Public Defender's Office of Garland County, Arkansas

Tim Beckham-Chief Public Defender

Deputy Public Defenders: Tamra Barrett, Morse Gist, Clay Janske, Ann Hill, Ron Kelsey, Terri Harris, Mark Fraiser, and Shane Ethridge

 What is a Public Defender?

Public Defenders are attorneys appointed by the Court to represent any person not financially able to employ counsel for criminal offenses.

 Mission Statement

 The mission of the Garland County Public Defender’s Office is to deliver competent, effective, and ethical legal representation to indigent persons charged with a crime in this county.

 Public Defender’s Services

The Garland County Public Defender’s Office provides constitutionally mandated representation to indigent persons in over 3,000 adult, juvenile, and mental health cases each year. We protect the rights of our clients and guarantee that they receive equal protection under the law, regardless of race, creed, national origin, or socio-economic status. We advise clients of their legal rights; and defend the client’s legal rights.

 Eligibility

Representation is determined by the presiding Judge in Court. The defendant completes a sworn statement of inability to afford private counsel.

The Garland County Public Defenders handle cases ranging from simple misdemeanors to complex felonies and death penalty cases, including:

Extradition Hearings

Juvenile Delinquency Proceedings

Juvenile FINS Proceedings

Probation Violations

Sanity Hearings

Appeals/Post-Conviction Relief Hearings

• Our office can not handle divorces, child support, custody cases, or DHS proceedings. Also, we do not represent individuals charged with infractions-offenses punishable by only a fine. We do represent individuals on several driving-related offenses, such as driving under the influence, reckless driving, etc.

 Contact information: Garland County Public Defender, 

415 A Ouachita Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901 

Telephone 501-624-6122        Fax 501-609-0757