Craighead County Court Records
What Is Craighead County Court Records
Court records in Craighead County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. These records constitute a comprehensive archive of judicial activities as defined under Arkansas Code § 25-19-103, which establishes the framework for public records in the state.
Court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
- Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
- Sentencing and probation records in criminal matters
- Marriage and divorce decrees in family law cases
These records are distinct from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics, or tax assessments, which are maintained by different county departments. In Craighead County, court records are maintained by several courts:
- Craighead County Circuit Court (handles felony criminal cases, civil matters over $5,000, domestic relations)
- Craighead County District Court (misdemeanors, traffic violations, small claims)
- Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships)
- Juvenile Court (delinquency and dependency cases)
The Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts oversees the statewide court system and establishes policies for record maintenance according to the Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 19, which governs access to court records.
Are Court Records Public In Craighead County
Court records in Craighead County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) codified in Arkansas Code § 25-19-101 et seq. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, shall be open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
The following court records are typically available for public access:
- Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed cases)
- Criminal case files after formal charges have been filed
- Court dockets and calendars
- Final judgments and orders
- Marriage and divorce records
- Probate proceedings
However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Juvenile proceedings (except under limited circumstances)
- Adoption records
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Cases involving victims of domestic violence or sexual assault
- Grand jury proceedings
The Arkansas Supreme Court has established specific guidelines for public access to court records through Administrative Order No. 19, which balances the public's right to information with privacy concerns and the effective administration of justice. This order provides detailed procedures for requesting access to court records and outlines the circumstances under which access may be limited.
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas (which includes Craighead County) are governed by federal rules and are accessible through the federal PACER system rather than county resources.
How To Find Court Records in Craighead County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Craighead County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county maintains both in-person and electronic access options to accommodate various research needs.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Craighead County Circuit Clerk's Office
511 Union Street, Suite 107
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 933-4530
Craighead County Circuit Clerk
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
When requesting records in person:
- Complete a records request form specifying the case number, party names, and documents needed
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable copy fees ($0.25 per page for standard copies)
- Allow processing time for staff to retrieve archived records
For electronic access, Craighead County participates in the statewide Search ARCourts system, which provides online access to court records. Users may search by:
- Case number
- Party name
- Filing date
- Case type
Additionally, requests may be submitted by mail by sending a written request with the following information:
- Specific case information (names, dates, case numbers)
- Copies requested
- Return address
- Payment for copies and search fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents
Pursuant to Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 19, certain records may require special authorization or court order to access. Requestors seeking sealed or confidential records must file a motion with the appropriate court demonstrating legitimate need for access.
How To Look Up Court Records in Craighead County Online?
Craighead County offers digital access to court records through several online platforms maintained by state and county authorities. These systems provide convenient methods for locating case information without visiting the courthouse.
The primary online resource is the Arkansas Judiciary's Case Search portal, which allows users to search for cases across multiple courts in Craighead County. To utilize this system:
- Navigate to the official Case Search website
- Select Craighead County from the jurisdiction dropdown menu
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date range)
- Review search results showing basic case information
- Select specific cases to view available details
- Pay applicable fees for document downloads if required
For criminal case information, the Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts maintains CourtConnect, which provides:
- Criminal case histories
- Hearing schedules
- Case status updates
- Party information
- Judge assignments
Users should note that online access has certain limitations:
- Some documents may only be available at the courthouse
- Older cases (generally pre-2000) may not be digitized
- Confidential cases and sealed documents are not accessible online
- Complete case files may require in-person inspection
For specialized courts, additional resources include:
- Craighead County District Court records through the county's local portal
- Probate and estate matters through the Circuit Clerk's dedicated probate search
- Traffic citations through Arkansas Court Connect
Online access is governed by Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 19, which establishes uniform policies for electronic access to court records while protecting sensitive information from improper disclosure.
How To Search Craighead County Court Records for Free?
Arkansas law provides for free public inspection of court records as established in Arkansas Code § 25-19-105, which states that "public records shall be open to inspection and copying by any citizen of the State of Arkansas." In accordance with this statute, Craighead County offers several no-cost options for accessing court records.
