Court records in Benton County, Arkansas, can be searched through several channels. BentonCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also access records through official state court portals, the county clerk's offices, and public-access terminals located inside the courthouses. The sections below explain which courts handle which cases, how to look up hearings, and how to request copies of court documents.
Benton County Court System & Jurisdictions
Benton County is one of the largest counties in Arkansas and operates several courts, each handling different case types. Knowing which court has jurisdiction over a case is essential before searching for docket information.
Circuit Court
Arkansas circuit courts are the state's courts of general jurisdiction. In Benton County, the Circuit Court is divided into civil, criminal, domestic relations, and juvenile divisions:
- Criminal Division — felony cases, serious misdemeanors, and criminal appeals from district court.
- Civil Division — lawsuits exceeding district court limits, contract disputes, personal injury claims, and equity matters.
- Domestic Relations Division — divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and orders of protection.
- Juvenile Division — delinquency, dependency-neglect, and families in need of services (FINS) cases.
Probate matters — including estates, guardianships, and conservatorships — are also handled within the Circuit Court system in Arkansas.
District Court
Benton County District Court handles:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic and ordinance violations
- Small claims (civil disputes up to $5,000)
- Civil cases up to $25,000
- Preliminary felony hearings
If you received a traffic ticket or are involved in a minor civil dispute in Benton County, the District Court docket is typically where your case will appear.
Benton County Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court schedule in Benton County, start with the state's online case search system.
- Visit Search ARCourts, the Arkansas Judiciary's statewide case lookup tool.
- Search by party name, case number, or attorney name. Filter results to Benton County.
- Once you locate a case, look for scheduled hearing dates and associated docket entries.
The Search ARCourts portal also links to documents for some public court records, allowing you to view actual filings in certain case types. Keep in mind that not every case will have documents available online — sealed, juvenile, and adoption records are generally restricted.
For same-day calendar information that may not yet appear online, contact the appropriate clerk's office directly:
Benton County Circuit ClerkThe Benton County Sheriff's Office also maintains a warrant search tool where you can look up active warrants by name.
How to Get a Copy of a Benton County Court Document
You can obtain court documents through three main channels: online, in person, or by mail.
Online
Some documents are viewable and downloadable through Search ARCourts. These are typically uncertified copies. If you need a certified copy — for example, for a divorce decree, judgment, or legal filing in another court — you will need to request one from the Circuit Clerk's office.
In Person
- Visit the Benton County Circuit Clerk's office at the courthouse in Bentonville.
- Provide the case number or the names of the parties involved.
- Specify whether you need a certified or uncertified copy.
- Pay the applicable fee (see fee schedule below).
Certified copies include an official seal and the clerk's signature, which is usually required when submitting documents to another court or government agency. Uncertified copies are plain reproductions and cost less.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Circuit Clerk that includes:
- Your full name and contact information
- The case number (if known) or party names and approximate filing date
- A description of the document(s) you need
- Whether you need certified or uncertified copies
- A check or money order for the estimated fees, payable to "Benton County Circuit Clerk"
Mail requests to:
Processing times for mail requests vary. Call ahead to confirm current fees and turnaround times.
Note that certain records are restricted from public access under Arkansas law. Juvenile cases, sealed records, adoption files, and mental health proceedings are generally not available to the public. Expunged records are also removed from public view. If you are unsure whether a record is accessible, ask the clerk before submitting payment.
Benton County Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record copies in Arkansas are set by state statute and local administrative orders. The table below reflects standard fees commonly charged by the Benton County Circuit Clerk's office. Contact the clerk to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated by administrative order.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $5.00 |
| Certificate and seal (per certification) | $5.00 |
| Search fee (per name searched) | $6.00 |
These fees are based on the schedule outlined in Arkansas Code § 21-6-306 and related statutes governing clerk fees. Some document types — such as lengthy trial transcripts — may carry additional costs.
Accepted Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, money order. Some clerk offices also accept credit and debit cards; ask when you visit.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to "Benton County Circuit Clerk."
If you overpay by mail, the clerk's office will typically issue a refund. If your request requires more than the amount submitted, staff will usually contact you before processing. For questions about specific fees or payment options, call the Circuit Clerk at (479) 271-1015 or visit BentonCourt.us for additional guidance on locating Benton County court records.