Trial in district court
If a case does not resolve, it is tried. In district court that generally means a trial before a judge rather than a jury.
A bench trial
District court criminal trials are generally bench trials: the judge hears the evidence, decides which witnesses to believe, and decides whether the charge has been proved. There is no jury deciding the outcome.
Who has to prove what
The State has the burden of proving the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. That burden stays with the State throughout — it never shifts to the person accused.
The defendant does not have to prove anything. A person accused of an offence need not testify or call witnesses. The question is whether the State proved its case.
How it usually runs
- the State calls its witnesses and presents its evidence;
- the defense may cross-examine each of the State's witnesses;
- the defense may present its own evidence and witnesses, though it is not required to;
- each side may make arguments about what the evidence shows;
- the judge decides.
What follows
If the judge finds the State did not prove the charge, the case ends. If the judge finds the charge proved, the case moves to sentencing, where the judge imposes a sentence within what the law allows for that offense.
Trial docket days in Benton County
From the county's administrative plan, effective 1 January 2026. Local scheduling, which the plan notes can vary for judicial conferences and holidays.
| Rogers District Court |
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|---|---|
| Siloam Springs District Court |
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| Benton County West District Court |
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| Cave Springs District Court |
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| Centerton District Court |
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| Little Flock District Court |
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| Lowell District Court |
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| Pea Ridge District Court |
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| Bella Vista District Court |
|
Rogers holds county trials on the third Thursday of even-numbered months only. Courts not listed set trials as needed.
Where this sits in the process
- 1Citation or arrestA case usually starts either with a citation telling someone to appear in court, or with an arrest.
- 2First appearance and bondA judge tells the person what they are accused of, addresses their right to a lawyer, and decides conditions of release.
- 3ArraignmentThe formal court appearance on the charge, where the person enters a plea.
- 4Plea and discoveryThe defense reviews the evidence, and the two sides discuss whether the case can be resolved without a trial.
- 5TrialYou are hereIf the case does not resolve, a judge hears the evidence and decides whether the State has proved the charge.
- 6SentencingIf there is a guilty plea or a finding of guilt, the judge imposes a sentence allowed by law for that offense.
- 7AppealA district court judgment may be appealed to circuit court, subject to the applicable procedure and deadline.
Sources: Arkansas Judiciary (opens in a new tab)
Last reviewed: September 16, 2026