Drew County Court Docket Search
Drew County court docket records are filed with the Circuit Clerk in Monticello and cover civil, criminal, domestic relations, and probate cases handled by the county's courts. This page explains how to search the Drew County court docket online and in person, who to contact at the courthouse, what kinds of cases show up in the docket, and how to get official copies of filed documents.
Drew County Court Records Overview
Search Drew County Court Docket Online
Drew County Circuit Court participates fully in the Arkansas CourtConnect system. You can search the Search ARCourts portal at no charge for basic case details. The system lets you look up cases by party name, case number, attorney, or judge. Records go back to January 1, 2009, for most case types in the county.
To search, visit the CourtConnect portal and select "Drew" from the county drop-down menu. Enter the last name of a party or a case number. Results show the case type, filing date, party names, and the current status of the case. Selecting a case brings up the full docket sheet with a list of documents that have been filed. Document images may carry a fee and require an account, but the docket index is free to view.
Cases filed before January 2009 are not in the online system. You need to visit the Circuit Clerk's office in Monticello for those. The Arkansas Court Kiosk offers on-site self-service options at select courthouses, and the Arkansas Courts online services page links to all available digital tools.
Drew County Circuit Clerk Office
The Drew County Circuit Clerk is the official custodian of all Circuit Court records for the county. The clerk's office manages filings, issues certified copies, and maintains the docket. Court records are open for public inspection during regular business hours on weekdays.
Drew County Circuit Clerk
210 S Main St
Monticello, AR 71655
Phone: (870) 460-6200
When you visit the Drew County Courthouse in Monticello, staff can help you locate a case, confirm the existence of a record, and make copies. The clerk handles civil, criminal, domestic relations, and probate records. Bring the case number or the name of a party involved. Knowing the approximate year of filing speeds up the search process.
Copy fees are $0.50 per page for standard copies and $5.00 per certified document. Issuing a summons costs $2.50, and writs run $20.00. Filing a new civil case costs $165. These rates apply statewide under Arkansas court rules. The clerk cannot give legal advice, but staff can explain the filing process and point you to the right forms.
Case Types in the Drew County Court Docket
The Drew County Circuit Court is the county's trial court of general jurisdiction. It handles the widest range of case types in the local court system and maintains a public docket that is accessible through CourtConnect.
Cases in the Drew County Circuit Court docket include:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases with claims over $25,000
- Domestic relations cases including divorce, custody, and support
- Probate and estate administration
- Juvenile proceedings
- Appeals from District Court decisions
The Drew County District Court handles lower-level matters. Misdemeanor criminal charges, traffic violations, and civil claims up to $25,000 go to the District Court. Small claims cases are also there. The District Court is in Monticello. If you are looking for a traffic citation or a minor charge, contact the District Court directly since those records may not be fully visible in CourtConnect.
Note: Small claims cases have a $5,000 cap in Arkansas District Courts. For claims between $5,000 and $25,000, the District Court handles them under its civil jurisdiction. Claims above $25,000 must go to Circuit Court.
How to Get Drew County Court Records
Drew County court records are public under Arkansas law. You can access them through CourtConnect for recent cases, in person at the Monticello courthouse, or by mail if you are not able to visit.
For an in-person visit, go to 210 S Main St in Monticello. No appointment is needed. Provide the case number or a party name, and staff will pull the file. Payment for copies is due at the counter. Most requests are filled the same day unless the file is in off-site storage.
To request records by mail, write to Drew County Circuit Clerk, 210 S Main St, Monticello, AR 71655. Your letter should include the case number or party name, a description of the documents you need, and a check or money order for the copy fees. Add a return envelope with postage. Call (870) 460-6200 to confirm fees before sending your request.
The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act protects your right to inspect and copy most government records including court files. Most court records do not require a formal FOIA request, but citing FOIA in your request can help if you encounter any delays.
Drew County Court Filing Fees
Filing fees in Drew County follow the state schedule. The fee for a new civil case in Circuit Court is $165. This is the same across all Arkansas counties. Additional fees may apply during the life of a case for service of process, filings after the initial complaint, and certain hearings.
Document copy fees are $0.50 per page and $5.00 for certified copies. A summons costs $2.50 and writs of execution are $20.00. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for an in forma pauperis application. The court reviews income and waives fees for those who qualify under state standards. District Court fees are set separately and may differ from Circuit Court rates.
Electronic Filing Options in Drew County
Attorneys with cases in Drew County Circuit Court can use the Arkansas eFiling portal to submit documents and pay fees online. Electronic filings are linked to CourtConnect and appear in the public docket once processed by the clerk's office.
If you are not an attorney and want to file electronically, contact the Circuit Clerk's office to ask what is available for your case type. Some case types are open to eFiling by self-represented parties, while others still require paper filings at the courthouse. The clerk can tell you which category your case falls in.
Federal Court Records for Drew County
Federal cases involving Drew County are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. These include federal criminal prosecutions, civil rights actions under federal law, and bankruptcy proceedings. These records are not part of the Drew County docket and do not appear in CourtConnect.
To search and access federal case records, use the PACER system at pacer.uscourts.gov. For copies of documents from federal court, contact the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. Fees and procedures are different from the state system.