- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
What are Arkansas Court Records?
With over 3 million residents, Arkansas operates a court system organized into three tiers: appellate courts (including the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals), circuit courts, and district courts. The state of Arkansas authorizes the use of the death penalty for capital murder or treason. Furthermore, Arkansas's court system manages a substantial caseload of over 1 million new cases, including civil and criminal matters. The public can access case records upon request, as they are considered public information. Court records in Arkansas include the following:
Docket Sheet
The docket sheet extensively tracks everything about a filed case from the start to the end.
Judgments and Orders
Judgments refer to a judge or jury's official decisions in a specific case. The court typically records and confirms these decisions, formally announcing the verdict. On the other hand, a court order is a formal document through which a judge's decisions, directives, or instructions are officially issued and implemented.
Transcripts
Transcripts are verbatim official records of court proceedings. They record everything said during a trial word for word. Transcripts are necessary as evidence for a motion or when appealing a decision. You need to contact the court clerk where the case was heard to get a copy of the transcripts.
Evidence
Both parties in legal proceedings are responsible for presenting physical evidence, such as objects and substances, and document-based evidence, such as records and reports obtained from police documentation, to support their respective arguments.
Court Minutes
This is a document containing the events in a court trial, such as recesses, testimonies, and official statements, alongside their time of occurrence.
Pleadings
Pleadings are statements that outline each party's requests to the court. These requests may include complaints, plea bargains, or motions.
Briefs
Briefs are documents that contain crucial factual details, pertinent laws, and the arguments put forth by the involved parties regarding the contested issues. Typically, legal counsel prepares these briefs for submission to the court, ensuring that all relevant information is outlined clearly and organized.
Types of Court Cases
Arkansas courts typically handle two types of cases: civil and criminal. Civil cases usually involve disputes between parties, while criminal cases revolve around crimes against the state. However, in both cases, the court's responsibility is to establish fault and identify any violated laws or rights.
Civil Cases
In Arkansas, a civil case usually involves a claim for money or property. The person who files the case is called the plaintiff, and the person being sued is the defendant. Civil cases begin when the plaintiff files a written complaint with the court stating the reason for the complaint against the defendant and asking for money to cover damages. Afterward, the defendant is formally served with a copy of the complaint, after which they typically respond by outlining their reasons for disputing the charges or asserting why they should not be liable for the damages or required to pay the amount claimed by the plaintiff. The defendant's answer may include a counterclaim or a complaint against the plaintiff related to the same situation. These written documents are called pleadings. Pleadings are not evidence but are the claims made during an argument between the parties. Common examples of civil cases include:
- Divorces
- Contract Disputes
- Landlord and tenant Disputes
Criminal Cases
When an alleged violation of state law occurs, the prosecuting attorney, acting on behalf of the people of Arkansas, will formally file a criminal complaint against the individual accused of breaking the law. The accused is usually referred to as the defendant. Note that a criminal complaint functions as an accusation and does not constitute evidence. The prosecuting attorney has to prove the accusations during proceedings. Should the defendant be found guilty, potential repercussions encompass fines, incarceration, or, in extreme cases, the death penalty.
Common examples of criminal cases include:
- Murder
- Domestic Violence
- Burglary
What Are the Different Courts in Arkansas?
Arkansas has a four-level court system made up of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, circuit courts in 28 judicial circuits, and state district courts in 41 districts. The system is funded through state appropriations along with county and city funding.
| Court Level | Court Name | Jurisdiction | Key Functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appellate | Arkansas Supreme Court | Statewide; seven justices | Highest court; hears appeals in major cases, handles original actions and writs, and supervises the court system. |
| Appellate | Arkansas Court of Appeals | Statewide; 12 judges | Hears appeals assigned to it by the Supreme Court, including many civil and criminal cases. |
| General Jurisdiction | Circuit Court | 28 judicial circuits | Trial court for felonies, major civil cases, domestic relations, probate, and juvenile matters; also hears appeals from district court. |
| Limited Jurisdiction | District Court | 41 districts | Handles misdemeanors, traffic offenses, DWI, preliminary criminal proceedings, small claims, and civil cases up to $25,000. |
How Many Federal Courts Are in Arkansas?
Arkansas has two federal district courts: the United States District Court for the Eastern District and the United States District Court for the Western District. The district courts have jurisdiction over civil cases involving citizens of different states where the amount in question exceeds $75,000. Additionally, they handle bankruptcy cases, patents, copyrights, and admiralty or maritime law. Furthermore, each federal district court in Arkansas includes a specialized bankruptcy court that manages bankruptcy proceedings. In case of appeal, decisions made by these district courts can be taken to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Eastern District has five judges, while the Western District has three. These judges are appointed by the U.S. President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
How Many Court Cases Are Filed Each Year in Arkansas?
