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Criminal Defense Lawyers in Arkansas

Lawyer Legion Criminal Defense Information Center of Arkansas

Search Directory for Criminal Defense Lawyers in Arkansas

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Criminal Defense Lawyers by Specialty

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Arkansas

Lawyer Legion created this list of the top picks in 2024 for the best criminal defense attorneys in Arkansas. To rank the top criminal defense attorneys and other lawyers in Arkansas, we used both objective and subjective criteria.

The top criminal defense attorneys were selected based on their career accomplishments, success in high-profile cases, professional involvement, community leadership, and board certifications.

This list represents some of the most highly accomplished criminal defense lawyers currently practicing in Arkansas. When reviewing this list, please be aware of each of the following:

  • Lawyers cannot pay to be included in this list.
  • Only lawyers who are active on Lawyer Legion were selected.
  • No online directory can accurately determine a statewide list of attorneys who are actually “the best” at practicing criminal law (but our list comes close).
John Wesley Hall Jr
Criminal Defense and Marijuana Lawyer
Little Rock, AR
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W. Whitfield Hyman
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Fort Smith, AR
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Matthew Porter McKay
Criminal Defense and Drug Crimes Lawyer
Little Rock, AR
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Bradley Joseph Williams
Criminal Defense and DUI / DWI Lawyer
Conway, AR
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Chip Leibovich
Criminal Defense and DUI / DWI Lawyer
Conway, AR
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Kara Lynn Benca
Criminal Defense and Marijuana Lawyer
Little Rock, AR
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Bryan Vernetti
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Bentonville, AR
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Stewart A. Whaley
Family Law and Criminal Defense Lawyer
Little Rock, AR
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Stephen A. Shoptaw
Personal Injury and Criminal Defense Lawyer
Benton, AR
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Greg Klebanoff
Criminal Defense and Family Lawyer
Fayetteville, AR
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More Noteworthy Criminal Attorneys in Arkansas

Arkansas Criminal Defense Legal Resources

Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) - Founded in 1958, NACDL is the largest organization for criminal defense lawyers fighting to preserve fairness within America's criminal justice system. The organization has more than 10,000 direct members including criminal defense attorneys in private practice, public defenders in state or federal court, U.S. military defense counsel, law professors and judges.
Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (AACDL) - Reorganized in 1999, the Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (AACDL) works to ensure fairness and due process for persons accused of crimes. The AACDL advocates for criminal justice reform through its legislation influence and works to better the practice of criminal defense attorneys in Arkansas through providing continuing legal education(CLEs), networking opportunities, and referral services.

Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense

Criminal Trial Law - The specialty area of Criminal Trial Law is offered by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) to lawyers. To earn NBTA board certification, the criminal defense attorney must show substantial involvement in at least 45 days of trial, must have served as lead counsel in jury cases through verdict; conducted direct examinations and cross-examinations, and conducted a specified number of voir dire, opening statements and closing arguments.
DUI Defense Law - The National College for DUI Defense, Inc. (NCDD) is an organization that grants specialty or board certification for DUI Defense Law. The ABA has recognized the NCDD as an organization that is accredited to award certification in this specialty area of the law. The purpose of granting board certification in DUI Defense Law is to recognize DUI and DWI lawyers who focus their practice on representing men and women accused of drunk and impaired driving offenses. In order to qualify for board certification in "DUI Defense Law," the attorney must meet specific qualifications and apply for board certification with NCDD.

Arkansas Government and Court Resources

Arkansas Attorney General

Arkansas Attorney General - The Arkansas Attorney General serves as the state's chief legal officer and is tasked with providing legal counsel to state agencies, boards, and commissions. Appointed by the Governor, the Attorney General represents Arkansas in legal matters, both civil and criminal, and plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law. Responsibilities include prosecuting and defending legal actions on behalf of the state, providing legal advice to state officials, overseeing consumer protection efforts, and addressing issues related to public interest.

Arkansas Public Defender Commission

Arkansas Public Defender Commission - The Arkansas Public Defender Commission (APDC), established in 1991 by Act 956, is an independent state agency overseeing legal representation for indigent individuals in criminal cases. APDC ensures the Sixth Amendment's right to counsel for those who can't afford it, overseeing services, setting standards, and ensuring qualified attorneys. It collaborates with local offices, private attorneys, and provides training to enhance representation quality, fairness, and justice.

Arkansas State Legislature

Arkansas State Legislature - The Arkansas State Legislature operates as a bicameral body, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House comprises 100 members serving two-year terms, while the Senate consists of 35 members with four-year terms. Together, they are tasked with creating and passing laws that govern the state, proposing and debating bills, levying taxes, and allocating state funds. The Legislature convenes in regular sessions, during which legislators work on shaping policies, addressing the needs of citizens, and overseeing the state's budgetary matters, ensuring the effective functioning of Arkansas's government.

Arkansas Supreme Court

Arkansas Supreme Court - The Arkansas Supreme Court functions as the highest judicial body in the state, responsible for interpreting and upholding the law in Arkansas. Serving as an appellate court, it reviews decisions made by lower courts to ensure they align with state laws and the constitution. The court's duties encompass hearing appeals on a wide range of cases, both civil and criminal, resolving disputes, and providing legal interpretations that guide lower courts and state agencies. Additionally, the Arkansas Supreme Court oversees the state's legal profession, handling attorney admissions, setting ethical standards, and regulating the conduct of attorneys to maintain professionalism and integrity within the legal community.

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