I take on a select number of criminal defense cases in Jonesboro and across Northeast Arkansas. They are usually the difficult ones: serious charges, disputed facts, and cases that are likely to be decided by a judge or jury rather than a plea.

My Background in Criminal Courts

I have always been in private practice. Alongside it, I have served as both a public defender and a deputy prosecuting attorney, handling hundreds of criminal cases ranging from traffic tickets to murders. I have prepared and tried cases from both sides of the courtroom, and I know how the State builds and presents a case.

I keep my criminal docket small on purpose. When I take a case, I prepare it as though it will be tried, because the hard ones often are. That means I can’t accept every case. If yours isn’t a fit, I’ll tell you quickly so you can find the right lawyer.

Having been a prosecutor and a defense lawyer helps me explain how a case is likely to move through the system and what questions are worth asking. It does not let me predict how your case will end, and I won’t pretend otherwise.

How Arkansas Classifies Crimes

Arkansas sorts most offenses into classes, and the class sets the possible sentence range (A.C.A. § 5-4-401):

Felonies: Class Y, A, B, C and D, plus unclassified felonies whose ranges are set in the statute for that offense. Class Y is the most serious.
Misdemeanors: Class A, B and C, plus unclassified misdemeanors.

The range is only part of the picture. Prior convictions, enhancements and the facts of the case can all affect what is possible. Fines, probation, a criminal record and effects on your job, license or custody case can matter as much as jail time.

What Usually Happens in a Criminal Case

Arrest or citation and first appearance. Bond and release conditions are usually addressed early.
Formal charges. In circuit court, felony charges are filed by the prosecutor. Misdemeanors are usually handled in district court.
Discovery and investigation. This is where we get the State’s evidence, look for problems with it, and look at whether any evidence was gathered in a way that can be challenged.
Negotiation or motions. Many cases are resolved by agreement. Some need hearings on motions first.
Trial. If a case goes to trial, the State must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. For a step-by-step look, read what happens at a felony jury trial in Craighead County.

What to Do Now

Don’t talk about your case with police, alleged victims, or on social media or jail phones. You can politely say you want a lawyer.
Follow every bond condition and no-contact order to the letter.
Write down what you remember while it is fresh, and keep every paper you were given.
Write down your court date and don’t miss it.

Criminal Defense Questions

Should I talk to the police and explain my side?

You have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. Talk with a lawyer before you give any statement.

Do you handle DWI cases?

Yes. See my page on DWI defense in Arkansas.

I have an order of protection against me. Is that a criminal case?

An order of protection starts as a civil case, but violating one is a crime. Read more about orders of protection. If a criminal charge could affect a custody case, tell me that up front.

Is Your Case a Fit?

If you are facing a serious, difficult or high-stakes charge and want a lawyer who has tried cases from both sides, let’s talk. We’ll see whether your case is a fit and whether there is a place for it in my practice. I won’t make promises about how it will turn out, but I will give you my honest assessment. You can learn more about me.

You can call the office at 870.525.2191. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, and Sara Beth or I will call you back. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at 721 W. Matthews Ave in Jonesboro. You can also request a consultation online. When you call, we’ll talk briefly about your case to see whether it is a fit, and I’ll explain how fees work before you decide anything.

This page is general information about Arkansas law, not legal advice for your situation.