Monroe County, AR Courts and Public Records
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- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
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- Misdemeanors
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- Federal Dockets
The Circuit Court of Monroe County, part of the First Judicial Circuit, hears felonies, civil, domestic relations, juvenile, and probate cases. District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic, local ordinance, small claims, and civil matters in the county.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Circuit Court of Monroe County (First Judicial Circuit) and District Court |
| Main Address | 123 Madison Street, Clarendon, AR 72029 |
| Main Phone | 870-747-3615 (Circuit Clerk) |
| Website | arcourts.gov |
| Judicial Officers | 5 circuit judges: E. Dion Wilson, Danny Glover, Christopher Morledge, Chalk Mitchell, Kathie Hess |
| Courthouse Locations | 2 (Clarendon) |
| Handles | Felonies, civil, domestic relations, juvenile, and probate in Circuit Court; misdemeanors, traffic, local ordinance, small claims, and civil matters in District Court |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for Arkansas), appeals (Arkansas Court of Appeals and Arkansas Supreme Court), and parking tickets (the citing city or agency) |
| Online Case Search | Search ARCourts |
| Criminal Records Requests | Circuit Clerk, 870-747-3615 |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | pay.arcourts.gov, where the court participates |
How to Search Monroe County Court Records
Have the full name, case number if known, and approximate dates ready before you search. Circuit court records for Monroe County are kept by the Circuit Clerk in Clarendon.
Online
Go to Search ARCourts to look up circuit court case information.
Search by name or case number, then open the case.
Check the case status and parties on the official court portal.
Best for: Quick case status lookups
In Person
Go to the Circuit Clerk, 123 Madison Street, Clarendon.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the clerk about records that are not available online.
Best for: Records not available online
By Mail
Send to the Circuit Clerk, 123 Madison Street, Clarendon.
Include the case number, party names, and a return address.
Call 870-747-3615 to confirm what the clerk needs.
Best for: Requests when you cannot visit
Search by Name on ArkansasCourts.org
Go to ArkansasCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm details in the official court portal, since results are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Monroe County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Statewide, Arkansas circuit courts recorded 184,611 filings and 180,614 dispositions in CY 2024. Monroe County is in the First Judicial Circuit, which has 5 circuit judges listed, and its Circuit Clerk is Alice Smith. County-level filings are not published in a downloadable form, so the figures below are Arkansas statewide totals.
184,611
Arkansas statewide circuit filings, CY 2024
180,614
Arkansas statewide circuit dispositions, CY 2024
942,381
Arkansas statewide district filings, CY 2024
97.8%
Arkansas statewide circuit clearance rate (dispositions divided by filings), CY 2024
| Arkansas statewide circuit case type | 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% |
| Probate | 21,121 | 21,830 | 103.4% | 11.4% |
| Juvenile | 17,094 | 16,738 | 97.9% | 9.3% |
| Total | 184,611 | 180,614 | 97.8% | 100.0% |
How Have Court Filings Changed in Monroe County?
This compares statewide circuit court totals from the 2021 annual report (CY 2021) with CY 2024, because county-level filings are not published in a downloadable form.
| Arkansas statewide circuit case type | 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% |
| Probate | 19,352 | 21,121 | +9.1% |
| Juvenile | 14,566 | 17,094 | +17.4% |
| 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 the most, up 64.5% and adding 21,487 cases, while criminal filings fell 4.7%, the only decline among the case types. Juvenile filings rose 17.4% and probate filings rose 9.1% over the same period.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Monroe County?
