Fulton County, AR Courts and Public Records
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The Fulton County Circuit Court in Salem hears felony, civil, domestic relations, juvenile, and probate cases for the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit. District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic, small claims, and local ordinance cases.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Fulton County Circuit Court (Sixteenth Judicial Circuit) |
| Main Address | P.O. Box 219, Salem, AR 72576 |
| Main Phone | 870-895-3310 |
| Website | arcourts.gov |
| Judicial Officers | 4 circuit judges in the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, Divisions 1 to 4 |
| Courthouse Locations | 2 (Salem) |
| Handles | Felonies, civil, domestic relations, juvenile, and probate matters in Circuit Court; misdemeanors, traffic, small claims, civil matters, and local ordinance cases in District Court |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for Arkansas), appeals (Arkansas Court of Appeals or Arkansas Supreme Court), and parking tickets (citing city or agency) |
| Online Case Search | Search ARCourts |
| Criminal Records Requests | Circuit Clerk's Office, 870-895-3310 |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | pay.arcourts.gov (where the court participates) |
How to Search Fulton County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if known, and approximate dates ready before you search. Fulton County cases are kept by the Circuit Clerk in Salem.
Online
Go to Search ARCourts for Arkansas case information.
Search by name or case number, then open the case details.
Some documents may not be available online.
Best for: Quick lookups of case status and parties
In Person
Go to P.O. Box 219, Salem, AR 72576.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the Circuit Clerk for records not available online.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Mail
Send requests to Vickie Bishop, Circuit Clerk, P.O. Box 219, Salem, AR 72576.
Include the case number, party names, and your return address.
Call 870-895-3310 first to confirm what the clerk needs.
Best for: Requests when you cannot visit in person
Search by Name on ArkansasCourts.org
Go to ArkansasCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types at once without a case number.
These results are not official court records, so confirm details with the Circuit Clerk.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Fulton County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Fulton County is part of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, which has 4 circuit judges. County-level filings are not published in a downloadable form, so the figures below are Arkansas statewide totals for CY 2024.
184,611
Arkansas statewide circuit filings in CY 2024
180,614
Arkansas statewide circuit dispositions in CY 2024
942,381
Arkansas statewide district court filings in CY 2024
97.8%
Arkansas statewide circuit clearance rate (dispositions divided by filings)
| Case Type (Arkansas statewide circuit) | Filings CY 2024 | Dispositions CY 2024 | Clearance Rate | Share of Filings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil | 54,807 | 49,439 | 90.2% | 29.7% |
| Criminal | 46,810 | 49,132 | 105.0% | 25.4% |
| Domestic relations | 44,779 | 43,475 | 97.1% | 24.3% |
| Juvenile | 17,094 | 16,738 | 97.9% | 9.3% |
| Probate | 21,121 | 21,830 | 103.4% | 11.4% |
| Total | 184,611 | 180,614 | 97.8% | 100.0% |
How Have Court Filings Changed in Fulton County?
These figures are Arkansas statewide circuit court totals, comparing CY 2021 from the 2021 annual report with CY 2024.
| Case Type (Arkansas statewide circuit) | CY 2021 Filings | CY 2024 Filings | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil | 33,320 | 54,807 | +64.5% |
| Criminal | 49,135 | 46,810 | -4.7% |
| Domestic relations | 42,069 | 44,779 | +6.4% |
| Juvenile | 14,566 | 17,094 | +17.4% |
| Probate | 19,352 | 21,121 | +9.1% |
| Total | 158,442 | 184,611 | +16.5% |
Statewide circuit filings rose 16.5%, from 158,442 in CY 2021 to 184,611 in CY 2024. Civil filings grew fastest at +64.5%, and criminal filings fell 4.7%, the only decline. Civil filings added 21,487 cases, or 82.1% of the net increase.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Fulton County?
