Garland County Public Records /Garland County Court Records

Garland County Court Records

What Is Garland County Court Records

Court records in Garland County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities and decisions maintained pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-10-101, which establishes the framework for court record management throughout the state.

Garland County court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and proceedings
Judicial orders and final judgments
Transcripts of court proceedings
Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
Settlement agreements in civil cases
Probate filings and estate administration documents

These judicial records are distinct from other public records maintained by Garland County, such as property records (deeds, mortgages, liens), vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), and tax assessment records. The primary distinction lies in their creation within the judicial branch of government rather than administrative agencies.

The Garland County District Court and Garland County Circuit Court serve as the principal repositories for court records within the jurisdiction. The Circuit Court maintains records for felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding certain monetary thresholds, domestic relations cases, probate proceedings, and juvenile matters. The District Court preserves records related to misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims, and preliminary felony proceedings.

Are Court Records Public In Garland County

Court records in Garland County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (A.C.A. § 25-19-105) and the constitutional principle of open courts established in Article 2, Section 13 of the Arkansas Constitution. This presumption of openness reflects the fundamental commitment to transparency in judicial proceedings.

The public status of court records encompasses:

Civil case files (with limited exceptions for sealed matters)
Criminal case files following formal charging
Court dockets and hearing schedules
Judgments, orders, and judicial opinions
Marriage and divorce records
Probate proceedings and estate inventories

However, certain categories of court records remain confidential under Arkansas law, including:

Juvenile delinquency records (with limited exceptions)
Adoption proceedings
Mental health commitment records
Records sealed by judicial order
Certain domestic violence and victim information
Grand jury proceedings and materials

Access to federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, which has jurisdiction over Garland County, is governed by different regulations than state court records. Federal court records are accessible through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system.

The Arkansas Supreme Court has established comprehensive rules governing public access to court records through Administrative Order No. 19, which balances the public's right to information with privacy concerns and the efficient administration of justice.

How To Find Court Records in Garland County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Garland County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county maintains multiple access points to accommodate various research needs.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Garland County Circuit Clerk's Office
501 Ouachita Avenue, Room 204
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 622-3600
Garland County Circuit Clerk

Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

The request process typically involves:

Completing a records request form specifying the case number, party names, or other identifying information
Presenting valid photo identification
Paying applicable copy fees ($0.25 per page for standard copies)
Allowing processing time, which varies based on record age and complexity

For remote requests, individuals may:

Submit written requests via postal mail to the Circuit Clerk's office
Utilize the Arkansas Judiciary's online case search system for basic case information
Contact the clerk's office by telephone to verify record availability before visiting

Researchers seeking historical court records (generally those over 20 years old) may need to contact:

Garland County Archives
328 Quapaw Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 321-1551

When requesting specific case records, providing the following information expedites the search process:

Complete case number (if known)
Full names of parties involved
Approximate date of case filing or disposition
Case type (civil, criminal, probate, etc.)

How To Look Up Court Records in Garland County Online?

Garland County residents and researchers can access certain court records through several online platforms maintained by state and county authorities. These digital resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits.

The primary online access point is the Arkansas Judiciary's Search ARCourts portal, which offers:

Case information for Circuit and District Courts
Party name and case number search capabilities
Access to case dockets and event histories
Information on scheduled hearings and proceedings

To utilize this system effectively:

Navigate to the Search ARCourts website
Select "Garland County" from the jurisdiction dropdown menu
Enter search criteria (party name, case number, or filing date range)
Review the results list and select specific cases for detailed information

For Garland County District Court records specifically, users may access limited information through the Hot Springs city website, which provides:

Basic case status information
Court schedules and docket listings
Contact information for further inquiries

The Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts maintains additional resources, including:

Standardized court forms for various proceedings
Administrative orders governing court operations
Directories of court officials and departments

It is important to note that online access has certain limitations:

Complete case files and documents may not be available electronically
Older records (generally pre-2000) may have limited online availability
Confidential or sealed records are excluded from public online access
Document images may require in-person requests or additional fees

How To Search Garland County Court Records for Free?

Arkansas law provides for free public inspection of court records pursuant to A.C.A. § 25-19-105, which establishes the right to examine public records without charge. While copy fees may apply, viewing records typically incurs no cost.