Free access methods include:
- In-person inspection at the Craighead County Circuit Clerk's Office during regular business hours
- Basic case information searches through the Arkansas Judiciary's online portal
- Public access terminals located in the courthouse lobby
- Attendance at public court proceedings
- Review of court calendars and dockets posted at the courthouse
When utilizing free access options, members of the public should be aware of the following guidelines:
- While inspection is free, copy fees apply for printed documents ($0.25 per page)
- Staff assistance for extensive searches may incur research fees
- Some online features require registration but not payment
- Records must be viewed in designated areas of the courthouse
- Photography or scanning of records may be restricted
The Arkansas Judiciary provides limited free access to court records through its public access portal, which includes:
- Case party information
- Case type and filing date
- Judge assignments
- Upcoming hearing dates
- Case status (active/closed)
- Register of actions (docket entries)
For more comprehensive searches or document retrieval, fees may apply. However, certain exemptions exist for indigent persons, educational purposes, and governmental agencies as provided in Administrative Order No. 19.
What's Included in a Craighead County Court Record?
Court records in Craighead County contain various documents depending on the case type and stage of proceedings. These records provide a comprehensive account of judicial actions and are maintained according to Arkansas Court Rules.
For civil cases, court records typically include:
- Complaint or petition initiating the lawsuit
- Summons and proof of service
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions filed by either party
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Court orders and rulings
- Final judgment
- Post-judgment motions and orders
- Transcripts of hearings (if requested)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
Criminal case files contain:
- Criminal information or indictment
- Arrest warrant and return
- Booking information
- Bond documentation
- Plea agreements
- Motions to suppress evidence
- Pre-trial conference records
- Trial exhibits and evidence logs
- Sentencing documents
- Probation reports (may be confidential)
- Appeal notices
Family court records include:
- Divorce petitions and decrees
- Child custody and support orders
- Parenting plans
- Financial affidavits
- Property settlement agreements
- Domestic violence protection orders
- Paternity determinations
- Name change petitions
Probate records contain:
- Wills and codicils
- Petitions for probate
- Letters testamentary or of administration
- Inventories of estate assets
- Claims against estates
- Accountings
- Distribution orders
- Guardianship documents
Each court record also includes a register of actions (docket sheet) that chronologically lists all events and filings in the case, providing a roadmap of the proceedings from initiation to conclusion.
How Long Does Craighead County Keep Court Records?
Craighead County adheres to the Arkansas Supreme Court's records retention schedule as established in Administrative Order No. 7, which prescribes minimum retention periods for various court documents. These retention policies ensure the preservation of important legal records while allowing for the eventual disposition of less critical materials.
The standard retention periods for major case types include:
- Felony criminal cases: Permanent retention for Class Y, A, and B felonies; 25 years for lesser felonies
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case closure
- Civil cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Domestic relations cases: Permanent retention for divorce decrees; 25 years for other documents
- Probate cases: Permanent retention for wills and estate settlements
- Juvenile delinquency: Until subject reaches age 21, then sealed
- Juvenile dependency-neglect: Permanent retention
- Small claims: 5 years after judgment
- Traffic violations: 3 years after disposition
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-46-101, records designated for permanent retention are maintained indefinitely and eventually transferred to microfilm or electronic format for long-term preservation. The Circuit Clerk serves as the official custodian of these records and implements the retention schedule in accordance with state law.
Certain documents within case files may have different retention requirements:
- Exhibits: Returned to parties after appeal period expires
- Discovery materials: Not filed with court unless used in proceedings
- Financial records: 7 years after case closure
- Recordings of proceedings: 1 year after transcription or 7 years if not transcribed
The Arkansas History Commission may designate certain court records as having historical value, in which case they are preserved permanently regardless of standard retention periods. Additionally, the Administrative Office of the Courts provides guidance on the proper methods for records destruction when retention periods expire.
Types of Courts In Craighead County
Craighead County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority. Each court handles specific types of cases as prescribed by Arkansas law.
Craighead County Circuit Court
511 Union Street
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 933-4570
Craighead County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Circuit Court is divided into five divisions:
- Criminal Division
- Civil Division
- Domestic Relations Division
- Probate Division
- Juvenile Division
Craighead County District Court - Jonesboro Division
410 West Washington Avenue
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 933-4568
Craighead County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Craighead County District Court - Lake City Division
408 Cobean Boulevard
Lake City, AR 72437
(870) 237-4424
Craighead County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Craighead County District Court - Harrisburg Division
202 North East Street
Harrisburg, AR 72432
(870) 578-2742
Craighead County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The court hierarchy in Arkansas proceeds from District Courts (formerly Municipal Courts) to Circuit Courts, then to the Arkansas Court of Appeals, and finally to the Arkansas Supreme Court. Cases may be appealed from lower courts to higher courts according to established procedures.
