Lonoke County, Arkansas court records are available through several channels. LonokeCourt.us allows for quick access to public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be searched through the official portal Search ARCourts, directly at the court clerk's office (Circuit Clerk or District Court Clerk), and through public terminals installed in the courthouse. Below is a practical guide to navigating the county's court system.
Lonoke Court System & Jurisdictions
There are two main levels of courts operating in Lonoke County, each handling different categories of cases.
Circuit Court
This is a court of general jurisdiction. It handles serious criminal cases (felonies), civil lawsuits over $25,000, divorce cases, child custody, adoptions, and probate cases (the legal process for distributing a deceased person's estate). The Circuit Clerk maintains all records for this court.
District Court
The county's district court is part of the 30th Judicial District. It handles:
- Traffic violations and fines
- Criminal misdemeanors
- Civil lawsuits up to $25,000
- Small claims up to $5,000
- Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
According to the district court's administrative plan, sessions are held at the courthouse in Lonoke and in the courtroom at the Lonoke County Sheriff's Office Complex. Fines and citation fees can be paid through Arkansas Online Court Payment.
Lonoke County District Court
Lonoke Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out which cases are scheduled for today or the upcoming days, there are several options.
- Search ARCourts Portal. Go to the case search page, enter the party's name or case number — the system will show the dates of upcoming hearings and the case status.
- Phone inquiry. Call the District Court office at 501-676-3585 or the Circuit Clerk. Staff will inform you of the time and date of the hearing.
- In-person visit. Current schedules are available on public terminals at the courthouse.
The district court's administrative plan provides for regular sessions, including hearings at 1:00 PM in the courtroom at the Sheriff's Office Complex. The exact schedule varies depending on the week, so for specific dates, it's better to check the portal or call in advance.
How to Get a Copy of a Lonoke Court Document
The type of document determines whom to contact. Circuit Court records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk — according to the county financial report, this position is held by Deborah Oglesby. District Court records are maintained by the district court office.
Certified and Non-Certified Copies
- Non-Certified Copy — a regular printout for review. Suitable for personal viewing but has no legal force.
- Certified Copy — a document with the clerk's seal and signature. Needed for submission to other courts, government agencies, or when processing real estate.
How to Order
- Online. Through Search ARCourts, some documents can be viewed and downloaded. However, certified copies are usually not issued online.
- In-person. Visit the appropriate office with identification. Provide the case number or full name of the party.
- By mail. Send a written request specifying the case number, type of document, and a check for the appropriate amount.
Lonoke County Circuit Clerk
Some records have restricted access according to Arkansas law — including juvenile cases, sealed cases, and certain categories of family cases. Before requesting, check with the clerk if the document is public.
Lonoke Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set according to Arkansas state law and court internal rules. Below are approximate rates applicable in most county courts in the state. For the exact amount, contact the office.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Record search (by name) | $6.00 |
| Non-certified copy (per page) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Certified copy | $5.00 – $10.00 per document |
| Certification of a previously issued copy | $5.00 |
| Online fine/citation payment | Fine amount + service fee |
Payment is accepted in cash, money order, or check — in person at the office. Traffic fines and district court citations can be paid through the Arkansas online payment system. For mail requests, include a check or money order payable to the appropriate clerk.
Specific fees may vary depending on the type of case. If a certified copy of a court decision or warrant is needed, call the office in advance to confirm the exact amount — this will save time and avoid delays with mail requests.