Civil cases are the largest category of Arkansas statewide circuit filings at 29.7% in CY 2024, and traffic violations are the largest category of statewide district filings at 30.1%. These are statewide totals and are not broken out by county.
| Arkansas statewide circuit case type | Filings CY 2024 | Share of Circuit Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Civil | 54,807 | 29.7% |
| Criminal | 46,810 | 25.4% |
| Domestic relations | 44,779 | 24.3% |
| Probate | 21,121 | 11.4% |
| Juvenile | 17,094 | 9.3% |
| Total | 184,611 | 100.0% |
| Arkansas statewide district category | Filings CY 2024 | Share of District Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic violation | 283,636 | 30.1% |
| Traffic misdemeanor | 148,768 | 15.8% |
| Local ordinance | 28,044 | 3.0% |
| Debt collection | 24,215 | 2.6% |
| DWI | 15,847 | 1.7% |
| Small claims | 4,936 | 0.5% |
| Total | 942,381 | 100.0% |
Civil filings grew fastest, up 64.5% from CY 2021 to CY 2024, while criminal filings were the only category to fall, down 4.7%.
How Does Monroe County Compare With Arkansas Overall?
Monroe County reported a violent crime rate of ~441.5 per 100K residents covered by reporting agencies in 2025, compared with ~546.3 statewide. Its property crime rate was ~2,065.6, against ~1,962.1 statewide.
| Metric (2025, per 100K residents covered) | Monroe County | Arkansas | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime | ~441.5 | ~546.3 | 19.2% below state |
| Property crime | ~2,065.6 | ~1,962.1 | 5.3% above state |
| Homicide | ~0.0 | ~6.5 | 100.0% below state |
| Rape | ~157.7 | ~74.1 | 112.7% above state |
| Robbery | ~47.3 | ~31.7 | 49.1% above state |
| Aggravated assault | ~236.5 | ~434.0 | 45.5% below state |
| Burglary | ~473.0 | ~281.8 | 67.9% above state |
| Larceny-theft | ~1,529.5 | ~1,539.9 | 0.7% below state |
| Motor vehicle theft | ~63.1 | ~140.4 | 55.1% below state |
Monroe County's violent crime rate is 19.2% below state the statewide rate, and its property crime rate is 5.3% above state. The widest gap is for rape, at 112.7% above state.
Monroe County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures cover offenses reported by all law enforcement agencies in Monroe County, including Brinkley Police Department and Clarendon Police Department and Monroe County Sheriff's Office, as published by the Arkansas Crime Information Center. Violent and property crimes combined fell 8.6% from 174 in 2024 to 159 in 2025.
28
Violent crimes in 2025
131
Property crimes in 2025
~441.5
Violent crime rate per 100K residents covered
-8.6%
Change in total reported crimes vs 2024
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 0 | ~0.0 | 1 | -100.0% |
| Rape | 10 | ~157.7 | 8 | +25.0% |
| Robbery | 3 | ~47.3 | 2 | +50.0% |
| Aggravated assault | 15 | ~236.5 | 46 | -67.4% |
| Violent crimes total | 28 | ~441.5 | 57 | -50.9% |
| Burglary | 30 | ~473.0 | 23 | +30.4% |
| Larceny-theft | 97 | ~1,529.5 | 86 | +12.8% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 4 | ~63.1 | 8 | -50.0% |
| Property crimes total | 131 | ~2,065.6 | 117 | +12.0% |
In 2025, the violent crime rate of ~441.5 per 100K in Monroe County is 19.2% below state the statewide rate of ~546.3, and the property crime rate of ~2,065.6 is 5.3% above state the statewide rate of ~1,962.1.
Monroe County Courthouse Locations
Monroe County has 2 courthouse locations in Clarendon. Check your notice or ticket for the office, division, and room before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarendon Circuit and County Clerk Offices | 123 Madison Street, Clarendon, AR 72029 | 870-747-3615 (Circuit Clerk); 870-747-3632 (County Clerk) | Circuit Clerk; County Clerk |
| Clarendon County Judge Office | P. O. Box 222, Clarendon, AR 72029 | 870-747-3921 (County Judge) | County Judge (mailing address) |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Monroe County?
