Dallas County Court Docket
Dallas County court docket records are filed and maintained by the Circuit Clerk in Fordyce, covering civil, criminal, domestic relations, and probate matters heard in the county's courts. This guide walks you through how to search the Dallas County court docket, reach the clerk's office, understand case types, and get copies of records you need.
Dallas County Court Records Overview
Search the Dallas County Court Docket Online
Dallas County Circuit Court participates fully in Arkansas's CourtConnect system. The Search ARCourts portal lets you look up case records at no charge for basic information. You can search by name, case number, attorney name, or the judge assigned to the case. The system covers records from 2009 forward for most case categories.
Start by selecting "Dallas" from the county list on the search page. Enter a party name or case number and the results show case type, filing date, current status, and parties. Clicking a case brings up the docket sheet with a list of filings. Document images may cost a fee and require a registered account, but basic docket information is free.
For older cases filed before January 2009, you need to visit the Circuit Clerk's office in Fordyce. Those records are not available through the online portal. The Arkansas Court Kiosk is another option for self-service access at courthouse terminals. The Arkansas Courts online services page lists all digital tools available statewide.
Dallas County Circuit Clerk Office
The Dallas County Circuit Clerk is the official keeper of all Circuit Court records in the county. The clerk's office handles case filings, issues certified copies, and manages the docket. You can visit in person, call, or write to get records from this office.
Dallas County Circuit Clerk
206 W 3rd St
Fordyce, AR 71742
Phone: (870) 352-3371
When you visit the Dallas County Courthouse in Fordyce, staff at the clerk's window can help you search for a case, confirm whether a record exists, and provide copies of docket sheets and filed documents. Court staff can tell you what forms to use and how to serve process, but they cannot give legal advice. If you need help understanding your case, contact an attorney or the local legal aid office.
Standard copy fees apply: $0.50 per page for plain copies and $5.00 for certified documents. A summons costs $2.50 to issue. Writs are $20.00. Filing a new civil case in Circuit Court costs $165. These fees are standard across Arkansas Circuit Courts.
Types of Cases in the Dallas County Docket
The Dallas County Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction. It handles cases that are too large or too serious for the District Court. All cases heard in Circuit Court are part of the public docket and searchable through CourtConnect unless sealed by court order.
The Circuit Court docket in Dallas County includes felony criminal cases, civil matters with claims exceeding $25,000, domestic relations cases such as divorce and custody, probate and estate administration, juvenile cases, and appeals from the District Court. Case files include all pleadings, motions, orders, and judgments from each proceeding.
The Dallas County District Court handles lighter matters. This court covers traffic violations, misdemeanor criminal charges, and civil claims up to $25,000. Small claims are also in the District Court. The District Court is in Fordyce. If you are searching for a ticket or a low-level criminal charge, contact the District Court directly because those records may not all be in CourtConnect.
Note: District Court records for Dallas County may have limited online availability. Call the District Court in Fordyce to verify what is accessible before making a trip.
Getting Copies of Dallas County Court Records
You can get Dallas County court records in three ways. Online is the easiest for current cases. In person at the courthouse in Fordyce works for any case, including older files. Mail requests take more time but can work if you are outside the area.
For in-person requests, visit the Circuit Clerk's office at 206 W 3rd St in Fordyce. Bring the case number or the full name of a party. If you know the approximate year, that helps narrow the search. Staff will pull the file and make copies while you wait in most cases. You pay the copy fee at the counter.
To request records by mail, send a written request to the Dallas County Circuit Clerk at 206 W 3rd St, Fordyce, AR 71742. State the case number or party name, specify what documents you need, and include a check or money order for the estimated fees. Add a return envelope with postage. Call (870) 352-3371 first to confirm fee amounts.
The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act protects your right to access most court records. You can cite FOIA in your request if you encounter any resistance, though most court records do not require a formal FOIA request to access.
Court Filing Fees in Dallas County
Fees for filing cases in Dallas County follow the Arkansas court fee schedule. The standard fee for opening a new civil case in Circuit Court is $165. This is set by state law and is the same in all Arkansas counties.
Other fees at the Circuit Clerk's office include $0.50 per page for photocopies, $5.00 for a certified copy, $2.50 for a summons, and $20.00 for writs of execution or other writs. If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can ask the clerk for a fee waiver application. The court reviews these requests based on income and will grant them when a person qualifies under state guidelines.
Electronic Filing for Dallas County Courts
Arkansas offers statewide electronic filing through the eFiling portal. Attorneys with active cases in Dallas County Circuit Court may use this system to submit documents and pay fees online. The system is connected to CourtConnect, so filed documents appear in the public docket once processed.
Self-represented parties should contact the Circuit Clerk's office to ask whether eFiling is available for their case type. Not all case categories support eFiling for pro se filers. The clerk can tell you what options are open to you and what forms are required.
Federal Court Records for Dallas County Residents
Cases that fall under federal jurisdiction are not part of the Dallas County court docket. Federal criminal cases, civil rights actions, and bankruptcy filings involving Dallas County residents go to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas or the Eastern District, depending on the matter.
Federal records are available through the PACER system. For physical copies of federal court documents, contact the U.S. District Court clerk's office directly. Federal records are separate from anything in the state CourtConnect system.