Sometimes, attorneys make the fatal mistake of assuming that the state's case is right and that witnesses actually said what is contained in the state's file. In some cases, I have actually used the state's witnesses as defense witnesses.
When somebody's life is at stake, I am willing to dig deep to find any facts that can help my client. Then, I look at all of the facts from a defense perspective. Are there any holes in the state's case? Were there issues with the search and seizure of evidence or other technical basis that I can use to get the charged dismissed?
Finally, if you are convicted, I want to look into the sentence range and find out if there is anything we can do to reduce the risk of a long jail sentence.
My goal in any criminal defense case, whether it is for drug possession or a violent felony, is to minimize the damage to your life. If an acquittal is possible, we'll go for that. If an acquittal isn't possible, my goal is to seek probation or minimize jail time.
I represent clients in all district, state, and federal courts in Arkansas, and handle all types of criminal defense cases, from traffic tickets to drug charges, to theft and embezzlement, sexual offenses and murder. I also handle post-conviction relief and appeals.
I have extensive criminal jury trial experience, and a record of good success in defending my clients. One of my cases involved a woman charged with capital murder before a jury and the evidence against her was compelling. At trial, I was able to show discrepancies in the state’s case, and at the conclusion of a tough, three-day trial, the jury returned a verdict for second degree murder and three counts of a terroristic act, which resulted in a sentence of twenty-years on the second-degree murder charge. If the jury had convicted my client of capital murder, she would have received a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
In another victory for my client, I represented a man charged with attempted capital murder of a police officer who had an extensive prior criminal history. We went to jury trial and if he was convicted, faced a possible sentence of up to 50 years in prison. During the trial, I was able to show many discrepancies in the officer’s testimony and state’s case, and the jury returned a verdict of 12 years on the charge of aggravated assault. My client served less than a third of that time and was released on parole.
I have also handled many nonviolent cases such as drug cases, theft cases and sex crimes, including sexual assaults against children. For my clients who are actually guilty of their crimes, I have been blessed to have obtained great favor from prosecuting attorneys across the state which has resulted in negotiating plea agreements on their behalf which result in reduced charges and or reductions of felony charges to misdemeanors- with the option of expungement upon completion of probation. I have also represented individuals in cases involving sex crimes against children in which prosecutors dropped the charges.
I represented one individual who had multiple drug charges and a prior criminal history. Despite the fact that he was charges as a habitual offender, I was able to convince the prosecutor involved to dismiss the habitual allegations, which allowed us to plead guilty to the court and ask for probation and no jail time. By the grace of God, our request was granted. On a third drug charge he was facing, I was able to negotiate a plea with the prosecutor handling the case to reduce the felony charge to a misdemeanor. He also obtained probation in that case and no jail time.
I have also handled cases for other individuals who were facing the possibility of extensive prison terms, and I was able to negotiate pleas with prosecutors for lesser charges and reduced sentences.
I often represent prison inmates in clemency hearings. If you receive a life sentence in Arkansas, there is no possibility for parole – the only remedy is an act of mercy through clemency. I am one of the few lawyers in the state who is experienced in handling clemency cases.
I have had excellent success in representing clients in clemency proceedings and have obtained early release from prison for many. Several of those clients had life sentences – with no hope of parole – until their sentences were commuted by the Governor.
One former client was sentenced to life for selling six grams of cocaine – and he is now free from prison. Four other clients I represented had received life sentences: two for drug crimes, one for aggravated robbery, and one for capital murder. All are now free because of clemency petitions I presented. I also represent individuals who are not presented incarcerated who are seeking to clear their criminal records by filing Petitions for Pardons, which are heard by the Parole Board and then sent to the Governor for a final decision. I was hired to file a pardon by an individual who embezzled funds from a bank at which he was employed several years ago. He received probation and has since worked to improve his life. We submitted his petition several months ago and were recently notified by the Governor’s Office that his request for a pardon has been granted.
If you are being investigated, have been arrested or charged with a state or federal crime in Arkansas, or are seeking executive clemency, contact me for a free consultation.
Little Rock, Arkansas Criminal Defense in Federal, State and Juvenile Courts, Criminal Appeals, Post Conviction Relief, Parole Revocation and Probation Violations, Executive Clemency and Pardons, and Family Law, Divorce and Child Custody Attorney Dana Reece: