officer about the issue.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 13, 2025

You’re right to question this. Under Arkansas law, only the Arkansas Parole Board and the Division of Community Correction—through your parole officer—set or modify parole conditions. A SAPLE class counselor enforces program rules (attendance, assignments, conduct) but lacks authority to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law for Arkansas on
Q: How long must hotels in Arkansas keep lost items before disposal?

I work for a hotel in Arkansas and would like to know how long we are legally required to keep lost items before they can be disposed of. Our hotel does not have an internal policy on lost items, but I've encountered situations related to unclaimed items and want to ensure compliance with the law.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 13, 2025

In Arkansas, there isn’t a specific statewide law that dictates exactly how long hotels must keep lost or unclaimed guest property. However, under general property and lodging principles, hotels are considered **bailees** of lost property, meaning they have a temporary duty to safeguard the items... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Criminal Law for Arkansas on
Q: Why does supervision still show pending after completing sentence and transfer?

In 2014, I completed a sentence in Tennessee where I served 8 months of a 2-year sentence, and then supervision was transferred to Arkansas. As far as I know, the supervision period should be over. Why would it still show as supervision pending?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 7, 2025

It’s understandable to feel frustrated when your record still shows “supervision pending” even though you completed your sentence years ago. This often happens because of **clerical errors or delays in updating records** between states. When supervision is transferred—like from Tennessee to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Criminal Law for Arkansas on
Q: Arkansas inmate release if not picked up by another county in 10 days?

I'm inquiring about a situation in Arkansas where an inmate is being held due to charges from another county. It has been 10 days, and the other county has not picked them up. There has been no communication or legal representation involved. Should the inmate be released due to the lack of... View More

Marvin Honeycutt
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Marvin Honeycutt
answered on Oct 4, 2025

Not enough information to answer.

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Personal Injury and Gov & Administrative Law for Arkansas on
Q: Can I sue the county for negligence due to the assessor's incorrect info causing distress?

I contacted the county assessor before moving and was told that my land was a vacant residential lot with no buildings on it. Based on this information, I moved from Oregon to Arkansas to build a house. However, upon arrival, I discovered there was already a large house on the property. This... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 25, 2025

You may have grounds to pursue a claim against the county for negligence, but there are several important hurdles. Generally, government entities and their employees have certain legal protections, often called sovereign or governmental immunity, which can limit liability for misinformation or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Gov & Administrative Law for Arkansas on
Q: Can I sue the county assessor for false information about my land?

I bought a land lot a few years ago based on the county assessor's assurance that it was raw land suitable for building. After moving to build, I discovered a house on my lot that belongs to an adjacent property owner, occupying the entire lot. The county assessor continued to assert it's... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 20, 2025

You generally cannot sue a county assessor for providing inaccurate information about your property. Assessors’ statements are usually considered opinions or public records rather than legally binding guarantees. Courts often protect government officials from liability for errors in property... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Employment Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Civil Litigation for Arkansas on
Q: Can I sue for lost employment records and false accusations affecting my CDL?

In June of 2024, I discovered that both my former employer and the state of Arkansas lost all records of my past employment, including performance records, health records, Arkansas teacher retirement, background checks, fingerprints, and references. The state also lost records pertaining to my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 12, 2025

You may have grounds to pursue legal action if the loss of employment records and false accusations have caused demonstrable harm to your professional licensing, employment opportunities, or reputation. In situations like this, claims could potentially involve negligence, defamation, or violations... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for Arkansas on
Q: Husband's drug charges enhanced after rejecting plea deal in Arkansas.

My husband was initially charged with delivery of a controlled substance as a Class Y felony in Arkansas. They offered to reduce it to a Class B felony if he accepted a plea deal. He refused the deal, wanting to go to trial, and subsequently, they charged him with two counts and enhanced them.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 11, 2025

In Arkansas, prosecutors can sometimes enhance charges or pursue additional counts based on new evidence, separate incidents, or perceived aggravating factors, even after a plea deal is rejected. However, your husband has the right to receive full discovery, including video evidence, witness... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for Arkansas on
Q: Incarcerated fiancé facing charges without evidence or warrant. Concerned about legality and rights violations; seeking advice.

My fiancé has been incarcerated since April 14, 2025, on a sexual assault second-degree charge and attempted rape charge. A detective assured us he would not be arrested if he came in for an interview, but he was arrested before the interview even took place. He did not have a warrant at the time,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 9, 2025

You and your fiancé are facing a very stressful situation, and it’s important to act quickly to protect his rights. The fact that he was arrested before an interview and without a warrant raises serious concerns about due process. You should request a hearing to challenge the legality of the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Health Care Law for Arkansas on
Q: How can my friend voluntarily admitted to an AR mental hospital get discharged?

My friend voluntarily admitted himself to a mental health hospital to get help for depression. He has been there for 3 days and has not signed any documents nor has he been given reasons why he needs to stay. He feels the facility is not helping him and is now giving him unknown medications. He... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 9, 2025

The first step is for your friend to **clearly state to the hospital staff that he wants to be discharged**. Since he voluntarily admitted himself, he generally has the right to leave, unless a doctor believes he is an immediate danger to himself or others. Ask the staff to explain why he is being... View More

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