Arkansas Court Records Search: Find Cases Fast Online Now

Arkansas court records search gives you direct access to civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic case files across all 75 counties in the state. The Administrative Office of the Courts runs a free public portal at caseinfo.arcourts.gov, where you can complete an Arkansas court case lookup using a full name, case number, attorney bar number, or citation number. Most new filings appear in the system within 24 to 48 hours after the clerk enters them. You do not need an account, subscription, or special credentials to run a basic docket search. The portal covers trial courts, the Arkansas Court of Appeals, and the Arkansas Supreme Court, making Arkansas court records online the fastest path to current docket data. Sealed juvenile records, adoption decrees, and expunged criminal cases are excluded by law. Older archived cases predating statewide digitization may require Arkansas court file access through the circuit clerk in the county of filing.

Arkansas court records search solves real problems for attorneys, employers, journalists, family members, and anyone running a background check. You might verify a contractor’s litigation history before signing a contract. You could check a potential business partner for civil judgments in Arkansas. Landlords, property managers, and hiring teams rely on Arkansas court docket search to screen tenants and applicants. Genealogists use Arkansas judicial records to trace family histories and locate probate filings. Victims of crime can follow the progress of their cases through the Arkansas public court records portal. An Arkansas court database lookup helps people find Arkansas court records for personal, legal, or research reasons. Certified copies, which carry a court seal and clerk signature, are required for immigration filings, name changes, and out-of-state legal matters. Order them online through CaseInfo, by mail, or in person at the courthouse. Fees range from five to twenty-five dollars per document. Federal court cases filed in Arkansas require Arkansas court record retrieval through a separate PACER account.

What Are Arkansas Court Records?

Arkansas court records are the official written and electronic documentation of every case filed within the state’s unified court system. Maintained by the Administrative Office of the Courts and individual circuit clerks, these records are presumed public under Arkansas’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-101 et seq. Specific categories like juvenile, adoption, sealed criminal, and certain family matters remain restricted by statute under Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-105.

Legal Foundation

The Arkansas General Assembly passed the FOIA in 1967, and it has been amended many times since. The law declares that all public records are open to inspection by any citizen of Arkansas during regular business hours. Court records fall squarely within this mandate. The Administrative Office of the Courts, located at 625 Marshall Street in Little Rock, oversees recordkeeping standards across the state and operates the centralized Arkansas Court Information System (ACIS).

Information Included in an Arkansas Court Record

• Case number and filing date
• Names of parties (plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, respondent)
• Cause of action or criminal charge(s)
• Assigned judge and court of record
• Docket entries, motions, and pleadings
• Orders, judgments, and dispositions
• Sentencing details in criminal matters
• Financial judgments in civil matters
• Appeal history and transfers between courts

Who Can Access These Records?

Any member of the public can access Arkansas court records. Citizens use them for personal due diligence. Attorneys use them for case preparation. Journalists use them for investigative reporting. Employers and landlords use them for screening. Researchers and genealogists use them for historical and academic study. Defendants and their legal counsel access them as a matter of right. The only barriers are statutory exemptions, which protect privacy in specific situations.

Digital Evolution of Arkansas Court Records

Arkansas began rolling out the Arkansas Court Information System (ACIS) in 2012 under Amendment 80, which created the unified court system. The CourtConnect portal launched in 2018, later rebranded as CaseInfo. By 2023, all 75 counties had connected to the statewide system. Today, CaseInfo serves as the single entry point for Arkansas court records online, replacing the patchwork of county-level databases that existed before.

Types of Arkansas Court Records

Arkansas court records are categorized by case type, and each category carries different public-access rules. Civil and criminal cases are broadly public. Family court and juvenile records are restricted or sealed by default. Below is a complete taxonomy of every case type searchable through the Arkansas court system.

1. Arkansas Civil Court Records

Civil cases involve disputes between individuals, businesses, or government entities where one party seeks compensation or specific action. Common types include contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, tort claims, employment matters, and civil appeals. The Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure govern these proceedings. Civil case search is available through CaseInfo for cases filed in Circuit Court, which handles civil matters where the amount in controversy exceeds $5,000.