Statewide, civil cases were the largest circuit category in CY 2024 at 29.7% of circuit filings, and traffic violation were the largest district court category at 30.1% of 942,381 district filings.
| Case Type (Arkansas statewide) | Filings CY 2024 | Share of Court Total |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit: Civil | 54,807 | 29.7% |
| Circuit: Criminal | 46,810 | 25.4% |
| Circuit: Domestic relations | 44,779 | 24.3% |
| Circuit: Probate | 21,121 | 11.4% |
| Circuit: Juvenile | 17,094 | 9.3% |
| District: Traffic violation | 283,636 | 30.1% |
| District: Traffic misdemeanor | 148,768 | 15.8% |
| District: Local ordinance | 28,044 | 3.0% |
| District: Debt collection | 24,215 | 2.6% |
| District: DWI | 15,847 | 1.7% |
| District: Small claims | 4,936 | 0.5% |
Since CY 2021, civil cases grew fastest at +64.5%, while criminal filings fell 4.7%.
How Does Fulton County Compare With Arkansas Overall?
County court filings are not published at the county level, so this comparison uses 2025 reported offenses per 100K residents covered by reporting agencies in Fulton County against all Arkansas reporting agencies.
| Metric (per 100K, 2025) | Fulton County | Arkansas | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime rate | ~368.2 | ~546.3 | ~33% below state |
| Property crime rate | ~1018.9 | ~1962.1 | ~48% below state |
| Murder | ~17.1 | ~6.5 | ~165% above state |
| Rape | ~51.4 | ~74.1 | ~31% below state |
| Robbery | ~0.0 | ~31.7 | ~100% below state |
| Aggravated assault | ~299.7 | ~434.0 | ~31% below state |
| Burglary | ~188.4 | ~281.8 | ~33% below state |
| Larceny-theft | ~796.3 | ~1539.9 | ~48% below state |
| Motor vehicle theft | ~34.2 | ~140.4 | ~76% below state |
Fulton County's violent crime rate is ~368.2 per 100K, compared with ~546.3 statewide. Its property crime rate is ~1018.9 per 100K, compared with ~1962.1 statewide.
Fulton County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures cover offenses reported by all law enforcement agencies in Fulton County, including the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, Salem Police Department, and Mammoth Spring Police Department, as published by the Arkansas Crime Information Center. Total reported crimes rose 8.0% in 2025, from 150 in 2024 to 162.
43
Violent crimes in 2025
119
Property crimes in 2025
~368.2
Violent crime rate per 100K residents covered by reporting agencies
+8.0%
Change in total reported crimes vs 2024
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 2 | ~17.1 | 2 | 0.0% |
| Rape | 6 | ~51.4 | 9 | -33.3% |
| Robbery | 0 | ~0.0 | 0 | No change |
| Aggravated assault | 35 | ~299.7 | 34 | +2.9% |
| Violent crimes total | 43 | ~368.2 | 45 | -4.4% |
| Burglary | 22 | ~188.4 | 16 | +37.5% |
| Larceny-theft | 93 | ~796.3 | 78 | +19.2% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 4 | ~34.2 | 11 | -63.6% |
| Property crimes total | 119 | ~1018.9 | 105 | +13.3% |
County violent and property rates are ~368.2 and ~1018.9 per 100K, compared with statewide rates of ~546.3 and ~1962.1 per 100K.
Fulton County Courthouse Locations
Fulton County has 2 county office locations, both in Salem. Check the notice or ticket for the division and courtroom before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fulton County Circuit Clerk and County Clerk (Salem) | P.O. Box 219, Salem, AR 72576 | 870-895-3310 | Circuit Clerk Office; County Clerk (same office) |
| County Judge (Salem) | P.O. Box 278, Salem, AR 72576 | 870-895-3341 | County Judge Office |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Fulton County?
