Lonoke County Court Records Lookup

The following is for information purposes only

Formed on April 16, 1873, and situated in central Arkansas, Lonoke County has an estimated population of over 74,200 people. Even though the largest city within the county is Cabot, its county seat is Lonoke City. The chief engineer of the Cairo & Fulton Railroad is responsible for naming Lonoke, deriving from the words “lone oak” at the time of establishment. The county court system consists of the Circuit Court and District Courts.

The 23rd Judicial Circuit Court of Arkansas serves Lonoke County residents. The court has general jurisdiction over civil cases like torts, contracts, negligence, and monetary claims. The court also handles felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, juvenile delinquency, juvenile dependency, and other cases involving minors. Domestic relations and probate cases are also within the authority of the court. Furthermore, Lonoke County is also home to seven local District Courts classified into the Northern and Southern Districts. These courts preside over misdemeanor offenses, ordinance violations, traffic cases, preliminary felony hearings, civil claims not exceeding $5,000 in value, and small claims. The District Courts are located in the cities of Ward, Lonoke, England, Carlisle, Cabot, Austin, and Allport.

Reports from the Arkansas Department of Public Safety reveal that Lonoke County recorded 3,835 crimes in 2023. Also, according to the Arkansas Judiciary's Statistics Summary, the Circuit Court in Lonoke County resolved 1,021 criminal cases and 925 civil cases. The Circuit and District Courts in Lonoke County maintain records of the cases that each of them handles. To access records of the Circuit Court, contact the Lonoke County Circuit Clerk. Records of the District Courts are available at the courthouse that heard the case. Also, anyone can search Lonoke County court records using the ARCourts portal. Notably, certain files are confidential and sealed and are not open to public access. Those typically include sensitive matters involving minors, adoption, and custodial matters, all mental health matters as well as medical records. If access is needed to these particular files, the County Clerk can assist with an in-person visit to their office. Special permission or court orders are required for these sealed records.

In summary, the Circuit Court and District Courts are the primary adjudicatory bodies in Lonoke County. Disputing parties can institute cases in these courts and get binding and enforceable judgments. Also, most case records in the county are open to the public, thus ensuring transparency in the administration of justice.