Free access options in Garland County include:

In-person inspection at the Garland 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 for electronic record viewing

The public access terminals at the Garland County Courthouse provide:

Free searches of the court's case management system
Access to non-confidential case information
Ability to view docket entries and case histories
Self-service research capabilities

For District Court records, individuals may visit:

Garland County District Court
607 Ouachita Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 321-6765

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

When utilizing free search options, researchers should note:

Staff assistance may be limited due to workload constraints
Complex searches may require additional guidance
Printed copies incur standard fees ($0.25 per page)
Certified copies require additional fees ($5.00 per document)

The Arkansas Judiciary website also provides free access to standardized court forms and administrative orders that may assist individuals navigating the court system without incurring document preparation costs.

What's Included in a Garland County Court Record?

Garland County court records contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings, with contents varying by case type and complexity. These records provide an official chronology of court actions and decisions.

In civil case files, records typically include:

Initial complaints or petitions
Summonses and proof of service documents
Responsive pleadings (answers, counterclaims)
Motions and supporting memoranda
Discovery materials (when filed with the court)
Affidavits and sworn statements
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Court orders and judgments
Transcripts of hearings (when prepared)
Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
Post-judgment collection documents

Criminal case records generally contain:

Charging documents (information or indictment)
Arrest warrants and returns
Bond documentation
Plea agreements
Motions to suppress evidence
Trial exhibits and evidence logs
Sentencing recommendations
Judgment and commitment orders
Probation terms and conditions
Appeal notices and briefs

Probate proceedings include:

Wills and codicils
Petitions for probate or administration
Inventories of estate assets
Claims against estates
Accountings of estate administration
Orders of distribution
Guardianship or conservatorship documents

Family court matters contain:

Divorce petitions and decrees
Child custody and support orders
Parenting plans
Financial affidavits
Property settlement agreements
Domestic violence protection orders

Each case file also includes a docket sheet, which serves as an index of all filings and court actions in chronological order. This document provides a comprehensive overview of case progression from initiation through disposition.

How Long Does Garland County Keep Court Records?

Garland County adheres to the Arkansas Supreme Court's records retention schedule, which establishes minimum retention periods for various court documents. These requirements are codified in Administrative Order No. 7, which governs records management practices throughout the state's judicial system.

The standard retention periods include:

Felony criminal case files: Permanent retention for Class Y, A, and B felonies; 10 years after final disposition for lesser felonies
Misdemeanor criminal cases: 3 years after final disposition
Traffic violations: 3 years after final disposition
Civil cases: 10 years after final disposition
Domestic relations cases: 10 years after final disposition (longer for cases involving minor children)
Probate cases: Permanent retention for wills and estate inventories; 10 years for other documents
Juvenile delinquency cases: Until subject reaches age 21 or 10 years after final disposition, whichever is later
Small claims cases: 5 years after final disposition

Certain records receive permanent preservation, including:

All case files predating 1950
Cases establishing significant legal precedents
Cases of historical significance
Adoption proceedings
Mental health commitment proceedings
Judgments creating ongoing obligations

The Garland County Circuit Court maintains an archival program for historical records, transferring older materials to the county archives for preservation while maintaining accessibility for research purposes.

Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, with additional provisions for maintaining technological accessibility as systems evolve. The county implements regular backup procedures and migration strategies to ensure long-term digital preservation.

Types of Courts In Garland County

Garland County's judicial system comprises several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority. These courts operate within Arkansas's unified court system under the administrative oversight of the Arkansas Supreme Court.

Garland County Circuit Court
501 Ouachita Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 622-3690
Garland County Circuit Court

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

The Circuit Court operates with four divisions:

Division 1: Criminal matters and civil cases
Division 2: Domestic relations and probate
Division 3: Civil matters and criminal cases
Division 4: Juvenile matters and drug court

Garland County District Court
607 Ouachita Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 321-6765
Garland County District Court

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

The District Court of Garland County operates with specialized divisions:

Criminal Division: Misdemeanor offenses and preliminary felony proceedings
Civil Division: Small claims and civil matters under $25,000
Traffic Division: Moving violations and parking infractions

Hot Springs Municipal Court
607 Ouachita Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 321-6765

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Appeals from District and Municipal Courts proceed to the Garland County Circuit Court for de novo review. Appeals from Circuit Court decisions are directed to either the Arkansas Court of Appeals or the Arkansas Supreme Court, depending on the case type.

The 41st District Court also serves portions of Garland County, handling matters arising in specific geographic areas within the county boundaries.

What Types of Cases Do Garland County Courts Hear?

Garland County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters, with jurisdiction determined by case type, monetary value, and potential penalties. Each court within the county's judicial system handles specific categories of cases as prescribed by Arkansas law.

