New building will house city, county courts in PB (UALR Public Radio) - A $1.8 million building under construction will house both the Pine Bluff and Jefferson County courts.

The Jefferson County District Court handles mostly misdemeanor offenses that come from arrests and tickets from the county sheriff's office and Arkansas State Police, along with civil and small-claims cases outside of Pine Bluff.

The Pine Bluff District Court is responsible for handling arrests and tickets from local police and civil and small-claims cases within city limits.

Jefferson County Judge Kim Bridgforth says the new building will allow for easier transportation of prisoners. Both courts now are housed at City Hall.

Pine Bluff Court Clerk Veronica Young says the new building also will mean less confusion for members of the public, who often mixed up the two courts.


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