In Monroe County, Circuit Court handles felonies, civil cases, domestic relations, probate, and juvenile matters, while District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic, local ordinance, and small claims. Federal cases go to the U.S. District Court for Arkansas.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court, traffic | Pay or contact the court that issued the citation; online payment is at pay.arcourts.gov where the court participates. |
| Parking ticket | The city or agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are not handled by the court; contact the citing agency. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court | Find your district court in the district court directory directory. |
| Felony | Circuit Court, criminal | Circuit Court handles felonies; contact the Circuit Clerk at 870-747-3615. |
| DUI | District Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony) | The charge level decides the court, so check the charge on your paperwork. |
| Domestic violence | Circuit Court or District Court | Criminal charges follow the misdemeanor or felony route, and family matters go to Circuit Court. |
| Civil lawsuit | Circuit Court (civil) or District Court (civil matters) | Confirm the right court for your claim with the Circuit Clerk at 870-747-3615. |
| Small claims | District Court | Small claims are heard in District Court. |
| Eviction | District Court | Eviction cases are civil matters heard in District Court. |
| Divorce | Circuit Court, domestic relations | Divorce cases are domestic relations matters in Circuit Court. |
| Child custody or support | Circuit Court, domestic relations | Custody and support are domestic relations matters in Circuit Court. |
| Probate or estate | Circuit Court, probate | Probate matters are heard in Circuit Court. |
| Juvenile case | Circuit Court, juvenile | Juvenile matters are heard in Circuit Court and are restricted. |
| Appeal | Arkansas Court of Appeals or Arkansas Supreme Court | Appeals go to the appellate courts, not the county courts. |
Are Monroe County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Monroe County court records are public, with exceptions for sealed, juvenile, and confidential records under Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order 19 (Access to Court Records).
Public records
Most case files in the Circuit Court and District Court are open to the public, including dockets and filings, unless a rule or court order restricts them.
Restricted or confidential records
Juvenile, sealed, and confidential records are restricted under Administrative Order 19, so they may not be shown online or released in person.
Online access
Search case information at Search ARCourts, the official CourtConnect portal. Online results show case information, not every document, and traffic and fine payments are made at pay.arcourts.gov where the court participates.
In-person access
Visit the Circuit Clerk at 123 Madison Street, Clarendon, AR 72029 to view or request records. Call 870-747-3615 to confirm which division holds your case.
Fees
Fee amounts are not listed here; ask the Circuit Clerk at 870-747-3615 for current copy fees.
How to Search Monroe County Court Records Online
Use the official Arkansas portal to search Monroe County cases by case type, and ask the Circuit Clerk for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, probate, or juvenile.
- Open Search ARCourts (CourtConnect) to search case information.
- Search by party name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case status and parties listed in the case details.
- Contact the Circuit Clerk at 870-747-3615 to request documents that are not available online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Search ARCourts | Case information for circuit criminal cases | Documents may require the Circuit Clerk |
| Traffic | Search ARCourts for case information; pay at pay.arcourts.gov | Case information and payment options | Payment is separate from record search |
| Civil | Search ARCourts | Case information for circuit civil cases | Documents may require the Circuit Clerk |
| Small claims | District courts directory | Contact details for the district court | Contact the court for case details |
| Family law | Search ARCourts | Case information for domestic relations cases | Sensitive details are restricted |
| Probate | Circuit Clerk at 870-747-3615 | Probate case information through the clerk | Confirm details with the clerk |
| Juvenile | Circuit Clerk at 870-747-3615 | Limited information through the clerk | Juvenile records are restricted and not in the general portal |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Monroe County
Monroe County traffic tickets can be paid online where the court participates, or in person or by mail to the court that issued the citation.
- Online: Pay traffic tickets at pay.arcourts.gov where the court participates.
- In person: Visit the court that issued the citation; call the Circuit Clerk at 870-747-3615 to confirm where to pay.
- By mail: Send payment to the court that issued the citation; confirm the address with the Circuit Clerk at 870-747-3615.
