Arkansas Evidence Guide

Collecting and preserving evidence is crucial to support your case in situations involving domestic violence, abuse, or any legal matter requiring proof. The following outlines key types of evidence recognized under Arkansas law and best practices for documentation.

Photos and Injuries

Visual documentation through photographs is one of the most effective ways to capture physical injuries and environmental evidence. Take clear, well-lit photos of bruises, cuts, scratches, swelling, and any other visible injuries. Include timestamps or note the date and time when photos are taken.

Capture the surrounding environment if relevant, such as damaged property or weapons used. Use a ruler or coin in the photo to indicate size for reference.

Communications

Save any threatening or abusive communications including text messages, emails, social media posts, voicemails, and phone call records. Do not delete messages or calls that could serve as evidence. Preserve full conversations where possible to maintain context.

Screen capture or forward messages to a secure location. Ensure backups exist on multiple devices or cloud storage to prevent accidental loss.

Medical Documentation

Professional medical examinations provide authoritative documentation of injuries and health impacts. Obtain copies of hospital reports, physician notes, X-rays, and other diagnostic results.

Medical records can verify treatment dates and the severity of injuries, which are critical for legal and protective proceedings.

Police Reports

Law enforcement records are key evidence in many cases. Always request copies of police reports following an incident. These reports include officer observations, witness statements, and official incident details.

Accurately noting the case or report number expedites obtaining records and following up with authorities.

Pattern Documentation

Evidence of repeated behavior establishes patterns of abuse or harassment. Keep a detailed journal logging dates, times, descriptions of incidents, and any witnesses involved.

Include references to delayed effects or emotional impacts. Consistent patterns support credibility and further legal protection.

For comprehensive support and additional resources on handling evidence safely and effectively, visit dv.support.