Fulton County's Circuit Court sits in Salem, and District Court handles misdemeanor and traffic matters. Parking tickets go to the issuing agency, and federal cases go to the U.S. District Court for Arkansas.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court | Traffic citations are handled by the court that issued the citation, and payment options are listed under pay fines. |
| Parking ticket | The city or agency that issued the ticket | The court does not handle parking tickets. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court | District Court hears misdemeanor criminal cases. |
| Felony | Circuit Court, Criminal | Circuit Court handles felony cases; call the Circuit Clerk at 870-895-3310. |
| DUI | District Court or Circuit Court | Misdemeanor DWI goes to District Court and felony DWI goes to Circuit Court. |
| Domestic violence | Circuit Court or District Court | Criminal charges follow the misdemeanor or felony route; ask the Circuit Clerk about protection orders. |
| Civil lawsuit | Circuit Court | Circuit Court handles civil cases, and District Court also hears some civil matters. |
| Small claims | District Court | District Court handles small claims cases. |
| Eviction | District Court | Eviction (unlawful detainer) cases are filed in District Court. |
| Divorce | Circuit Court, Domestic Relations | Divorce cases are heard in the Circuit Court domestic relations division. |
| Child custody or support | Circuit Court, Domestic Relations | Custody and support matters are heard in the Circuit Court domestic relations division. |
| Probate or estate | Circuit Court, Probate | Probate matters are handled in the Circuit Court probate division. |
| Juvenile case | Circuit Court, Juvenile | Juvenile matters are heard in the Circuit Court juvenile division and are restricted. |
| Appeal | Arkansas Court of Appeals or Arkansas Supreme Court | Appeals from circuit and district court decisions go to the Arkansas appellate courts. |
Are Fulton County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Fulton County court records are public, with exceptions set by Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order 19 (Access to Court Records).
Public records
Most case files in the Circuit and District Courts are open, including dockets, filings, and orders. The public access rule is Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order 19.
Restricted or confidential records
Juvenile, sealed, and confidential records are restricted under the access rule. Restricted records do not appear in public search results.
Online access
Search ARCourts lets you look up case information for Arkansas courts. Online results show case information, not every document, and restricted cases are not shown.
In-person access
Visit the Circuit Clerk's Office at P.O. Box 219, Salem, AR 72576 to view or request records. Call 870-895-3310 to confirm which office holds your case.
Fees
This section does not list copy fees. Ask the Circuit Clerk's Office at 870-895-3310 about fees for copies and certified records before you request them.
How to Search Fulton County Court Records Online
Use the official Arkansas portal to search Fulton County cases, and ask the Circuit Clerk for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, or juvenile.
- Open Search ARCourts for circuit and district court case information.
- Search by party name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case details for status, parties, and scheduled dates.
- Contact the Circuit Clerk at 870-895-3310 to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Search ARCourts | Case information and docket entries | Full documents may require the clerk |
| Traffic | Search ARCourts; pay at pay.arcourts.gov | Case information and payment status | Payment is separate from record search |
| Civil | Search ARCourts | Case information and parties | Sealed or restricted filings are not shown |
| Small claims | Search ARCourts | Case information and parties | Documents may require the clerk |
| Family law | Search ARCourts | Case information for domestic relations cases | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Circuit Clerk's Office, 870-895-3310 | Probate records through the clerk | Contact the clerk to confirm availability |
| Juvenile | Circuit Clerk's Office, 870-895-3310 | Limited information through the clerk | Juvenile records are restricted |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Fulton County
Fulton County traffic citations can be paid online, in person, or by mail to the court that issued the citation.
- Online: Pay traffic citations at pay.arcourts.gov where the court participates.
- In person: Pay at the Circuit Clerk's Office, P.O. Box 219, Salem, AR 72576, or call 870-895-3310 to confirm options.
- By mail: Send payment to the court that issued the citation, and call 870-895-3310 to confirm the payment address.
Parking tickets are paid to the city or agency that issued them, not to the court. Municipal and local ordinance tickets go to the city's District Court.
Fulton County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Fulton County court records?
Use Search ARCourts to look up cases by name or case number, or visit the Circuit Clerk at P.O. Box 219, Salem, AR 72576.
Are Fulton County court records public?
Yes, most are, under Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order 19, but juvenile, sealed, and confidential records are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name or case number in Search ARCourts, or call the Circuit Clerk at 870-895-3310.