2. Arkansas Criminal Court Records

Criminal records cover felonies, misdemeanors, DWI/DUI charges, traffic offenses, and probation violations. Felony cases are heard in Circuit Court, while misdemeanors and most traffic offenses are handled in District Court. The Arkansas Criminal Code (Title 5 of Arkansas Code) defines offenses and penalties. Both Circuit and District Court records appear in CaseInfo once they are entered by the clerk.

3. Arkansas Family Court Records

Family court handles divorce, custody, child support, adoption, paternity, and domestic violence protective orders. Many family court records are sealed or restricted. Divorce decrees are public, but financial affidavits, custody evaluations, and certain sensitive exhibits may be sealed by court order. The Arkansas Domestic Relations statutes govern these proceedings.

4. Arkansas Probate Court Records

Probate court handles wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health commitments. These records are generally public unless sealed by court order. Probate files often contain sensitive financial information, so some parties petition for partial sealing.

5. Arkansas Small Claims and Traffic Court Records

District Court handles small claims cases where the amount in controversy is $5,000 or less, along with traffic violations and city ordinance violations. These records are easy to search online. Juvenile traffic records are not public.

6. Arkansas Appellate Court Records

The Arkansas Supreme Court and Court of Appeals post opinions, briefs, and oral argument recordings on the Arkansas Judiciary website. These appellate records are fully public and searchable through a separate portal linked from the main Arkansas Courts homepage.

7. Arkansas Chancery and Equity Court Records

Equity cases involve injunctions, foreclosure proceedings, specific performance, and certain title disputes. These are filed in Circuit Court but designated as equity matters. They follow the same public-access rules as other civil cases.

Comparison Table: Arkansas Court Record Types at a Glance

Arkansas Court Structure and Jurisdiction

Arkansas operates a unified court system established by Amendment 80 to the Arkansas Constitution, passed by voters in 2000 and fully implemented by 2003. The system has four levels: the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, Circuit Courts, and District Courts. Each level maintains its own records, but all flow into the centralized ACIS accessible through CaseInfo.

Arkansas Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the highest court in Arkansas, consisting of seven justices elected to eight-year terms. It has final appellate authority and mandatory jurisdiction over certain cases, including death penalty appeals, attorney discipline, and election disputes. The Court sits in Little Rock at the Justice Building, 625 Marshall Street. Its records include published opinions, briefs, petitions, and oral argument recordings.

Arkansas Court of Appeals

The Court of Appeals is the intermediate appellate court, with 12 judges elected to eight-year terms. It hears civil and criminal appeals from Circuit Court, except those within the Supreme Court’s mandatory jurisdiction. The Court of Appeals sits in Little Rock at the Justice Building as well. Its records include slip opinions, briefs, and dockets.

Arkansas Circuit Court

Circuit Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction in Arkansas. The state is divided into 25 judicial circuits, each covering one or more counties and encompassing all 75 counties total. Circuit Courts handle felonies, civil cases above $5,000, family matters, probate, equity, and appeals from District Court. Each circuit has a Circuit Clerk who maintains the official records.

Arkansas District Court

District Courts are courts of limited jurisdiction. They handle misdemeanors, small claims up to $5,000, traffic violations, city ordinance violations, and preliminary felony hearings. District Court records are maintained by the District Court Clerk in each county or city.

Federal Courts Located in Arkansas

Federal cases in Arkansas are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas (headquartered in Little Rock) and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas (headquartered in Fort Smith). Federal records are NOT part of the Arkansas state court system. They are accessed through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) at pacer.uscourts.gov. Bankruptcy cases in Arkansas are filed in these federal districts as well.

Which Court Has Jurisdiction Over Your Case?

Jurisdiction depends on the type of case and the amount in controversy. Felonies and civil cases over $5,000 go to Circuit Court. Misdemeanors, small claims, and traffic offenses go to District Court. Family, probate, and equity matters go to Circuit Court. Federal question cases (involving federal law or constitutional issues) go to U.S. District Court. If you are unsure which court holds your case, search CaseInfo first. If no result appears, check PACER for federal matters.

How to Search Arkansas Court Records Online

The official, free Arkansas court records search portal is CaseInfo, operated by the Administrative Office of the Courts. The portal lets you search by name, case number, citation number, or attorney bar number across all 75 Arkansas counties. No account or fee is required for basic searches.

