Court records in Garland County, Arkansas can be found through several channels. GarlandCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also search records through the Arkansas Judiciary's online case search, contact the appropriate clerk's office directly, or visit public terminals at the courthouse. The method you use will depend on the type of case and how far back the records go.
Garland Court System & Jurisdictions
Garland County operates two primary court levels: Circuit Court and District Court. Understanding which court handled a case is the first step toward finding the right docket.
Garland County Circuit Court
The Garland County Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction. It is divided into multiple divisions and handles:
- Felony criminal cases — all felony prosecutions after bindover from District Court
- Civil cases — lawsuits exceeding the District Court's monetary limit
- Domestic relations — divorce, custody, child support, and paternity
- Juvenile cases — delinquency and families in need of services (FINS)
- Dependency-neglect — child welfare matters
- Probate — estates, guardianships, and conservatorships
Circuit Court is located in the Garland County Courthouse in Hot Springs.
Garland County District Court
The Garland County District Court handles a high volume of cases, including:
- Traffic violations — moving and non-moving offenses
- Misdemeanor criminal cases — offenses punishable by up to one year in county jail
- Preliminary felony hearings — initial appearances and probable-cause determinations before cases are bound over to Circuit Court
- Small claims — civil disputes involving limited dollar amounts
- Civil cases — within the District Court's monetary jurisdiction
District Court operates under the 41st District and maintains both criminal and civil dockets, including a warrant docket within the criminal division.
Additional Agencies
The Garland County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and operates the Garland County Detention Center. For individuals sentenced to state prison, the Arkansas Department of Corrections inmate search provides current custody status.
Garland Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Finding scheduled hearings in Garland County depends on whether the case is in Circuit Court or District Court.
How to Check the Calendar
- Search ARCourts online — The Search ARCourts portal allows you to look up case information for Circuit Court cases, which may include upcoming hearing dates. Use the Arkansas Judiciary case search to find a specific case by party name or case number.
- Contact the Circuit Clerk's office — For the most current scheduling information on Circuit Court matters, call or visit the Garland County Circuit Clerk at the courthouse. The Trial Court Administrator can also answer questions about scheduled hearings in specific divisions.
- Contact District Court directly — The Garland County District Court can provide hearing dates for traffic, misdemeanor, small claims, and preliminary felony matters. District Court dockets are typically available by contacting the court clerk.
If you need to confirm whether a hearing is still on the calendar for today or this week, calling the appropriate clerk's office is the most reliable approach. Schedules can change due to continuances, plea agreements, or judicial reassignment.
How to Get a Copy of a Garland Court Document
You can obtain court documents from the clerk's office that maintains the case file. Circuit Court records are held by the Garland County Circuit Clerk, while District Court records are maintained by the District Court Clerk.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies — Suitable for personal review or informal use. These are plain photocopies of the document.
- Certified copies — Bear the clerk's seal and signature, confirming authenticity. Required for most legal proceedings, background checks, and filings with other agencies.
How to Request Documents
- In person — Visit the clerk's office at the Garland County Courthouse. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can pull the file and make copies while you wait, depending on volume.
- By mail — Send a written request that includes the case number (if known), party names, the specific document needed, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Include payment by money order or cashier's check.
- Online — Some documents may be viewable through Search ARCourts, though downloadable certified copies are generally not available online. Standard Arkansas court forms can be downloaded from the Arkansas Judiciary website.
Clerk Mailing Address
Certain records are restricted from public access, including sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, adoption files, and some dependency-neglect matters. Ask the clerk whether the document you need is part of the public record before submitting payment.
Garland Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in Garland County are set by Arkansas statute and local administrative orders. The following table lists common charges. Confirm current amounts with the clerk's office, as fees may be updated periodically.
| Service | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard photocopy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified copy of a document | $5.00 per document plus per-page copy charges |
| Certificate and seal (certification fee) | $5.00 |
| Search fee (per name) | $6.00 |
| Fax fee (per page, if available) | $1.00 |
These estimates reflect standard Arkansas circuit clerk fee schedules under Ark. Code Ann. § 21-6-306 and related statutes. District Court fees may differ slightly; contact the District Court clerk to confirm amounts for traffic or misdemeanor records.
Accepted Payment Methods
- Cash (in person only)
- Money order or cashier's check (in person or by mail)
- Personal checks may be accepted — confirm with the clerk before submitting
If you are requesting records by mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment sufficient to cover the estimated fees. The clerk's office will contact you if additional payment is needed before releasing documents. For questions about fees or payment, call the Circuit Clerk's office at (501) 622-3600 or visit GarlandCourt.us for additional guidance on locating Garland County court records.