Madison County Criminal Defense Attorneys

Delivering the Legal Representation You Need

Norwood & Norwood, P.A. provides top-tier criminal defense in Madison County, AR. We have handled more than 25,000 criminal cases, defending clients on everything from speeding to murder. Regardless of the offense you’ve been charged with, we can help.

We can defend a variety of cases, including, but not limited to:

• DWI/DUI,
• Felonies,
• Suspended driver’s licenses,
• Traffic violations,
• Drug possession,
• Sex crimes,
• Theft crimes, and
• Violent crimes.

The consequences of a conviction can be costly. You face jail time, fines, court costs, and even the loss of your job. Norwood & Norwood, P.A. has proven many times that just because a person is charged with a crime doesn’t mean that they’ll be convicted. We work tirelessly for our clients and would be honored to help you!

Your first visit with us to discuss your case is free, and you’re under no obligation to hire us. Contact our team at (479) 235-4600 today!

We Combine Our Skills to Seek Results

At Norwood & Norwood, P.A., our team includes former deputy prosecutors. This experience means that they have worked on the other side of the court and understand the strategies the prosecution uses to build their cases.

We work as a team. Thus, even though you pay one legal fee, you’ll benefit from having 100 years of combined experience on your side and former prosecutors going over your case. Doug Norwood is our team leader and has input on all cases needing his knowledge and experience.

The only saying “two heads are better than one” is very appropriate in criminal defense. Our team puts our heads together to generate ideas to help our clients. Our attorneys have extensive experience in criminal cases. They work together to find ways to aggressively fight even the most serious charges. We work tirelessly for our clients and would love to help you!

Our team has achieved several victories in the past, including:

• Entire case dismissals
• Not guilty verdicts
• No incarceration sentences
• Reduced fines or no monetary penalties at all

Although we know that past outcomes can’t guarantee future successes, we are determined to fight hard toward a favorable outcome for you. Having a mark on your criminal record can severely limit the opportunities available to you, which is why we will work relentlessly to protect your rights.

Schedule a free visit with us by calling us at (479) 235-4600 or contacting us online today.

Steps in a Criminal Proceeding

If a person is accused of violating a statute in the Arkansas Criminal Code, the State will pursue a case against them. How a matter progresses depends on the specifics of the circumstances, but many cases will proceed similarly.

The following are the general steps in a criminal proceeding:

• Charges filed: After law enforcement officers investigate an alleged offense, they will send their findings to the prosecuting attorney. If the prosecutor determines that enough evidence exists to pursue the case, they will file to the court a document (referred to as information) enumerating the official charges.
• First appearance: The defendant will be scheduled for their first court appearance, called an arraignment. Several things happen during this hearing. The judge will inform the defendant of the charges and the potential penalties. Additionally, they’ll let the defendant know that they have the right to be represented by counsel. The judge may also set bail, which is the amount of money the defendant must pay for release from jail. The defendant may also be asked to enter a plea. It’s essential that they wait until after they’ve retained legal counsel to enter a plea. If the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, they will be sentenced. However, if they say they’re not guilty, the court will set a trial date.

It’s important to note that the first appearance is not the trial itself. Thus, the defendant is not required to present information or make statements to defend their innocence.

• Plea deal: Before the trial, the defendant, their attorney, and the prosecutor can attempt to negotiate a plea bargain. The prosecutor may agree to pursue lesser charges or recommend reduced sentences in exchange for something from the defendant. If a plea deal is negotiated, the defendant can avoid going to court.

Many cases are settled through plea bargains, as this process is less costly and time-consuming than going to trial.

• Trial: If the defendant and prosecutor cannot negotiate a deal, the case will go to court. During trial, both sides can present evidence to support their assertions. The prosecutor is trying to prove that the defendant committed the offense. The defendant and their attorney are working to cast doubt on the opposition’s evidence and defend the defendant’s innocence.

Depending on the matter, the case will be heard by either a judge or jury (referred to as the finder of facts). It’s their duty to listen to all the evidence and apply the applicable laws to determine whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty.

• Sentencing: If the fact finder decides that the evidence proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the offense, they will be sentenced. During the sentencing hearing, the prosecutor may argue for harsher penalties. At the same time, the defense may assert that mitigating factors warrant lesser sanctions. Depending on the matter, the defendant could be sentenced to incarceration, fined, placed on probation, subject to driver’s license suspension, or ordered to complete a treatment program, among other sanctions.

At Norwood & Norwood, P.A., we have handled misdemeanor and felony cases in Madison County and throughout Arkansas. We know the criminal justice system well and can walk you through every step of the process.

When you hire us, our attorneys will be by your side, scouring all relevant information and evidence to identify procedural errors or weaknesses in proof. Whether your case can be resolved through negotiations or must be heard in court, we will seek an optimal result for you. Get started on your case by reaching out to us today!

Hire a Team with a Sound Reputation

Throughout our nearly 100 years of combined experience, our Madison County criminal defense lawyers have provided solid legal counsel for the accused. Our legal services are recognized as top-notch. Past clients have left us favorable reviews, and we were named as the Best NWA Criminal Lawyer in the NWA Democrat-Gazette. We were also chosen to the U.S. News & World Report Best Law Firms in Arkansas list.

Additionally, our founding partner and lead legal litigation attorney, Doug Norwood, has received several accolades, including an AV Preeminent® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, selection to the Best Lawyers in America® list, and being awarded the Arkansas Times’ Best Criminal Law/DWI Lawyer in Arkansas honor.

Your first consultation with Norwood & Norwood, P.A. is free. We also offer reasonable rates and convenient payment plans.

Speak with a member of our team by calling (479) 235-4600 or submitting an online contact form.