Craighead County falls within the jurisdiction of the Arkansas Court of Appeals and Arkansas Supreme Court, both located in Little Rock:
Arkansas Court of Appeals
625 Marshall Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 682-6849
Arkansas Court of Appeals
Arkansas Supreme Court
625 Marshall Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 682-6867
Arkansas Supreme Court
What Types of Cases Do Craighead County Courts Hear?
Craighead County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their statutory jurisdiction as defined in Arkansas Code § 16-17-704 and related statutes. Each court within the county's judicial system handles specific case types based on subject matter and severity.
The Craighead County Circuit Court has jurisdiction over:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil matters with claims exceeding $5,000
- Domestic relations cases (divorce, custody, support)
- Probate matters (wills, estates, guardianships)
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency-neglect proceedings
- Appeals from District Court decisions
- Real property disputes
- Civil commitments
- Adoptions
- Name changes
- Quiet title actions
Craighead County District Courts handle:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Civil claims up to $5,000
- Small claims (up to $5,000)
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Local ordinance violations
- DWI/DUI cases
- Orders of protection (initial temporary orders)
- Search and arrest warrants
- Preliminary probable cause determinations
Specialized dockets within these courts include:
- Drug Court - alternative sentencing program for non-violent drug offenders
- Veterans Treatment Court - specialized services for veterans in the criminal justice system
- Mental Health Court - addressing cases involving mental illness
- Teen Court - peer-based alternative for juvenile offenders
- Family Treatment Court - focused on child welfare cases involving substance abuse
The jurisdiction of these courts is established by the Arkansas Constitution and implemented through the Arkansas Code. Cases may be transferred between courts when jurisdictional requirements dictate, such as when a District Court case involves claims exceeding the court's monetary threshold.
How To Find a Court Docket In Craighead County
Court dockets in Craighead County provide a chronological listing of scheduled court proceedings, including hearings, trials, and other judicial events. These schedules are public records that can be accessed through several methods.
To locate current court dockets, members of the public may:
-
Visit the Arkansas Judiciary's online case information system and search by:
- Court location (Jonesboro, Lake City, or Harrisburg)
- Date range
- Judge
- Case type
-
Contact the appropriate clerk's office:
- For Circuit Court dockets: Circuit Clerk's Office at (870) 933-4530
- For District Court dockets: District Court Clerk at (870) 933-4568
-
View physical docket postings at the courthouse:
- Daily dockets are typically posted near courtroom entrances
- Weekly schedules may be posted on bulletin boards in the courthouse lobby
-
Request docket information by mail by sending a written request to:
- Craighead County Circuit Clerk
- 511 Union Street, Suite 107
- Jonesboro, AR 72401
When searching for docket information, it is helpful to provide:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Approximate date of scheduled proceeding
- Type of hearing or proceeding
Pursuant to Administrative Order No. 19, court dockets are public information with limited exceptions for certain confidential proceedings such as juvenile matters or sealed cases. The dockets typically include:
- Time and location of proceedings
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Type of proceeding (arraignment, motion hearing, trial, etc.)
- Presiding judge
For specialized dockets such as criminal arraignments or foreclosure proceedings, which often involve multiple cases heard consecutively, contact the specific division of the court handling those matters for the most accurate scheduling information.
Which Courts in Craighead County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the Arkansas judicial system, a distinction exists between "courts of record" and "courts not of record" as defined in Arkansas Code § 16-10-102. This classification determines whether proceedings are formally transcribed and preserved verbatim, affecting appeal procedures and the permanence of court documentation.
Prior to January 1, 2017, District Courts in Craighead County operated as courts not of record. However, following the implementation of Amendment 80 to the Arkansas Constitution and subsequent legislative changes, all District Courts in Craighead County now function as courts of record. This transition was completed through Act 1185 of 2015, which mandated that all District Courts in counties with populations exceeding 70,000 become courts of record.
As courts of record, Craighead County District Courts now:
- Maintain verbatim records of all proceedings
- Employ court reporters or electronic recording systems
- Preserve evidence and testimony in an official record
- Process appeals through a review of the record rather than de novo trials
Currently, no courts in Craighead County operate as courts not of record. All judicial proceedings, whether in Circuit Court or District Court, are formally recorded and preserved according to state archival requirements.
The significance of this classification affects how appeals proceed:
- Appeals from courts of record involve review of the existing record for errors
- Appeals from courts not of record (which no longer exist in Craighead County) would have required completely new trials at the Circuit Court level
This standardization of record-keeping practices ensures consistency in judicial proceedings throughout Craighead County and aligns with the statewide court unification efforts implemented through Amendment 80 to the Arkansas Constitution.
Lookup Court Records in Craighead County
Case Search through Arkansas Judiciary