Arkansas Circuit Court Records
Arkansas Circuit Court contained, maintained, and proceeded with all the data reports in the court throughout the state. Every county of the state has a different circuit court. There are 26 circuit courts in Arkansas state. Arkansas Circuit Court system is divided into the courts of general jurisdiction, Arkansas Circuit Court has five divisions, which are the civil, criminal, juvenile, domestic relations, and probate divisions.
They help in managing the caseload of the court. Even with the divisions, the judges still hear all cases assigned to the court. There are a bundle of case reports every year. For civil cases, the Circuit Court decides claims of over $25,000.
Duties of the circuit court
The duties of the circuit courts are looked after by the circuit clerks. The cases are categorized as criminal, civil, judiciary, and local cases which are reported in the circuit court.
The circuit clerks provide citizens with the data of the cases and all relevant licenses to the public. There are the following duties which are considered to be fulfilled by the circuit court.Â
Trial courts
Trial courts with general jurisdiction over most civil and criminal cases except those assigned to other courts. Cases which are categorized into the following types deal in the circuit court. The circuit court has to provide all the information and clearance to the citizens.
Handles appeals
Appeals from lower courts on specific matters. The appeals reported in the upper courts deal in the circuit court. If any party challenge the decision of the civil court the circuit court deals with all the appeals which are reports about these cases’ decisions.
Divided into five divisions
criminal, civil, probate, domestic relations, and juvenile. All these divisions deal in the circuit courts. Every year around 35000+ cases are reported in the circuit courts of these divisions. And the courts hear all these cases in the circuit courts.
Provide info and licenses
The circuit courts provide information on all cases which is under the custody of the courts. And provide all vital licences to the citizens of Arkansas state.
Civil Cases
Preside over civil lawsuits exceeding $100 in value. This can include contract disputes, property disagreements, and personal injury claims. All these types of cases deal in the circuit courts have exclusive jurisdiction over specific civil cases involving equity, such as enforcing contracts or preventing harm. The property rights and regulations of the contract which is decided by the two parties. The contract breach cases also deal in the circuit court.
Criminal Cases
Conduct trials for all felony offences and some misdemeanours. This includes serious crimes like theft, assault, and drug offences. The minor cases of these categories are not conducted in these courts. It deals in the lower courts of the state.
Appellate Jurisdiction
Hear appeals from lower courts on specific matters. This allows for a review of rulings made in courts with more limited jurisdiction. The review of the previous cases is heard in the lower courts.
Additional Responsibilities
Circuit courts may also impanel grand juries to investigate potential criminal activity and issue indictments.
Depending on the specific court, they might have the authority to issue certain legal orders, like restraining orders in domestic violence cases. These cases also deal in the circuit courts. The circuit clerks hear all these duties.
Read More: Arkansas Supreme Court
Information included in circuit court records
The county circuit court of the state provides the following information on the cases reported in the circuit courts.
Parties involved
The parties involved in the case. The names of these parties and as well as the address of their residence. It is the general information regarding the parties of the case. The ID card number is also included in this information.
Cause of action
Reason of the cases under the lawsuit in civil cases and charges imposed by the court in criminal cases. It shows brief information on all these categories.
Court filings and orders
The filing of the case in the court the relevant documents and info of the case. And the orders of the courts for these cases.
Witness testimonies
There are witnesses in every case who look at the legal proceedings of the court. Sometimes the case is reported by others who are not involved in the case in this case they are witnesses of the court hearing.
Judge’s decisions
The decisions of the case which is sentenced by the judge of the court.it shows the current status of any case whether the case is dismissed or under the trials of the court.
Judge appointed
The judge appointed for the case hearing. This information is also included in the record.
Documents
All the relevant documents are attested with the case file. Here are some documents which generally included in the case.
- Pleadings (complaints, answers, etc.)
- Motions
- Evidence
- Transcripts
- Judge’s orders
- Final judgments
Note: The specific information and documents vary in different cases. (case type).
Fee imposed for circuit court records
Circuit court fees
| Service | Charges ($) |
|---|---|
| Court Cases | $165.00 (new)$50.00 (reopening) |
| Judgments/LisPendens | $15.00 for first page ($5.00 each additional page) |
| Probate Case | $165.00 |
| Writs/Executions | $20.00 |
| Probate Summons | $5.00 |
| Reopen Probate Case | $50.00 |
| Small Estates | $25.00 |
| Authenticated Certification | $5.00 |
| Writs/Executions | $20.00 |
Note: these charges may vary in every county of Arkansas state.
Access to Arkansas circuit court records
The circuit court entertained all the inquiries of the data which is under its custody. The custodians’ offices provide all the information on the records if you want to attain the record you can go for these methods.
OnlineÂ
It is the most convenient and easy way to access the record. Every county of the state has a separate circuit court portal where you can apply to access the whole data, information, or copy of the record.
After paying the service fee you can obtain your desired information or a copy of the record. Arkansas Judiciary
It requires basic information about the case
- Case type
- Case record date
- Case ID
Visit circuit court
In Arkansas state, every county of the state has its different circuit court which provides all the information on the record. There are 28 circuit courts in the state. For this, you need to visit the county clerk’s office. after providing the case information you can obtain the record of the case. There are some fees involved in this service charged by the custodians of the record.
Here are some Arkansas counties’ clerks’ offices.
| County | Division | Address | Phone Number |
| Baxter | 16th | POBox1449, Mountain Home, AR 72654 | (870) 425-5100 |
| Benton | 20th | 111 SE Bentonville,72712 | (479) 271-1000 |
| Craighead | 3rd | 1100 Turner St, Jonesboro, AR 72401 | (870) 935-4531 |
| garland | 11th | 100 W Markham St, Hot Springs, AR 71901 | (501) 321-6700 |
| Pulaski | 6th | 500 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201 | (501) 375-2400 |
| Sebastian | 12th | PO Box 2298, Fort Smith, AR 72902 | (479) 784-2500 |
| Washington | 3rd | 1 E Center St, Fayetteville, AR 72701 | (479) 571-3240 |
| White | 17th | PO Box 1311, Searcy, AR 72145 | (501) 268-1100 |
| Yell | 10th | 100 W Main St, Danville, AR 72833 | (479) 495-2241 |
| Saline | 18th | PO Box 1729, Benton, AR 72001 | (501) 776-0500 |
Conclusion
We discussed how Arkansas Circuit court records are maintained and processed by the county clerk’s office in the state. Duties of the circuit court we briefly explained this section. Moreover, the information contains by the circuit court record. The fee is imposed by the custodians to provide the information and copy of the record. If you are looking to reach out to this record we explained the methods and the procedure of application to receive the record. Also provided the addresses of different county clerks’ houses in the state.
FAQs
- How many circuit courts are in Arkansas?
There are 28 Circuit Court districts in Arkansas. Which provides the records of cases.
- What circuit court is Arkansas in?
Arkansas itself isn’t located within a single circuit court district. The state is divided into 28 districts.
- How do I look up someone’s criminal record in Arkansas?
Search online through the Arkansas State Police or Circuit Court Clerk’s offices (each county has one). In-person visits are the most reliable method.
- How do I track a court case in Arkansas?
Use the Arkansas Judiciary’s Search ARCourts or check the relevant Circuit Court Clerk’s website.
- Are court transcripts public record in Arkansas?
Generally yes, but some restrictions may apply. Contact the Circuit Court Clerk’s office for details.
- How do I find a will in Arkansas?
Circuit Court Probate Division might hold the will. Contact the relevant Circuit Court Clerk’s office or search probate records online (availability varies by county).