Parking tickets are handled by the city or agency that issued them, not by the court. Municipal and local ordinance tickets go to the city's district court.
Monroe County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Monroe County court records?
Use Search ARCourts to look up case information by name or case number, or visit the Circuit Clerk at 123 Madison Street, Clarendon, AR 72029.
Are Monroe 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 870-747-3615.
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 870-747-3615.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Pay at pay.arcourts.gov where the court participates, or pay in person or by mail to the court that issued the citation.
How many cases are filed each year?
County-level filings are not published, but Arkansas circuit courts recorded 184,611 filings statewide in CY 2024 and district courts recorded 942,381.
What is the most common type of case?
Statewide, civil was the largest circuit category at 54,807 filings, or 29.7% of CY 2024 circuit filings.
Is crime in Monroe County rising or falling?
Violent and property crimes combined fell 8.6% in 2025 to 159 from 174 in 2024, according to the Arkansas Crime Information Center.
Courts in the County
Monroe County District CourtMore Info
| Address: | 233 West Cedar, City Hall, Brinkley, AR, 72021 |
| Phone Number: | 870-734-1787 |
| Fax: | 870-734-2302 |
| Website: | https://www.arcourts.gov/directories/district-courts?field_name_value=&field_district_court_tid=419&field_congressional_district_tid=All&items_per_page=25 |
Useful Links
- Arkansas Judiciary - Arkansas Courts Outlines court rules, administration, and extensive resources for state judicial matters providing public resources
- CourtConnect - Public Access to Court Case Information Arkansas court records search for available public civil, criminal, probate cases methodology
- Monroe County, Arkansas - Official County Website County courthouse information including contact details and departmental links for public resources in Monroe County
- Arkansas Legal Services Partnership Providing free legal services for low-income Arkansans: Resources for civil legal aid deliverance within Arkansas
- United States Courts National resources for United States federal court system and informational center for various judicial matters
- National Archives: Research in Court Records Guide to searching court records archived on national level by the United States National Archives
- Arkansas Crime Information Center Access to criminal records and background checks employed for justice matters within Arkansas jurisdiction
- LawHelp.org - Find Free Legal Help and Information Directory service to find legal help in your area, focusing on free assistance
- Justia: Free Law & Legal Information for Lawyers, Students, Business Extensive resources, legal information and public records query service for individuals and professionals
- FamilySearch - United States Censuses, Court Records, and other historic documents Tools for search through historical court records and legal family documents
- Arkansas Code :: US Codes and Statutes A comprehensive source of Arkansas law including state statutes, legal topics and more
- CourtReference.com - Guide and Locator for Court Cases Directories to locate regional court profiles and access judicial details by jurisdiction
- Arkansas Hospitals Information on facility legal compliance and public health judicial matters relevant to Monroe County residents
- American Bar Association Improving and enhancing the judicial experience through programs and community resources on legal issues state and national
- Arkansas Public Records - Online Search Offering centralized repository for public records across Arkansas including property, death, and court case data
- MyCase Access Indiana court case indices offers boundless public record search but specific activity limited outside Indiana locality
- Nolo - Arkansas Small Claims Court Outline of practices, protocol for pursuing small claims across Arkansas judiciary branches and resources
- Legal Information Institute: U.S. Law, Open Access, Free Documentation Facilitates access to legislative documents, state and federal codes for public inquiry
- Organizations Offering Services for Immigrants in Arkansas Comprehensive directions for legal immigrant aid programs and citizenship services offered within Arkansas jurisdiction
- ProPublica - Roberts’ Rules Limited scope but records investigative journalistic contributions for understanding legal judiciary actions
Table of Contents
- Monroe County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Monroe County Court Records
- Monroe County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Monroe County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Monroe County?
- How Does Monroe County Compare With Arkansas Overall?
- Monroe County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Monroe County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Monroe County?
- Are Monroe County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Monroe County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Monroe County
- Monroe County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links