Court records of Sebastian County, Arkansas, are available through several channels. SebastianCourt.us allows quick access to public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be viewed through official online portals of the Arkansas court system, directly at court offices in Fort Smith and Greenwood, as well as through public terminals installed in court buildings.
Sebastian Court System & Jurisdictions
Several courts operate in the county, each with clearly defined jurisdiction.
Circuit Court — the main court of general jurisdiction. This is where serious criminal cases (felonies), large civil lawsuits, family cases (divorce, child custody, alimony), and probate cases (the judicial process of estate settlement) are heard. Circuit Court records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk; they can be checked through the Circuit Court Inquiry page on the county's website.
Besides the Circuit Court, the county has two District Courts:
- Fort Smith District Court — handles minor criminal cases (misdemeanors), traffic violations, small civil claims, and small claims cases for the city of Fort Smith and surrounding areas.
- Greenwood District Court — serves the eastern part of the county and has similar jurisdiction. Information about access to Greenwood District Court records can be found on the county's official website.
Traffic violation cases usually start in District Court. If you need to contest a fine or appear for a traffic ticket hearing, you should go there. Small claims cases (lawsuits for small amounts) are also filed in District Court.
The County Clerk separately maintains records of marriages, property deeds, and other documents that are not court cases in the narrow sense but are often needed alongside court records. The County Clerk's Office handles requests for these documents.
Sebastian Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the schedule of court hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week, use the statewide portal Search ARCourts. This system allows you to search cases by party name or case number and view scheduled hearings for Circuit Court.
For District Court cases, the schedule can be clarified by calling the court directly or visiting the court building in person. Court documents and schedules are also published on the county's Court Documents page.
Some practical tips:
- Open Search ARCourts and enter the last name or case number.
- Select Sebastian County in the search filters.
- Review the results — the system will show the dates of upcoming hearings and the status of the case.
- If you need information about District Court, contact the court office by phone.
Sebastian County Courts Building
How to Get a Copy of a Sebastian Court Document
You can obtain a copy of a court document in three ways: online, in person at the office, or by mail.
Online. Some Circuit Court documents are available through Search ARCourts — the system allows you to view actual case materials. However, not all documents are digitized, and downloading a certified copy online is usually not possible.
In person. Visit the Circuit Clerk or County Clerk's office in Fort Smith or Greenwood. You will need the party's name or case number. The office issues both regular (uncertified) and certified copies. A certified copy has the court's official seal and is accepted as legal evidence; uncertified is for informational purposes only.
By mail. Send a written request specifying the case number, party names, and type of copy (certified or uncertified) to the office address:
Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount. If you do not know the exact amount, call the office in advance at 479-783-1103.
Some records have restricted access. Juvenile cases, sealed cases, and certain family cases are not provided without a court order.
Sebastian Court Records Fees & Payment
The fee amount depends on the type of document and the method of obtaining it. Below are approximate rates charged by county offices and the sheriff. Exact amounts should be confirmed directly with the office, as they may change according to administrative orders.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Source / Office |
|---|---|---|
| Accident Report | $4 | Sheriff — Civil Special Services |
| Property Damage Report | $2 | Sheriff — Civil Special Services |
| Arrest Report | $2 | Sheriff — Civil Special Services |
| Background Check | $5 | Sheriff — Civil Special Services |
| Petition to Seal | $6 | Sheriff — Civil Special Services |
| Certified copy of court document | Depends on the number of pages | Circuit Clerk / County Clerk |
| Warrant Search | Free online | Sebastian County Warrant Search |
| Inmate Search | Free online | Inmate Inquiry |
Payment at the offices is usually accepted in cash, check, or money order. The possibility of card payment should be clarified in advance by phone. Online warrant and inmate search services are free and do not require registration.
To obtain records stored in the Sheriff's Records Department, contact the office at 800 South A Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901, during business hours (Mon–Fri, 8:00–16:30).