Step-by-Step: Using the Arkansas CaseInfo Portal

1. Navigate to caseinfo.arcourts.gov or visit the Arkansas Courts homepage at arcourts.gov and click the CaseInfo link.
2. Select your search type from the homepage: Person Search, Case Number Search, Attorney Search, or Citation Search.
3. Enter your search criteria. For person searches, type the last name first, then first name. Add a date of birth or county filter to narrow results for common names.
4. Review the results list. Each entry shows the case number, filing date, party names, and court location.
5. Click the case number to open the full docket sheet. The docket shows all filings, hearings, orders, and dispositions in chronological order.
6. Download available documents. Many counties attach PDF images of filed pleadings, motions, and orders directly to the docket entry.
7. Order certified copies if needed. Click the certified copy link on the docket view and pay by credit or debit card.

What You Can Search for Free vs. What Requires a Fee

Free features include docket viewing, case summaries, party information, hearing dates, and document downloads when the county has attached images. Paid features include certified copies with court seal and clerk signature, exemplified copies for use outside Arkansas, and bulk data exports. Fee amounts vary by county and document type.

Search Tips for Finding the Right Case

• Start with the last name plus first initial, then narrow results if too many appear.
• Try name variations including maiden names, aliases, and suffixes (Jr., Sr., III).
• Include a middle name or date of birth to filter out common names.
• Confirm the county of filing by checking voter registration, property records, or prior correspondence.
• Use the case number search if you already have one. It is the most precise method.

Limitations of the Official Portal

Historical records filed before statewide digitization may not appear online. Some sealed records are excluded by law. Federal court cases are not included. Image availability varies by county. Newly filed cases may take 24 to 48 hours to appear. Very old cases (pre-1990) often require courthouse visits or microfilm requests at the county of filing.

Troubleshooting: Why a Case May Not Show Up

Common reasons include a sealed or expunged status, a misspelled name, the wrong county selected, a case predating digitization, or a system lag for new filings. If you cannot find a known case, try alternate spellings, check adjacent counties, or contact the circuit clerk directly.

Arkansas Court Records by County

While CaseInfo provides statewide search, some records (older archives, probate wills, and certified documents) must be obtained directly from the circuit clerk’s office in the county where the case was filed. Below is a county-by-county directory of Arkansas court record resources.

How to Find the Right County Courthouse

Use the case’s original county of filing, not the defendant’s current residence. You can identify the correct county through the CaseInfo portal, property records, or prior court correspondence. The county seat is where the courthouse and circuit clerk’s office are located.

Major Arkansas Counties (Top 10 by Population)

Pulaski County Court Records (Little Rock)

Pulaski County is the most populous county, home to the state capital. The Circuit Clerk’s office is located in the Pulaski County Courthouse at 401 West Markham Street, Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Benton County Court Records (Bentonville and Rogers)

Benton County is in Northwest Arkansas, a fast-growing region anchored by Walmart’s headquarters. The Circuit Clerk’s office is in the Benton County Courthouse at 215 East Central Avenue, Bentonville, AR 72712. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Washington County Court Records (Fayetteville)

Washington County is home to the University of Arkansas. The Circuit Clerk’s office is located at 280 North College Avenue, Suite 300, Fayetteville, AR 72701. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sebastian County Court Records (Fort Smith)

Sebastian County operates a dual-court system in Fort Smith and Greenwood. The Circuit Clerk’s office is at 901 South B Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Faulkner County Court Records (Conway)

Faulkner County, home to the University of Central Arkansas, has its Circuit Clerk’s office at 801 Locust Street, Conway, AR 72034. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Craighead County Court Records (Jonesboro)

Craighead County, in Northeast Arkansas, has its Circuit Clerk’s office at 511 South Main Street, Jonesboro, AR 72401. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saline County Court Records (Benton)

Saline County, in Central Arkansas, has its Circuit Clerk’s office at 200 North Main Street, Suite 113, Benton, AR 72015. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Garland County Court Records (Hot Springs)

Garland County, a resort area known for its national park, has its Circuit Clerk’s office at 501 Ouachita Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

White County Court Records (Searcy)

White County, home to Harding University, has its Circuit Clerk’s office at 300 North Spruce Street, Searcy, AR 72143. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Jefferson County Court Records (Pine Bluff)

Jefferson County, in Southeast Arkansas, has its Circuit Clerk’s office at 101 West Barraque Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71601. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Complete A–Z Index of All 75 Arkansas Counties

Below is the full alphabetical list of Arkansas counties with their county seats. The county seat is where the courthouse and circuit clerk’s office are located.