The Garland County Circuit Court, as a court of general jurisdiction, presides over:

Felony criminal prosecutions (all classes)
Civil lawsuits exceeding $25,000 in controversy
Domestic relations matters (divorce, custody, support)
Probate proceedings (wills, estates, guardianships)
Juvenile delinquency and dependency-neglect cases
Administrative appeals from government agencies
Real property disputes and quiet title actions
Civil commitments for mental health treatment
Adoption proceedings
Appeals from lower courts (de novo review)

The Garland County District Court exercises limited jurisdiction over:

Misdemeanor criminal offenses
Traffic violations and DWI/DUI cases
Preliminary hearings in felony matters
Civil cases with amounts in controversy up to $25,000
Small claims actions (up to $5,000)
Landlord-tenant disputes and eviction proceedings
Orders of protection in domestic violence cases
Municipal ordinance violations
Parking and non-moving violations

The Hot Springs Municipal Court primarily handles:

Municipal ordinance violations within city limits
Code enforcement matters
Animal control violations
Certain traffic offenses occurring within city boundaries

Specialized dockets within these courts include:

Drug Court: Alternative sentencing program for non-violent offenders with substance abuse issues
Veterans Treatment Court: Tailored intervention for military veterans in the criminal justice system
Mental Health Court: Specialized approach for defendants with mental health conditions
Juvenile Drug Court: Rehabilitation-focused program for youth with substance abuse problems

The jurisdiction of these courts is established by the Arkansas Code § 16-17-704 for District Courts and Arkansas Code § 16-13-201 for Circuit Courts.

How To Find a Court Docket In Garland County

Court dockets in Garland County provide chronological listings of scheduled cases and proceedings. These essential documents help the public track court activities and identify specific hearings of interest.

To access current court dockets, individuals may:

Visit the Arkansas Judiciary's online case information system, which provides:
- Daily docket listings by court and division
- Search capabilities by date, judge, or case type
- Basic case information and scheduled events
Contact the appropriate clerk's office directly:
- Circuit Court: (501) 622-3690
- District Court: (501) 321-6765
Review physical docket postings at the courthouse:
- Daily dockets are typically posted near courtroom entrances
- Weekly schedules may be available on bulletin boards
- Special dockets (arraignments, motion hearings) are posted separately

For specific case docket information, researchers should provide:

Case number (if known)
Party names
Case type
Approximate filing date

The Garland County Circuit Court publishes specialized dockets for:

Criminal arraignments (typically Mondays)
Civil motion hearings (typically Fridays)
Probate matters (scheduled bi-weekly)
Juvenile proceedings (designated days)

District Court dockets are organized by:

Criminal proceedings (mornings)
Traffic cases (designated afternoons)
Small claims (specific days each month)
Civil matters (scheduled hearings)

Attorneys registered with the Arkansas Judiciary's electronic filing system receive automatic notifications of docket changes affecting their cases. Members of the public must check periodically for schedule updates, as hearing dates may change with limited notice.

Which Courts in Garland County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the Arkansas judicial system, courts are classified as either "courts of record" or "courts not of record" based on their procedural requirements and record-keeping practices. This distinction, established under Arkansas Code § 16-10-102, has significant implications for appeals and evidence preservation.

Courts not of record in Garland County include:

City Courts (for municipalities without District Courts)
Small Claims Division of District Court (for certain proceedings)

These courts are characterized by:

Simplified procedural rules
Less formal evidentiary standards
Limited verbatim recording of proceedings
Appeals heard de novo (completely new trial) in Circuit Court
Reduced filing fees and documentation requirements

The primary court not of record previously operating in Garland County was the Hot Springs Municipal Court. However, following statewide court reorganization under Amendment 80 to the Arkansas Constitution, municipal courts were largely replaced by District Courts, which function as courts of record.

Currently, the Small Claims Division of the Garland County District Court operates with simplified procedures similar to courts not of record, though its proceedings are documented more thoroughly than traditional non-record courts.

Courts of record in Garland County include:

Circuit Court (all divisions)
District Court (except certain small claims proceedings)

These courts maintain comprehensive records including:

Verbatim transcripts or recordings of proceedings
Detailed docket entries
Preservation of all filed documents
Formal evidentiary procedures
Appeals based on the established record

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record affects how appeals proceed, with appeals from non-record courts receiving entirely new trials rather than reviews of existing records for legal errors.