I have received a traffic citation. What do I do now? +
Please carefully review all information on the citation. You have signed a promise to appear at the time and date specified on the citation. If you wish to pay the citation prior to your court date, you may contact the Clark County District Court and pay the citation in full. If you are unable to pay the citation in full prior to your court date, you must appear in court on the date specified on the citation.
What is a civil penalty and am I eligible for one? +
A civil penalty (also called a civil assessment) is available for certain non-mandatory appearance traffic violations. These are violations that do not require a mandatory appearance before the judge. To be eligible for a civil penalty, you must not have any outstanding warrants and the violation must not be one that requires a mandatory court appearance. The civil penalty amount will be listed on the citation or you may contact the court clerk for additional details.
Do I have to appear in court? +
Most criminal charges carry a mandatory court appearance. Some traffic violations also carry mandatory court appearances. If you have any questions about whether your specific violation requires a mandatory court appearance, you should contact the court clerk at 870.246.9552.
What methods of payment are available for paying my fine? +
You may pay your fine by cash or money order at the Arkadelphia Police Department or the Clark County Sheriff's Office. You may also mail a money order to the Clark County District Court at 419 Clay St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923. Online payments can be made at
www.courtpay.org using a credit or debit card. Please note that a convenience fee is added for online and credit/debit card transactions.
I have received notice there is an outstanding warrant for my arrest and my driver's license is suspended. What do I do now? +
You should contact the Clark County District Court at 870.246.9552 to arrange for a new court date. You will be required to appear before the Judge to address the outstanding warrant. The Judge will determine the appropriate course of action regarding the warrant and any associated fines or penalties.
My driver's license was released from the Court. Why does it still show as "suspended" in the system? +
Once the Court releases your driver's license, it may take the State Driver Control office some time to update the system. You will need to contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Control at (501) 682-7207 to verify the status. You may also need to pay a reinstatement fee of $100.00 ($25.00 for minors) directly to Driver Control before your license is fully reinstated.
I have plead "not guilty" and have been given a trial date. Am I eligible for a public defender? +
If you have been charged with a criminal offense that carries the possibility of jail time and you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for a court-appointed public defender. You will need to fill out an affidavit of indigency, which will be reviewed by the Judge. The Judge will determine your eligibility based on your financial situation.
Can I change my court date? +
If you need to request a continuance or change your court date, you should contact the Clark County District Court at 870.246.9552 as soon as possible. Continuances are granted at the discretion of the Court and are not guaranteed. You must have a valid reason for requesting a change of date.
I have witnesses I'd like to have testify at my trial. How do I get a subpoena issued? +
If you need witnesses to testify at your trial, you may request the Court issue subpoenas for those witnesses. Contact the court clerk to obtain the necessary forms and information about the subpoena process. Subpoenas must be served in advance of the trial date to give witnesses adequate notice.
What will happen at my trial? +
At your trial, both sides will have the opportunity to present evidence and testimony. The prosecution will present their case first, followed by the defense. You have the right to cross-examine witnesses, present your own witnesses, and testify on your own behalf (though you are not required to testify). After both sides have presented their case, the Judge will render a verdict.
I have already been found guilty. I am having trouble paying my fine and need to lower my monthly payment amount. How do I arrange to speak to Judge Hill again? +
If you are having difficulty meeting your payment obligations, you should contact the Clark County District Court at 870.246.9552 to request a review hearing before Judge Hill. The Judge can review your financial circumstances and may adjust your payment plan accordingly. It is important to communicate with the Court before you fall behind on payments.