Court records in Craighead County, Arkansas, can be searched through several channels. CraigheadCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also use official state court search tools, visit the court clerks' offices in person, or access public terminals at the courthouse. The sections below explain which courts handle which cases, how to look up hearings, and how to request documents.
Craighead Court System & Jurisdictions
Craighead County has two county seats — Jonesboro and Lake City — and its court system is split across several levels. Knowing which court handled a case determines where to search for the docket.
- Circuit Court — Handles felony criminal cases, civil cases above the district court threshold, domestic relations matters (divorce, custody, child support), juvenile cases, and probate. Craighead County falls within the Second Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Clerk's office in Jonesboro maintains these records.
- Craighead County District Court — Located in Jonesboro, this state district court handles misdemeanors, small claims (up to $25,000 under current Arkansas law), preliminary felony hearings, and civil cases within its jurisdictional limits.
- Traffic cases — Most traffic violations are processed through the District Court. Citations issued within Jonesboro city limits may also be handled by the Jonesboro District Court division.
- Probate — Wills, estates, guardianships, and conservatorships are filed in Circuit Court and maintained by the Circuit Clerk.
If you are unsure which court holds a particular record, start with the Search ARCourts portal, which indexes cases across Arkansas court levels.
Craighead Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find today's or this week's scheduled hearings in Craighead County:
- Visit the Arkansas Judiciary case search tool.
- Select Craighead County and the relevant court division.
- Search by party name or case number to view scheduled hearing dates attached to a specific case.
The Search ARCourts platform also links to filed documents in many cases, so you can review motions or orders tied to an upcoming hearing. Court calendars for the Jonesboro District Court and the Second Judicial Circuit Court may also be posted at the courthouse or available by calling the clerk's office directly.
For city-level meetings and municipal court schedules in Jonesboro, the City of Jonesboro official website provides calendar and agenda information.
How to Get a Copy of a Craighead Court Document
You can obtain court documents through three main channels:
Online
Some filings are viewable and downloadable through Search ARCourts. Documents available online are generally uncertified and suitable for personal reference only. Not all records are digitized — older cases and sealed filings will not appear.
In Person
Visit the appropriate clerk's office:
Craighead County Circuit Clerk (Jonesboro)
Craighead County Circuit Clerk (Lake City)
Bring a valid photo ID. Ask the clerk whether you need a certified or uncertified copy — certified copies carry the court seal and are required for most legal proceedings.
By Mail
Send a written request to the appropriate clerk's office above. Include:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of the parties involved
- The specific document you need
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for the applicable fee
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Certain records are restricted under Arkansas law. Juvenile cases, adoption files, sealed records, and some mental-health proceedings are not available to the general public.
For criminal background checks unrelated to a specific court case, the Arkansas Online Criminal Background Check System is a separate resource. Individuals incarcerated in state facilities can be located through the Arkansas Department of Correction inmate search.
Craighead Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Craighead County are set by Arkansas statute and local administrative orders. The table below reflects commonly assessed fees — confirm current amounts with the clerk's office, as fees may be updated by court order.
| Service | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25–$0.50 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $5.00–$10.00 |
| Certificate and seal | $5.00 |
| Record search (per name) | $6.00 |
| Fax retrieval (per page, if available) | $1.00 |
Payment methods: Most clerk's offices accept cash, checks, and money orders. Some offices accept credit or debit cards, though a convenience fee may apply. For mail requests, include a check or money order payable to the Craighead County Circuit Clerk.
Online document views through Search ARCourts are free, but downloading certified copies still requires a request through the clerk. Always verify the exact fee before submitting payment — call the clerk's office or check CraigheadCourt.us for additional guidance on current costs and procedures.