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1. Must you appear in Court?

If you are charged with a routine traffic violation, such as speeding (25 mph & under), failure to yield, running a stop sign, and other minor violations and you wish to plead guilty, you may inquire as to the proper procedure with the District Court Clerk’s Office located at 201 Spring Street, Springdale, Arkansas. You will be allowed to pay the fine and costs without appearing in court.

If you wish to plead not guilty to the traffic offense, or you are charged with a more serious misdemeanor, such as reckless driving, driving while intoxicated, possession of a controlled substance, assault, battery, or failure to carry liability insurance with an accident, you must appear in Court on the date and time noted on the traffic citation or summons.

If you fail to appear in court, a warrant for your arrest will be issued so it is very important you know when you are to appear. If you have any questions concerning your court date, you can contact the Springdale District Court Clerk’s Office at 750-8150.

2. What occurs at your first court appearance?

Your case will be called and the Judge will make sure you understand your rights. You will then be asked to enter a plea to the charge. The available pleas are: “Not Guilty”, “Guilty”, or “No Contest”.

If you plead not guilty, the case will be set over for a specific date and time for trial, usually 60 days or so from the date of your first appearance.

If you plead guilty or no contest, the Judge will set your punishment accordingly. If you plead guilty or no contest, you will be allowed to make a statement to the Court.

3. How do I keep a traffic ticket off my record?

If you have a good driving record, you may be eligible to have a minor traffic offense taken off your record. You must still pay the fine and costs, however, it will not go on your record if you receive no other violations within the time period specified.

You may also have to meet other conditions, such as being required to complete a defensive driving course. If you are not represented by an attorney and you are charged with a minor traffic offense or city ordinance violation that occurred in Springdale, you can contact the Springdale City Attorney’s Office anytime within 1 day before your court date to see what their settlement offer is on your case but you are under no obligation to contact them.

4. What are Court Clerks allowed / not allowed to do?

The clerk is permitted to answer procedural questions, practices and court rules. If you are in need of legal advice please contact any attorney.

Court Clerks are not allowed to do the following:
- Fill out forms for you
- Give you legal advice
- Give you an opinion about what will happen if you bring your case to court
- Recommend an attorney
- Tell you what to say in court

5. If I have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) can I keep a citation off my driving record?

No. If you currently hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) you cannot use the First Offender Program. Act 842 of 2003, which went into effect January 1, 2005, prohibits any District Judge from using any program to defer imposition of sentence in instances where the defendant holds a Commercial Driver's License and is charged with violating any state or local traffic law other than a parking violation.

6. What is the court schedule?

The court schedule is:

- Arraingments: 8:30 a.m.- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

- County Trials: 4th Monday of the month 1:30 p.m.

- Trials: Thursday- Pleas 8:30 a.m. and Docket roll call at 9:00 a.m.

7. What days are Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) Interpreters available?

Interpreters available for the following days for traffic and criminal cases:

- Tuesdays (Spanish)

- Wednesdays (Marshallese)

- Thursdays (Trials) Spanish and Marshallese

AOC Language and Hearing Impaired Interpreters are available upon request!

Please note: If you have a case in the Civil or Small Claims Division of our Court you must request a translator for your case at least (2) weeks prior to your trial date. Interpreters do not appear for Civil or Small Claims Trials unless the Clerk has requested them.

8. What is the extra $10 per month that I get charged on my monthly payments?

The State of Arkansas amended Arkansas Code Ann. § 16-13-704(b)(1) which states, "In addition to the fine and any other assessments authorized by this subchapter, an installment fee of $10 per month shall be assessed on each person who is authorized to pay a fine on an installment basis. This fee shall be collected in full each month in which a defendant makes an installment payment."

9. How do I file a petition to seal my record?

You can file a petition to seal your record. It does not cost to file a Petition to Seal. Certain offenses cannot be sealed for a specific time period under Arkansas law (for instance, Driving While Intoxicated). Ark Code An. Section 16-19-1401, et. seq. sets out the law or seal by misdemeanors in Arkansas.