Craighead County Court Docket
Craighead County court docket records span both county seats, with Circuit Clerk offices in Jonesboro and Lake City handling civil, criminal, domestic relations, and probate case filings for the county. This page explains how to search Craighead County court cases online, where to go for documents, what different courts handle, and what to expect when requesting copies.
Craighead County Court Records Overview
Search Craighead County Court Records Online
The Search ARCourts portal provides free online access to Craighead County court docket records. The portal lets you search by party name, case number, or date. Results include case summaries, the names of all parties, filing dates, and a full docket sheet tracking every event in the case. Craighead County participates fully in the CourtConnect system, so records from both the Jonesboro and Lake City courthouses are available through a single search.
Full participation in CourtConnect means you get complete case data, not just summary statistics. Civil cases, criminal cases, domestic relations filings, and probate matters are all searchable. The docket sheet shows every motion filed, every hearing scheduled, and every order entered. If you're trying to track an active case, the online portal updates within one business day of most court events.
For records that predate electronic filing, you'll need to visit or contact the Circuit Clerk's office at the relevant courthouse. Staff can search older paper indexes and pull archived files on request.
Craighead County Circuit Clerk Offices
Craighead County has two Circuit Clerk offices because it has two county seats. The Jonesboro office is at 511 South Main Street, Jonesboro, AR 72401, phone (870) 933-4530. The Lake City office is at 113 Cobean Boulevard, Lake City, AR 72437, phone (870) 237-4142. Both offices handle circuit court records for their respective districts. When a case is filed, it goes to the courthouse in the district where the matter arose or where venue is proper.
Both offices are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. The Circuit Clerk maintains case files for civil, criminal, domestic relations, and probate matters. The office also serves as the ex-officio recorder of deeds, keeping land records for the county. So you can record a deed or pull a court file at the same office.
If you're unsure which courthouse has the case you're looking for, the Search ARCourts portal shows the filing location in the case record. You can also call either office and they can direct you to the right location. For most Craighead County residents, the Jonesboro office is closer since Jonesboro is the county's main city.
Note: Always confirm office hours before visiting, as holidays and occasional staff shortages can affect availability.
Craighead County Circuit Court Case Types
The Craighead County Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction for the county. It handles the most serious legal matters that arise in the county. Felony criminal cases, which can result in sentences of over a year, are heard in Circuit Court. This includes crimes such as drug offenses, theft, assault, and other serious charges. Each step of the criminal process, from the initial charges through sentencing, is documented in the court docket.
Civil cases above $25,000 are Circuit Court matters. This includes business disputes, personal injury lawsuits, contract cases, and property conflicts. Jonesboro is a significant regional city in northeast Arkansas, so Craighead County Circuit Court handles a higher volume of civil litigation compared to many rural Arkansas counties. Domestic relations filings, including divorce, custody, child support, and protective orders in serious cases, are also filed in Circuit Court.
Probate matters come before the Circuit Court in its probate capacity. Estate administration, will contests, guardianships, and conservatorships are all probate filings. Craighead County also has active juvenile court proceedings, though those records are sealed from public view. Appeals from District Court decisions are heard by Circuit Court as well.
Craighead County District Court
The Craighead County District Court has divisions in both Jonesboro and Lake City, serving the whole county at the lower court level. District Court handles traffic citations, misdemeanor criminal charges, small claims cases, and civil matters up to $25,000. It also serves as the court of first appearance for people arrested in Craighead County before felony matters move to Circuit Court.
District Court records for Craighead County are available through the Search ARCourts portal. You can look up traffic ticket status, misdemeanor case history, and civil filings for both divisions. Online payment for eligible traffic citations may be available. Check the Arkansas Courts online services page for payment options. If a citation requires a mandatory court appearance, online payment won't be offered as an option.
The District Court is often the entry point into the court system for many Craighead County residents. If you receive a citation or summons, it will say on the notice which court you need to appear before. Don't ignore court notices. Failing to appear can lead to additional charges, fines, or a warrant for your arrest.
Requesting Copies of Court Records
You can request copies of Craighead County court documents from the Circuit Clerk's office at either the Jonesboro or Lake City courthouse. For in-person requests, bring the case name and number and visit during regular business hours. For mail requests, write to the appropriate office, include the case information and the specific documents you need, and enclose a check for the estimated fees.
Plain copies are $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost $5 per document and carry the official court seal, making them suitable for legal use such as property transactions or court proceedings in other jurisdictions. Summons fees are $2.50 each. Writs cost $20. Filing a new case costs $165 for the standard circuit court fee, though this varies by case type. The clerk can tell you the exact fee for a specific filing type.
Many documents are available through the Search ARCourts portal at no cost. Docket sheets and case summaries can often be viewed and printed online. For actual pleadings, motions, and court orders from the case file, you'll need to request copies through the clerk's office. Electronic copies are sometimes available and may reduce the per-page cost compared to paper copies.
Arkansas FOIA and Public Access
Court docket records in Craighead County are public records under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act of 1967. Anyone can request access to court cases, docket sheets, and filed documents. No special authorization is needed and no reason is required. The clerk's office must respond to records requests promptly under state law.
Records that are not public include juvenile case files, adoption records, sealed criminal records, and cases restricted by court order. The clerk will redact sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data from any copies provided. For more detail on FOIA rights in Arkansas, see the Arkansas FOIA procedures guide. If a request is denied, you can appeal the denial, starting with a written appeal to the head of the office.
Electronic Filing in Craighead County
Attorneys practicing in Craighead County Circuit Court cases are required to file electronically through the Arkansas electronic filing system. This platform allows document submission, fee payment, and automated notices around the clock. E-filed documents are added to the case file quickly and appear in the CourtConnect system almost immediately after acceptance. This is why the online docket in Craighead County tends to be current and comprehensive.
Self-represented litigants may use the e-filing system in some cases. Those who cannot file electronically may still file paper documents at either Circuit Clerk office. Staff will scan paper documents into the case management system after receipt. The Arkansas Court Kiosk at each courthouse also allows self-service case lookups without staff help.
Federal Court Records and Craighead County
Federal cases involving Craighead County are handled in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. Federal jurisdiction includes cases arising under federal law, civil rights matters, bankruptcy, and disputes between out-of-state parties above the jurisdictional amount. Jonesboro residents and businesses who are involved in federal litigation will find those records in the federal court system, not in the Arkansas state court records.
Federal court documents are accessed through PACER at pacer.gov. There is a per-page fee. For information on getting copies of federal court records, see the Eastern District's document request page. Bankruptcy filings for Craighead County residents are also in the federal system and searchable through PACER.
Legal Resources in Craighead County
Craighead County residents who need legal help have several options. Legal Aid of Arkansas and the Center for Arkansas Legal Services serve people who qualify based on income. Both handle civil legal matters. Contact them to see if you're eligible and what types of cases they assist with in your area.
The Arkansas Bar Association's referral service can help you find a private attorney in or near Jonesboro. Craighead County has a significant legal community due to Jonesboro's size as a regional city. Many attorneys offer free consultations. For court forms and general self-help information, the Arkansas Courts online services page and the full Arkansas Courts website are both useful starting points.
Note: Arkansas State University is located in Jonesboro, and the ASU School of Law may have legal clinics or resources for certain types of matters. Check their website for current offerings.