In-Person Records Request: What to Bring

• A valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, state ID)
• The case number if available
• The full name of the party involved, plus date of birth if known
• Payment for copy fees (cash, check, money order, or card depending on the office)
• A self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting by mail

Free vs. Paid Arkansas Court Records Search

The Arkansas Judiciary offers free access to all public court records through CaseInfo. Third-party aggregators charge subscription or per-report fees but add convenience features like nationwide aggregation, background-check packaging, and customer support. Each method serves different user needs.

Why Use the Free Official Arkansas Court Portal?

• Authoritative source, straight from the court clerk
• No subscription or paywall for basic searches
• Updated within 24 to 48 hours of filing
• Covered by state accuracy and authentication standards
• Provides certified copy ordering
• No data-broker privacy concerns

When a Third-Party Site Makes Sense

• Searching across multiple states at once
• Mobile-first access with push notifications
• Background check packaging combining court, criminal, civil, and asset data
• Historical depth beyond what the state portal has digitized
• A simplified interface for users unfamiliar with legal databases

Side-by-Side Comparison

Arkansas Court Records and the FCRA

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), codified at 15 U.S.C. § 1681, governs how employers use background information for hiring decisions. Third-party sites used for employment screening must be FCRA-compliant consumer reporting agencies. The official CaseInfo portal cannot be used for adverse action purposes under the FCRA because it is not a consumer reporting agency. Employers making hiring decisions based on court records should use FCRA-compliant providers and follow proper adverse action procedures.

Arkansas Court Records API for Developers

The Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts offers bulk data exports through its data services. The data.arkansas.gov open data portal hosts anonymized court statistics for research and analysis. Academic researchers may apply for expanded access through formal data-sharing agreements with the AOC.

Requesting Certified Copies of Arkansas Court Records

A certified copy of an Arkansas court record is an official reproduction bearing the court seal and a clerk’s signature. It is legally admissible as evidence in court, immigration, and government proceedings. You can request certified copies online via CaseInfo, by mail, or in person at the circuit clerk’s office where the case was filed.

Regular Copy vs. Certified Copy

A plain copy is for personal reference and carries no legal weight. A certified copy includes the court seal, a clerk’s signature, and a certification statement verifying authenticity. An exemplified copy adds a second layer of authentication from the governor or secretary of state, required for use in foreign legal systems. Choose certified for most legal and government filings. Choose exemplified for international use.

Three Methods to Order a Certified Arkansas Court Record

Method 1: Online via CaseInfo

1. Locate the case on caseinfo.arcourts.gov.
2. Click the “Order Certified Copy” option on the docket view.
3. Pay with a credit or debit card.
4. Receive the document by mail in 5 to 10 business days, or download a digital certified copy where available.

Method 2: By Mail

1. Write a request letter to the circuit clerk that includes the case number, party names, and the specific document you need.
2. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
3. Include a check or money order for the required fee.
4. Allow 7 to 14 business days for processing and return mailing.

Method 3: In Person at the Courthouse

1. Visit the circuit clerk’s office at the county courthouse.
2. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
3. Pay at the cashier’s window using cash, check, money order, or card (depending on county policy).
4. Most certified copies are issued the same day.

Typical Certified Copy Fees

Common Use Cases for Certified Court Records

• Immigration applications (U-visa, VAWA, naturalization)
• Name changes and gender marker updates
• Adoption proceedings and parental rights restoration
• Out-of-state legal matters
• Professional licensing and background checks
• Property and estate resolution

Sealed, Expunged, and Restricted Arkansas Court Records

Not all Arkansas court records are public. By statute and judicial order, certain records remain sealed, expunged, or restricted. This includes juvenile adjudications, adoption decrees, certain family court matters, and criminal records expunged under the Arkansas Adult Expungement Act (Ark. Code Ann. § 16-90-1401 et seq.).

