The Washington County District Court, Elkins Department ensures court procedures are done properly while respectfully serving citizens.

We have jurisdiction over traffic violations, city ordinance violations, and misdemeanor criminal offenses within the city limits of both Elkins and Goshen, extending to the county limits.

You may file a civil action or a small claim in Elkins Court.

Court Days

Arraignments are held Tuesday afternoons at 2:30pm.

Bench Trials are held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 1pm and the 3rd Friday of the month. (Dates are based upon level of offense and jurisdiction)

Civil & Small Claims are heard on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 2:30pm

WARNING: If you fail to appear in court as ordered, the court will issue a warrant for your arrest and your driver's license will be suspended. You can also be jailed and/or fined. For more information, comments, or questions contact us at (479) 643-4170

Note: There is no court on the 5th Tuesday of the month. Court schedule is subject to change for holidays.

Arraignments

Defendants are given the opportunity to respond to charges and plead Guilty to said charges or Not Guilty and are given a court date to meet with the prosecutor.

We do accept Not Guilty pleas over the phone on some offenses. If you wish to call in a Not Guilty plea, you will have to call by no later than noon on your scheduled arraignment date.

If you have been charged with a "Must-appear" Offense, you are allowed to apply for a court-appointed public defender.

Preparing for Court

Before you come to court, here are the things you should bring with you:

• Proper identification (driver's license, Arkansas ID, passport)
• Your copy of the citation
• Appearance letter and/or court documents
• Any receipts regarding your case (i.e., cash bond receipts, etc.)
• Any documents which prove compliance with the judge's orders and/or sentencing
• Method of payment (cash or check)
• Do not use nicknames or an alias. Use the same spelling as listed on documents related to the case and ensure spelling on the documents is correct. If they are not, please advise the court.
• Provide the court with your current address
• Appropriate dress is required. No obscene slogans on clothing, hats, or cell phones. Shirt and shoes are required

Court Clerks are not allowed to give legal advice.

Anyone in need of legal advice must contact an attorney

Clerks are often asked by defendants, victims, attorneys, the news media, and other court users for advice as to how the court works. The Clerk has an important role in explaining procedures, but must be careful not to give legal advice, and is not able to recommend attorneys, process servers, etc. Giving legal advice is prohibited as the unauthorized practice of law and may subject the Clerk to criminal charges or liability.

The clerk's primary job is as keeper of the records only and he or she must remain unbiased in that position.

Making a Payment

Due Date

Fines are due in full on the day of court. If you wish to pay your ticket in lieu of going to court, you must do so before 4:15pm the day before your scheduled court date.

Types of Payment

The court accepts cash, check, money orders and cashier's checks. Checks and money orders should be paid payable to Elkins District Court.

If you would like a physical receipt, please enclose a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope and it will be mailed back to you. You can also include your email address with your payment and you receive your receipt to the email you provide.

Payment Options

Payments can be placed in our drop box in the envelopes provided. Be sure to write clearly and include your most up to date contact information should there be any questions on how to apply your payment.

If you are not able to pay in full, you may be able to setup a payment plan with a $10 monthly fee. The minimum monthly payments are $35.

If you wish to pay with your debit/credit card you can do so through Courtpay.org for an additional fee for making payments this way.

Filing Fees

$65 to open a new Small Claims case

Filing a Small Claims case must be $5,000 or less

$80 to open a Civil case

Filing a Civil case must be less than $25,000 which allows a corporation or individual being represented by an attorney to settle disputes.

$10 Writ of garnishment and executions

Other Fees

$2.50     Drawing and issuing or Sealing a Summons or Subpoena

$5           Copy Fee

$10         Certifying a document

All listed fees must be paid to the clerk at the time of filing.