District Court

District courts, formerly known as municipal courts before the passage of Amendment 80 to the Arkansas Constitution, exercise county-wide jurisdiction over misdemeanor and traffic cases, preliminary felony cases, and civil cases in matters of less than $25,000. A small claims division of district court provides a forum in which citizens represent themselves to resolve minor civil matters. The city courts operate in smaller communities where district courts do not exist and exercise city-wide jurisdiction.

The District Court provides fair, impartial and timely adjudication of misdemeanor offenses for both the City of Hope and Hempstead County. The District Court schedules court appearances, collects and distributes funds for both city and county, issues warrants, makes decisions on judicial dispositions, and handles both small and civil claims.