What Is a Sealed Court Record?

A sealed record exists but is hidden from public view by court order. Only parties, their attorneys, and certain government agencies can access it. Common sealed records include adoption files, juvenile cases, certain domestic violence documents, and trade secret civil cases. Sealing does not destroy the record; it restricts access.

What Is an Expunged Court Record?

Expungement legally erases a record as if it never existed. Arkansas expanded eligibility in 2021 under the Adult Expungement Act. Most non-violent felonies become eligible after a waiting period. The record is removed from public databases and, in most cases, from government databases as well. Law enforcement retains access for specific purposes.

Categories of Restricted Arkansas Court Records

• Juvenile records under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-27-309, sealed at age 21 if no further offenses occur
• Adoption records, permanently sealed with access only by court order
• Mental health commitment records, restricted to protect privacy
• Victim address information protected under the Arkansas Address Confidentiality Program
• Trade secret and proprietary business records, sealable by court order
• Expunged criminal records, removed from public view
• Grand jury proceedings, generally secret under common law and statute
• Certain family court financial disclosures, sealed by statute

How to Seal or Expunge a Record in Arkansas

File an expungement petition in the court of original jurisdiction. Confirm eligibility under the Adult Expungement Act. Serve the prosecuting attorney. Attend the hearing where the judge reviews the petition. If

Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas Court Records

Arkansas court records are public documents that show what happens in civil, criminal, family, and probate cases across all 75 counties. Anyone can search these records for free using the state court system portal or by visiting a local courthouse. Below you will find clear answers to the most common questions about accessing Arkansas judicial records, searching online, and getting the case details you need.

How Do I Search Arkansas Court Records Online for Free?

You can search Arkansas court records for free at caseinfo.arcourts.gov, which is the official public portal run by the Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts. Start by selecting a court type, then enter a full name, case number, attorney bar number, or citation number in the search box. Results show the party names, filing date, case type, judge, and current status. You can also view scanned documents and hearing schedules for active and closed cases filed after 1991.

What Types of Arkansas Court Case Records Can the Public Access?

Arkansas public court records cover civil lawsuits, criminal charges, divorce filings, child custody disputes, probate matters, small claims, traffic violations, and felony convictions. Each county clerk office stores these files and shares them with the state database. You can also find appellate court decisions from the Arkansas Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. Sealed records, juvenile cases, and certain mental health commitment filings stay private and do not appear in standard searches.

Can I Find Old or Historical Arkansas Court Records Through a Database Lookup?

Yes, you can find historical Arkansas court records through the state online portal, but the digital database mainly covers cases filed after 1991. For older cases, you must contact the county circuit clerk where the case was heard. Many clerks keep paper archives going back to the early 1900s. Some records are also available through the Arkansas State Archives in Little Rock, which holds historical court documents, territorial records, and pre-statehood case files.

What Information Shows Up in an Arkansas Court Docket Search?

An Arkansas court docket search shows the case number, filing date, plaintiff and defendant names, attorney information, hearing dates, motions filed, and final judgments. You also see bond amounts, sentencing details, payment history, and any appeals. Civil dockets list disputed amounts, while criminal dockets list charges, plea details, and parole eligibility dates. Family court dockets display custody arrangements, support orders, and visitation schedules without exposing minor children personal details.

Do I Need an Account or Pay a Fee to View Arkansas Court Files?

No, you do not need an account to view Arkansas court files through the state portal. Basic searches, docket listings, and case summaries cost nothing. You can pull up most documents for free, though certified copies cost a small fee per page at the clerk office. Some third-party websites offer paid background check services, but the official Arkansas court website gives you the same records at no charge with no registration required.

How Can I Find Someone Criminal Case History in Arkansas?

To find someone criminal case history in Arkansas, visit caseinfo.arcourts.gov and select the criminal case search option. Enter the person first and last name, then narrow results by county or date range. You can also use the Arkansas Department of Correction inmate search to check current incarceration status. For a full background check that includes federal charges, you will need to visit the clerk office in the county where the case was filed.