Arkansas County

Arkansas County, Arkansas is a unique jurisdiction in the local community Delta region, notable for being one of only two counties in the United States with two county seats: DeWitt and Stuttgart. Located in the eastern portion of the state along Arkansas County River and the Grand Prairie, Arkansas County includes approximately 1,034 square miles of primarily agricultural land. As of the 2020 Census, Arkansas County had a population of approximately 17,149 residents, reflecting a continued decline from its historical peak. Arkansas County was established on December 13, 1813, making it one of the original five counties created during the territorial period, and it is named after Arkansas County River. Stuttgart, known as the 'Rice and Duck Capital of the World,' hosts the annual World Championship Duck Calling Contest and Wings Over the Prairie Festival, while DeWitt is the southern district seat. Arkansas County's economy has historically centered on agriculture, particularly rice farming, with the Grand Prairie being one of the most productive rice-growing regions in the nation. Major landmarks include the Grand Prairie Center, White River National Wildlife Refuge, and numerous rice fields that define the scene. Arkansas County Recorder offices maintain land records at both county seats, with offices located at Arkansas County Courthouse in DeWitt (203 Court Square) and the Stuttgart Courthouse (101 Court Square). Arkansas County Clerk and County Assessor also maintain dual offices in both county seats to serve residents across this geographically divided jurisdiction.

The Arkansas County Circuit Court serves Arkansas County and is located at 1 Courthouse Square in DeWitt. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for this area. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Arkansas online court portal.

Access to public records in Arkansas County is streamlined under Arkansas public records law, which allows residents to request various documents, including court filings for civil, criminal, family, and probate cases.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Arkansas County does not currently maintain a publicly searchable online inmate roster, so inquiries must be made by phone or in-person visit to the detention center.
• Processing times for FOIA requests typically range from a few days to two weeks, and fees may apply for copying and certification of records.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

• District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil matters under $25,000, and small claims cases, also operating from both county seat locations.
• Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Circuit Clerk's office for a fee of $5.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $5.00 certification fee.
• Online access provides basic case information at no charge, but retrieving complete case files typically requires contacting the clerk's office directly.

• Certified copies of recorded documents are available for $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, with an additional $5.00 certification fee when required.
• Some GIS mapping and parcel information may be available through Arkansas County government, though full online access remains limited compared to more urbanized counties.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Death certificates follow the same fee structure and ordering process.
• Processing time for mail requests typically ranges from 4-6 weeks, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
• Online ordering is available through VitalChek at DeWitt area.gov/health/vital records, which provides faster processing but includes additional service fees.
• The marriage license fee is approximately $60.00, with a reduction available if applicants complete a premarital counseling course.
• Divorce records (decrees of dissolution) are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office where the divorce was granted and can be requested following the same procedures as other court records.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• This online database is updated regularly and provides the most authoritative source for DeWitt area business entity information.