Find Court Docket Records in Desha County
Desha County court docket records are kept by the Circuit Clerk's office in McGehee and include civil, criminal, domestic relations, and probate cases filed in the county. This page covers how to search the Desha County court docket, where the clerk's office is, what types of cases the courts handle, and how to request copies of court documents.
Desha County Court Records Overview
Search Desha County Court Docket Online
The Arkansas judiciary provides online docket access through the CourtConnect portal. Desha County participates in CourtConnect, though the county provides partial information through the system, including case statistical data and basic docket entries. You can search free of charge using party name, case number, or attorney name.
To search Desha County records, open the CourtConnect portal and choose "Desha" from the county list. Type in a last name or case number and the system returns matching cases. You can see filing dates, case types, current status, and party information. Some document images may require a registered account and carry a per-page fee, while core docket information remains free.
Because Desha County provides partial data, some cases or document details may not show up online. If you need complete records, visit the Circuit Clerk's office in McGehee or call ahead to ask what is available digitally. The Arkansas Court Kiosk and the Arkansas Courts online services page offer additional tools for self-service access.
Note: Desha County's online docket participation is partial, so in-person requests at the McGehee courthouse may be necessary for full document access.
Desha County Circuit Clerk Office
The Circuit Clerk's office in McGehee handles all filings and official records for the Desha County Circuit Court. The clerk is your main contact for getting copies, confirming case status, or submitting new filings. The office is open on weekdays during regular courthouse hours.
Desha County Circuit Clerk
406 W Oak St
McGehee, AR 71654
Phone: (870) 222-0930
Staff at the clerk's office can search the docket by name or case number, provide copies of court documents, and direct you to the right courtroom or division. They handle civil, criminal, domestic relations, and probate records. If you need records from a specific case, come in with the case number or the full name of a party and the approximate year it was filed.
Copy fees are standard: $0.50 per page for plain copies and $5.00 for a certified document. A summons costs $2.50 and writs are $20.00. New civil case filings cost $165. The clerk's staff does not provide legal advice but can explain court procedures and direct you to the correct forms.
Types of Cases on the Desha County Docket
The Desha County Circuit Court serves as the general jurisdiction trial court for the county. It handles the broadest range of case types, from serious felony criminal matters to estate administration and family law proceedings.
Cases on the Desha County Circuit Court docket include felony criminal proceedings, civil matters involving claims over $25,000, domestic relations cases such as divorce, child custody, and support enforcement, probate and estate matters, juvenile cases, and appeals from the District Court. Each case generates a file with pleadings, orders, and judgments that are part of the public record.
The Desha County District Court handles lower-level cases. This court covers misdemeanor criminal charges, traffic violations, and civil claims up to $25,000. Small claims proceedings are also in the District Court. The District Court is in McGehee. If you are looking for a traffic ticket or a minor criminal matter, call the District Court directly since those records may have separate systems.
Requesting Desha County Court Records
Court records in Desha County are public under Arkansas law. You can request them online through CourtConnect for recent cases, in person at the McGehee courthouse, or by mail if you cannot visit in person.
For an in-person visit, go to the Desha County Circuit Clerk at 406 W Oak St in McGehee. Bring the case number or the full name of a party involved in the case. The clerk will search the docket and provide copies for the standard fee. Most requests are handled the same day.
Mail requests should be sent to Desha County Circuit Clerk, 406 W Oak St, McGehee, AR 71654. Include a written request with the case number or party name, what documents you need, and a check or money order for the fees. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope. Call (870) 222-0930 to estimate costs before sending payment.
The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act backs your right to access most public court records. If you encounter any issues, you can submit a formal FOIA request in writing to the clerk's office. The court has a defined time to respond and must explain any denials.
Court Fees in Desha County
Filing and copy fees in Desha County match the state schedule. A new civil case in Circuit Court costs $165 to file. Copies of court documents run $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $5.00 per document. Summons service costs $2.50 and writs are $20.00.
If you cannot pay the filing fee, the court has a process for fee waivers. Ask the clerk for an in forma pauperis application. The court will review your income and decide whether to waive the fee. District Court fees follow a separate schedule. Contact the District Court in McGehee to confirm current costs before filing a small claims case or paying a traffic fine.
Electronic Filing in Desha County
Arkansas provides statewide electronic filing through the eFiling portal. Attorneys with cases in Desha County Circuit Court can use this system to submit documents and pay fees without visiting the courthouse. Filings submitted through eFiling appear in the CourtConnect docket once the clerk processes them.
If you are representing yourself, contact the Desha County Circuit Clerk's office to ask which case types accept electronic filings from pro se parties. For some matters, paper filing at the courthouse is still required. The clerk can walk you through the current requirements.
Federal Court Records Involving Desha County
Federal cases involving Desha County residents or businesses are filed with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas, not with the county Circuit Court. Federal matters include federal criminal charges, civil rights lawsuits under federal law, and bankruptcy proceedings.
These records are not available through CourtConnect. Access federal court records through the PACER system at pacer.uscourts.gov. To get copies of federal documents, contact the Eastern District clerk's office directly. Fees and procedures are different from state court.