Arkansas circuit and district courts received 1,126,992 case filings in 2024 and disposed of 963,743, a combined clearance rate of about 85.5%. Traffic and criminal cases make up roughly three-quarters of filings, and appellate filings are not included.
| Case Type | Annual Filings | % of Total | Common Offense/Subtype | Clearance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic | 432,895 | 38.4% | Traffic violations, traffic misdemeanors, and parking | 88.3% |
| Criminal | 412,787 | 36.6% | Misdemeanors, DWI, and felonies | 79.3% |
| Civil | 94,231 | 8.4% | Debt collection, contracts, and other civil claims | 79.6% |
| Small Claims | 4,936 | 0.4% | Small debt and property disputes | 46.5% |
| Domestic Relations | 44,779 | 4.0% | Divorce, custody, and support | 97.1% |
| Juvenile | 17,094 | 1.5% | Delinquency and dependency-neglect | 97.9% |
| Other | 120,270 | 10.7% | Probate, local ordinance and other violations, and district court appeals | 96.9% |
| Total | 1,126,992 | 100% | — | 85.5% |
How Do I Look Up Court Cases in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, court records include both case and administrative documents. These records contain specific information about a court case or administrative order issued by any Arkansas court. They provide details about the parties involved, the judge, case filings, charges, dispositions, upcoming events, and judgments. The Court clerk maintains court records at the location where the case was filed. Interested persons can request these records by contacting or visiting the court clerk's office. Most record requests can be granted within a day, provided the requester meets the requirements. However, certain records, such as transcripts, may take longer to process. In Arkansas, transcripts are only accessible through formal requests. To access such records, individuals must contact the court clerk where the case was filed to learn about the requirements and procedures for obtaining them.
Most Arkansas court records are available on the statewide ARcourts portal maintained by the Arkansas Judicial Branch. The portal contains case information on circuit court cases across the state and some district court cases. You can search court records on the portal using the case information or participants' details.
You can also find Arkansas court records on third-party websites. When using these sites, you need to provide the name of the person involved (unless they are a juvenile) and the expected location of the record, such as a city, county, or state.
Number of Active Judges — State & Federal
Arkansas judges serve on the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, circuit courts, and state district courts, and are chosen in nonpartisan elections. Federal cases are heard by judges of the Eastern and Western District Courts, who are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
| Court | Jurisdiction | Active Judges | Selection Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Supreme Court | Statewide; final appeals | 7 | Nonpartisan statewide election, 8-year terms |
| Arkansas Court of Appeals | Statewide; seven districts | 12 | Nonpartisan district election, 8-year terms |
| Circuit Court | General jurisdiction; 28 circuits | 126 | Nonpartisan circuit-wide election, 6-year terms |
| State District Court | Limited jurisdiction; 41 districts | 70 | Nonpartisan election, 4-year terms |
| U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Arkansas | Federal; eastern Arkansas | 5 | Presidential nomination and Senate confirmation; life tenure |
| U.S. District Court, Western District of Arkansas | Federal; western Arkansas | 3 | Presidential nomination and Senate confirmation; life tenure |
| Total Active Judges | — | 223 | — |
What Court Records Are Not Available to the Public in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, specific court records are restricted from public access by Arkansas Supreme Court administrative order 19. This limitation aims to protect the privacy of the involved parties. The restricted records primarily include the following:
- Social Security numbers
- specific asset and liability account numbers
- credit card details
- specific juvenile information
Average Case Processing Time & Clearance Rates
Processing times in Arkansas vary by case type: traffic and small claims cases usually close within weeks to a few months, while felony, civil, and contested family cases take longer. Times are estimated from national time-to-disposition benchmarks and Arkansas speedy-trial limits, and clearance rates are 2024 figures from the Administrative Office of the Courts.
| Case Type | Court Level | Average Processing Time | Description | Clearance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic & Parking | Limited Jurisdiction | ~30–60 days | Most citations are resolved by paying the fine or a single appearance in district court. | 88.3% |
| Small Claims | Limited Jurisdiction | ~2–4 months | Resolved by default judgment, settlement, or a short hearing in district court. | 46.5% |
| Misdemeanor Criminal | Limited Jurisdiction | ~4–8 months | Moves through arraignment and pretrial hearings, with most cases ending in a plea or dismissal. | 76.0% |
| Civil Cases | General Jurisdiction | ~9–15 months | Moves through pleadings, discovery, and motions; most cases settle or end before trial. | 90.2% |
| Domestic Relations | General Jurisdiction | ~6–12 months | Uncontested divorces finish faster than contested custody and property cases. | 97.1% |
| Felony Criminal | General Jurisdiction | ~6–12 months | Moves from charging to arraignment and plea negotiation, with a small share going to jury trial. | 105.0% |