Arkansas County Court Docket Records
Arkansas County maintains court docket records through the Circuit Clerk offices in both Stuttgart and DeWitt, covering civil, criminal, domestic relations, and probate cases filed in the Tenth Judicial District. This page explains how to search, access, and request copies of Arkansas County court records through online tools and in-person visits.
Arkansas County Court Records Overview
Search Arkansas County Court Docket Online
The fastest way to look up Arkansas County court docket records is through the Search ARCourts portal. This free tool lets you search by party name, case number, or attorney name. You can view docket entries, case status, and hearing dates without visiting the courthouse. The system is available around the clock for public searches.
Arkansas County participates in CourtConnect, the statewide electronic case management system. Through CourtConnect, you can find case initiation documents, motions, orders, and judgment records. Case statistical data is reported under Administrative Order 8. The system covers cases filed in recent years, with older paper records still stored at the courthouse.
For residents who prefer in-person access, public kiosks at the Arkansas County Courthouse provide free access to CourtConnect. Kiosk terminals are available during business hours in both Stuttgart and DeWitt. The kiosks also offer access to legal forms, video guides, and self-help materials for people who represent themselves in court.
The screenshot below shows the Search ARCourts portal, where you can look up Arkansas County Circuit Clerk records and case docket information.
Arkansas County Circuit Clerk Office
The Circuit Clerk is the official keeper of all court records in Arkansas County. The office is unique because the county has two seats of government. The Stuttgart courthouse serves the Eastern District, while DeWitt handles matters related to that area of the county. Both locations operate under the same Tenth Judicial District.
The Circuit Clerk's duties go well beyond filing papers. The office prepares summons, warrants, orders, judgments, and injunctions as directed by the Circuit Court. Staff also maintain the docket for each court session, issue subpoenas, and track all pending and closed cases. The office serves as ex-officio recorder of the county, meaning it also handles real property recording for deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements.
To reach the Arkansas County Circuit Clerk, you can call the county courthouse or visit in person during regular business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also find contact details at the official Arkansas County Circuit Clerk page. Staff can help you locate files, order copies, and understand the process for accessing restricted records.
Note: Juvenile records, adoption records, and sealed criminal case files are not available through public search tools or in-person requests without a court order.
Types of Cases in the Arkansas County Court Docket
The Arkansas County Circuit Court handles the full range of case types under Arkansas law. Criminal felony cases include charges for serious offenses where the state seeks incarceration of more than one year. Civil cases cover contract disputes, personal injury claims, and other matters where the amount at stake exceeds $25,000. Below the Circuit Court, the District Court handles smaller civil claims and misdemeanor offenses.
Domestic relations cases make up a large share of the Arkansas County court docket. Divorce filings, child custody orders, child support enforcement actions, and protective orders all fall under this category. Probate matters, which include estates, guardianships, and conservatorships, are also filed with the Circuit Clerk and appear on the court docket.
The Arkansas County District Court maintains its own docket for misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims disputes up to $25,000, and preliminary hearings for felony defendants. District Court records are separate from Circuit Court records but may also be accessible through the CourtConnect system. Traffic court in Arkansas County handles high volumes of citations and offers options to pay fines, contest charges, or complete defensive driving courses.
Filing Fees and Copy Costs in Arkansas County
Court filing fees in Arkansas County follow the state standard schedule. New case filings for domestic relations, civil matters, appeals, and foreign judgments cost $165. If you need to serve a defendant, summons and subpoenas are $2.50 per person. Writs cost $20 each. These fees apply at both the Stuttgart and DeWitt courthouse locations.
If you need copies of court documents, the cost is $0.50 per page for standard copies. Certified copies, which are needed for legal purposes such as refinancing or applying for benefits, cost $5 per document for up to 10 pages, with an additional $0.50 per page after that. For real estate recording, the fee is $15 for the first page and $5 for each page after the first.
Electronic filing is available for eligible document types through the Arkansas eFiling portal. Attorneys and self-represented parties can submit filings online. Same-day processing may be available for certain filing types. Check the portal for current eligibility rules and payment options.
Note: Fee waivers are available for qualifying low-income filers under Arkansas court rules. Ask the Circuit Clerk's office for information on how to apply.
Requesting Copies of Arkansas County Court Records
You can request copies of court records from the Arkansas County Circuit Clerk in three ways: in person, by mail, or through the online case search system. In-person requests are the fastest. Bring a case number or the full name of a party to help staff locate the file quickly. You will pay copy fees at the time of your visit.
Mail requests should be sent to the Circuit Clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse, Stuttgart or DeWitt, depending on which district handled the case. Include the case number, the name of the case, the year it was filed, and the specific documents you need. Enclose a check or money order for estimated copy fees and include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery. Processing times for mail requests can vary, so plan ahead if you need records for a deadline.
Older records from Arkansas County may be stored in courthouse archives or on microfilm. The Circuit Clerk's office maintains paper and electronic records. Cases filed in recent years are available through the electronic case management system, while records from before 2000 may require a special retrieval request. Some very old records have been transferred to the Arkansas State Archives for preservation.
Arkansas FOIA and Public Access to Court Records
Court records in Arkansas County are public under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. The FOIA, which took effect in 1967, gives people the right to inspect and copy public records. Court docket records are generally open to anyone. You do not need to state a reason for wanting the records.
Certain records are exempt from public access. Juvenile court records are confidential under state law. Adoption records are sealed. Mental health evaluations, protected witness information, and sealed criminal case files are also restricted. Administrative Order 19 from the Arkansas Supreme Court sets out specific rules about which court records are open and which are protected. Personal data such as Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from public copies.
If you believe a request for records was improperly denied, you can file a complaint or seek a court order. The Arkansas Courts online services page has information about the court system and your rights as a member of the public. Legal aid organizations can also help if you run into problems getting records you are entitled to see.
Federal Court Records for Arkansas County Residents
Not all cases filed by or against Arkansas County residents are in the county court system. Federal civil and criminal cases are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. This includes federal criminal charges, bankruptcy filings, civil rights cases, and disputes between parties from different states involving more than $75,000.
You can request copies of federal court documents through the Eastern District of Arkansas. Visit the Eastern District website to learn how to obtain copies of court documents and transcripts. Federal court records can also be searched through the PACER system, which charges a small per-page fee for document downloads. Basic case searches on PACER are free.
Legal Aid and Self-Help Resources in Arkansas County
If you cannot afford a lawyer, free and low-cost legal help is available. The Arkansas Access to Justice Commission funds legal aid programs throughout the state, including services for Arkansas County residents. Legal aid can help with civil matters such as family law, housing disputes, and consumer issues.
Self-represented litigants can use resources at the courthouse kiosk or online through the Arkansas Court Kiosk website. The site provides forms for common case types including divorce, child custody, record sealing, guardianship, and domestic violence protective orders. Video guides walk you through the filing process step by step. These tools do not replace a lawyer, but they can help you understand what to expect and how to fill out the right forms.
The Arkansas Courts website also has a self-help section with general information about the court system. You can find contact information for every court in the state, links to legal forms, and explanations of court procedures. For specific legal questions, always consult a licensed attorney.
Child Support Records in Arkansas County
The Arkansas County Circuit Clerk handles child support payments for cases filed in circuit court. All payments must be processed through the Circuit Clerk's office under Arkansas law. You can pay by check or money order made out to the custodial parent. Cash payments are not accepted through the clerk's office.
Payment records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk and are available to both the custodial and non-custodial parent with proper identification. Payment histories document every transaction and can be used in court if disputes arise. If you are unsure how to make payments or need a payment history, contact the Circuit Clerk's office directly during business hours.