How do I find a court date?
Check your ticket or notice, look up the case in Search ARCourts, or call the Circuit Clerk at 870-895-3310.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Pay online at pay.arcourts.gov where the court participates, or send payment to the court that issued the citation.
How many cases are filed each year?
Statewide, Arkansas circuit courts recorded 184,611 filings in CY 2024 and district courts recorded 942,381. County-level filings are not published.
What is the most common type of case?
Statewide, civil cases were the largest circuit category in CY 2024 at 54,807 filings, or 29.7% of circuit filings.
Is crime in Fulton County rising or falling?
Total reported crimes rose 8.0% in 2025 to 162 from 150 in 2024, according to the Arkansas Crime Information Center.
Courts in the County
Fulton County District CourtMore Info
| Address: | P.O. Box 928, Salem, AR, 72576 |
| Phone Number: | 870-895-2986 |
| Fax: | 870-895-2987 |
| Website: | https://www.arcourts.gov/directories/district-courts?field_name_value=&field_district_court_tid=332&field_congressional_district_tid=All&items_per_page=25 |
Useful Links
- Arkansas Judiciary: Circuit Courts - An overview of the structure and function of Circuit Courts in Arkansas, including Fulton County's judicial process and services.
- Arkansas CourtConnect - Access public court records in Arkansas, including civil, criminal, and probate divisions, through this official search platform.
- Arkansas Judiciary: Forms & Publications - Find various court forms and publications necessary for legal proceedings in Fulton County and throughout Arkansas.
- Arkansas Judiciary Administrative Orders - Review administrative orders from the Arkansas Supreme Court that may impact court operations and procedures in Fulton County.
- Arkansas Public Record Search - Access statewide public records, including court records, legal filings, and case information relevant to Fulton County.
- Fulton County Circuit Clerk - Contact the Fulton County Circuit Clerk for court record services, case information, and legal resources in the area.
- Arkansas State Police: Criminal Background Check - Procedures to request criminal background checks in Arkansas, essential for legal professionals and residents of Fulton County.
- Arkansas Legal Services: What We Do - Learn about legal aid services offered to low-income residents of Arkansas, including resources for those in Fulton County.
- US Legal Forms for Arkansas - Access professionally drafted legal forms and templates applicable within Arkansas state law, including those for Fulton County courts.
- Arkansas Student Aid Information - Though focused on education, essential for understanding rights and legal aspects related to student aid for Arkansas residents.
- Arkansas Bar Association - Attorney referrals, legal resources, and professional standards maintained by the Arkansas Bar for Fulton County legal professionals.
- Arkansas Attorney General - Offers consumer protection, legal opinions, and information about the state's legal initiatives impacting Fulton County residents.
- Arkansas Secretary of State - A hub for accessing state registers, business filings, and publicly accessible records relevant to court processes in Fulton County.
- Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts - Federal judiciary resources and links for federal court proceedings relevant to cases originating from Fulton County, Arkansas.
- National Legal Aid & Defender Association - A national organization supporting public defense and legal aid efforts relevant for practitioners and residents in Fulton County.
- U.S. Department of Justice - Comprehensive legal resources, federal initiatives, and law enforcement information applicable to residents of Fulton County, Arkansas.
- Arkansas Small Claims Court Information - Provides guidance on filing small claims and understanding court procedures relevant to Fulton County legal proceedings.
- Justia Arkansas Lawyer Directory - Directory to locate practicing attorneys in Fulton County for legal representation, case consulting, and related legal services.
- Fulton County, AR Government - Official site of Fulton County government providing local news, services, and resources, including court and legal information.
- Arkansas Court Reporters - Directory and resources for court reporting services, beneficial for legal professionals and proceedings in Fulton County courts.
Table of Contents
- Fulton County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Fulton County Court Records
- Fulton County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Fulton County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Fulton County?
- How Does Fulton County Compare With Arkansas Overall?
- Fulton County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Fulton County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Fulton County?
- Are Fulton County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Fulton County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Fulton County
- Fulton County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links