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1. How can I prepare for my court appearance?

• Be on time.  If you arrive late and the Judge has left the Bench, your court date will be re-scheduled and you will have a charge of Failure to Appear to answer for on your new court date.
• Make childcare arrangements in advance.  The Court does not provide childcare.  Noisy children will be removed from the courtroom.  It is best to make arrangements for childcare so that you can have your full attention on the Judge and your case.
• Dress appropriately keeping in mind that this is a professional setting.   Shirts and shoes are required. Inappropriate attire such as muscle shirts, tank tops, halter tops, shirts with spaghetti straps, shirts that show your midriff, shorts, cut-off jeans, pants that fall below the hip, micro-mini skirts, pants with holes or flip-flop shoes may not be worn in the courtroom. Hats must be taken off before entering the courtroom.
• Cell phones should be TURNED OFF before entering the courtroom. Should your phone make noise during a court session, you may be asked to turn it in the Bailiff during the time you are in court.
• Do not come to court intoxicated.  Should the Judge determine that you have come to court intoxicated, your court date will be re-scheduled and you may be committed to the Benton County  Jail for a period of time.

2. What happens if I miss my court date?

If you miss your court date you should come to our office the next business day before noon.  You will need to sign for a new court date and will also have to answer  for the additional charge of Failure to Appear on the original court date. If you do not come to our office the next business day following your missed court date, a warrant may issue for your arrest.

3. Can I have the Public Defender appointed to represent me?

If you would like the Public Defender as your attorney you will have to ask the Judge at your first court appearance. The Judge will review your case, and if he/she determines you might qualify for the Public Defender, will have you complete an Affidavit of Indigence.  After reviewing the Affidavit, the Judge will decide whether to appoint the Public Defender to represent you.  

4. Are there items I cannot bring to court?

Yes. Weapons, firearms and knives of any kind are strictly prohibited and subject to confiscation. Food, drinks and chewing gum are also prohibited. Bags and large purses should not be brought inside and people will be asked to take them back to their car, when that is an option.

5. What form of payments are accepted?

We accept cash, checks, money orders and credit or debit cards.  When paying with cash, exact change is required.  Temporary checks will not be accepted.  

6. How can I make my monthly fine payment?

Payments can be made at our office during regular business hours, through the mail or online. If sending payment through the mail, please do not send cash.  Credit or debit card payments are subject to a 7% convenience fee when paying on online or a 3.5% convenience fee when paying at our office. (This fee is charged by the processing company and does not benefit the court).

7. How can I obtain a copy of the disposition on my case?

Case dispositions are entered on a docket sheet. Copies of your docket can be obtained at our office during regular business hours.  There is a minimal copying charge of 25 cents/page.  In the alternative, some case dispositions can be obtained online through JusticeWeb (cases from May 2013 and forward). Click the “Report” icon in the top banner. This will give you various report options. Choose the “Name Search” report.  Enter the requested information and you will have the ability to print out your docket.