Desha County District Court has jurisdiction over the following matters: small claims is up to $5,000 and civil claims is up to $25,000, criminal misdemeanors, traffic tickets and city ordinance violations.
Melinda French is the District Judge. The Judge is an elected official with a four year term of office. Kira Johnson is the Chief Court Clerk and is appointed by the Mayor.
Small & Civil claims court is held the first Thursday of each month after county court is over. Criminal and traffic court is held the fourth Tuesday of each month. County Criminal & traffic court is held on the first Thursday of every month. City criminal & traffic court is held on the second Thursday of every month. It is held in the courtroom of the Police Department at 2412 Highway 65 N.
You can pay your fine online at www.myfinepayment.com as well as in person with exact cash, money order or with a debit/credit card at the Police Station 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Their number is 770-213-4231 or toll free at 877-591-8768.
The office is open Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 and 4:30 p.m.