What type of cases do City Courts handle?

City Courts in Arkansas primarily handle misdemeanor cases and civil matters where the monetary amount in controversy does not exceed $25,000. This jurisdictional limit is significant because it allows City Courts to focus on localized issues that typically involve less severe criminal offenses and smaller civil disputes. Misdemeanor arrests may include minor criminal offenses such as petty theft, disorderly conduct, or traffic violations, which are generally punishable by less than a year of incarceration.

In contrast, felony cases—those classified as more serious crimes—are typically outside the jurisdiction of City Courts and are instead handled by Circuit Courts or higher courts. Additionally, civil cases involving amounts over $25,000 also fall outside the jurisdiction of City Courts, directed to more appropriate venues that can manage disputes of greater financial stakes. The mention of serious crimes requiring jury selection as well as international cases further emphasizes jurisdictions that are not applicable to City Courts, solidifying the understanding that these courts are tailored for specific local matters.