Arkansas Public Records /Arkansas Court Records Online

Arkansas Court Records Online

Are Court Records in Arkansas Open to the Public?

Yes, Arkansas court records are generally open to the public. According to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), information documented during the discharge of official duties supported by public funds is considered public record. Members of the public have the right to inspect and make copies of these records at a cost. To receive records, requesters must provide specific details such as the case number, names of the parties involved, and the name of the court where the case was heard.

Government agencies in possession of public records are mandated to make the records available upon request. However, there are exceptions. State tax records, medical and adoption records, grand jury minutes, identities of undercover law enforcement agents, and unpublished drafts of judicial opinions are some of the documents exempted by the Arkansas FOIA. Custodians of public records have the authority to deny requests for these exempted records. Additionally, requests can be denied if the requester has been convicted of a felony and is currently incarcerated.

What Information Appears in an Arkansas Court Records Search?

Case names
Case numbers
Types of courts where the cases were heard
Details of legal proceedings
Judgments and orders issued
Dates of filings and hearings
Names of parties involved
Status of the case (e.g., open, closed, pending)

How To Find Court Records in Arkansas

To obtain court records in Arkansas, the first step is to determine which court handled the case. Once identified, approach the clerk of that court. Clerks of courthouses are the custodians of court records and can provide both paper and electronic copies of the requested documents.

Records can be accessed in several ways:

In-Person: Visit the courthouse during business hours and submit a request at the clerk’s office.
Mail: Send a written request to the courthouse, including details such as case number and names of parties involved.
Telephone: Contact the clerk’s office by phone to inquire about the process for obtaining records.
Online: Some records are available through online databases like CourtConnect. Access may be limited to certain courts, and some records may require a fee for reproduction.

Copying and inspection fees vary depending on the number of pages. If the total fee exceeds $25, it must be paid upfront. Custodians may waive fees if the request serves a non-commercial purpose or is in the public interest.

Public Access to Arkansas Court Records

The Arkansas Supreme Court and Court of Appeals provide public access to case records online. Most District and Circuit Courts also offer online access through platforms like CourtConnect. This system allows users to search for records by name, case number, or judgment status. While some records are freely accessible, others may require a fee for detailed information or certified copies.

Searching Arkansas Court Records by Name

Arkansas court records can be searched by name via the Administrative Office of the Courts Public Court Connect Website. To search, navigate to the "Search by person name, business name or case type" section. Enter the search criteria, such as the party's last name or company name, case number, or date filed. After submitting the query, the system will generate results that include the case number, party name, filing date, and details of the hearing.

For cases heard in the Arkansas Judicial Branch, visit the Arkansas Judicial Branch website, sign in to the case management system as a guest or returning user, or create a new account. This allows access to more detailed records and case information.

How To Access Court Records Online for Free in Arkansas

Obtaining court records online in Arkansas is straightforward. The AOC Public Court Connect platform enables free online access to court records via the Contexte Case Management System. To search, enter a person or business name or case ID. Required information includes:

First name
Middle name
Driver's license number
Date of birth
Case filing date (beginning and end)
Case type
Party type
County
Location code

For more specific searches, users can opt to "Display case information and activities" if they already know the Case ID or Docket number. This allows for a more targeted search, reducing the time spent sifting through irrelevant records.

Exemptions for Arkansas Court Case Lookup

Certain records are exempt from public access under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. These include:

State tax records
Medical and adoption records
Grand jury minutes
Identities of undercover law enforcement agents
Unpublished drafts of judicial opinions
Juvenile case records

These exemptions are in place to protect sensitive information and the privacy of individuals involved. Juvenile records, for example, remain inaccessible until the offender becomes an adult to protect their identity. Other records, such as those involving sexual assault or company secrets, may also be restricted to safeguard the parties involved.

Finding a Court Docket in Arkansas

An Arkansas court docket contains an ordered list of upcoming court proceedings and filings, managed by the clerk of court offices. These dockets are public records that enable easy tracking of multiple cases. They include:

Docket number
Case history
Decision date
Current name of the court
Questions asked in the case
Party name

To find a court docket, visit the clerk's office in the relevant courthouse or search online through platforms like CourtConnect. This allows attorneys, judges, and the general public to keep track of case statuses and hearing dates.

What Information Is Found in Arkansas Judgment Records?

Arkansas judgment records provide a court's decision on the facts of a criminal or civil case. These records include:

Names of the litigants
Description of the case background
Issued judgment
Legal rights and obligations specified in the judgment
Penalties for a crime, if applicable

To obtain judgment records, visit the clerk's office in the court that issued the judgment. Provide details such as the case number and names of the parties involved. Judgment records are also available on Arkansas CourtConnect, though access may be limited to participating courts.

Are Bankruptcy Records in Arkansas Publicly Accessible?

Yes, Arkansas bankruptcy records are publicly accessible. These records provide accounting information on individuals and businesses who have filed for bankruptcy. To access these records, requesters must provide details such as the debtor's name, case number, and the court where the bankruptcy was filed.

Bankruptcy records can be accessed online through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system. Users must register for a PACER account to view, download, and print case information. Alternatively, records can be obtained by visiting the courthouse or through mail requests.

How To Search Bankruptcy Records in Arkansas

To find bankruptcy records in Arkansas, use the following methods:

Online: Access the PACER system to search for bankruptcy records. Registration is required, and users can view, download, and print case information. A nationwide search can also be conducted using the PACER case locator, with a fee of 10 cents per page.
Mail: Send a request form to the PACER service center to assist in the search for relevant records. Records delivered by mail cost 50 cents per page.
In-Person: Visit the clerk's office at the Western or Eastern District of Arkansas Bankruptcy Court. Provide details such as the case number and debtor's name to facilitate the search.

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) also offers online bankruptcy record retrieval. Requesters must register to submit a reference request or order reproductions online. Retrieval usually takes 7 to 10 days, with costs starting at $64 for the first box and $39 for each additional box.

Different Types of Courts in Arkansas

Supreme Court: The highest court in Arkansas, reviewing opinions delivered by the Court of Appeals and hearing appeals of cases that resulted in capital punishment.
Court of Appeals: Hears appeals of judgments rendered by lower trial courts.
Circuit Courts: General jurisdiction trial courts handling a wide range of cases.
District Courts: Limited jurisdiction courts handling traffic violations, misdemeanors, preliminary felony hearings, and the recovery of personal property.

Understanding the Differences Between Civil and Small Claims Courts in Arkansas

Small claims courts in Arkansas are subdivisions of District Courts that handle disputes over properties valued at no more than $5,000. These courts are open to individuals over the age of 18, and minors can be represented by parents, relatives, or older friends. Common disputes include recovery of damages to personal property, loan repayment, and security deposits. Filing fees range from $30 to $65, and attorneys are not required to be present.

Civil suits, on the other hand, involve claims for damages and recovery of personal properties valued at up to $25,000. Plaintiffs must file cases within specific time limits: five years for broken written contracts, one year for slander, and three years for oral agreements and damages to personal property. In civil cases, 9 out of 12 jurors must agree to decide the case.

Search Court Records in Arkansas

Other Categories in Arkansas

Court Records Criminal Records Inmate Records Vital Records