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About Joshua
Biography
My name is Joshua W. Bugeja and I’m a licensed attorney for the state of Arkansas. I am a solo practitioner and a native of Fort Smith. I serve most of Arkansas and am willing to travel for little to no additional charge.
Practice Areas
8
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
35%
15 years
Divorce and Separation
20%
15 years
Child Custody
15%
15 years
Social Security & Disability
10%
15 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 200-250 per hour
Contingency
33%-40%
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Arkansas for 15 years
State: Arkansas
Acquired: 2010
No misconduct found
Location
Bugeja Law Firm
1615 N. A. St., Fort Smith, AR, 72901
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Joshua W. Bugeja's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 11 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Sara | March 17, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
An Honest Lawyer and Kind Man!
Didn't hesitate to give a free consultation which saved me tons of money because he was honest! If I ever need a lawyer in the future, there's no one that I'd rather turn to. Definitely a man of great character and integrity! #BLESSED
Posted by anonymous | May 8, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Super knowledgeable
Mr. Bugeja consulted with me and gave me the information I needed to take care of my situation without having to hire him. He was generous with his time and did not charge me a penny.
Posted by kent | January 3, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
best of the best and great price
mr bujega was great and worth every penny and then some he expertly answered all of my questions and even did more work than he agreed to for the same price id definitey use him again in the future if i ever need another lawyer
Posted by anonymous | October 15, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Would not recommend
My husband hired Mr. Bugeja to settle and represent him for his custody battle. He met with my husband 3 times in person and my husband was told “I’m writing a proposal up and we’ll get this taken care of”. 2 months later completely ghosted my husband and myself. We have called, emailed, facebook mes...
Posted by Alex | October 4, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
A stand up guy and great attorney!
Josh is a stand up guy and a great attorney to boot. I hired him to represent me on a divorce and when my wife died unexpectedly he gave me a full refund. I know that he did some work but he refused to take anything since he hadn't filed yet and understood that I was grieving the loss of the mother...
Joshua W. Bugeja's Lawyer Endorsements
"Josh was opposing counsel on a criminal matter when I was a prosecutor. Josh was an effective advocate for his client in both District and Circuit Court by arguing facts and law that were persuasive to the decisionmakers. Josh was persistent with me as a prosecutor in making sure that the State was following all rules and treating his client fairly. It was very apparent to me that Josh personally cared about the impact a criminal conviction would have on his client's life and was willing to go above and beyond for them."
"I wholeheartedly endorse Josh as an excellent lawyer. I have worked with Josh on multiple matters as his appellate attorney. I can say that his work ethic is second to none in making sure his clients' rights are protected. He goes above and beyond in advocating his clients' positions and, when necessary, isn't afraid to take it to the next level. If you're looking for a lawyer who cares not only about the case, but cares about you as well, look no further than Josh."
Misty Grady
Personal injury lawyer
Bryan Huffman
Appeals lawyer
Experience
Honors
2018
Top 40 Lawyers Under 40 (Criminal Defense - Arkansas), American Society of Legal Advocates
2017
Top 40 Lawyers Under 40 (Criminal Defense - Arkansas), American Society of Legal Advocates
2016
Top 40 Lawyers Under 40 (Criminal Defense - Arkansas), American Society of Legal Advocates
2016
10 Best Family Law Attorneys, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2016
10 Best Criminal Law Attorneys, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2002
Presidential Scholarship, University of Central Arkansas
Work Experience
2010 - Present
Owner/Attorney, Bugeja Law Firm
2013 - 2016
Conflicts Attorney (part-time), Arkansas Public Defender Commission
2012 - 2012
Associate Attorney, Meadors Law Firm
Associations
2015 - Present
United States Supreme CourtAdmitted to Practice
2015 - Present
U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th CircuitAdmitted to Practice
2012 - Present
Sebastian County Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
United States District Court for the Eastern District of ArkansasAdmitted to Practice
2012 - Present
United States District Court for the Western District of ArkansasAdmitted to Practice
2003 - 2006
Arkansas Board of RealtorsMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State of Arkansas v. Patrick Crumby
Mistrial due to lack of a unanimous jury verdict (no conviction)
Arkansas DHS v. Melvy Nelson
Affirmed for Appelle/Client Melvy Nelson - she will not be added to the child maltreatment registry due to this accidental injury to her child.
State of Arkansas v. Joshua Beyard
Guilty of 1st Degree Murder - 40 year sentence (beat prosecutor's best plea offer)
State of Arkansas v. Joseph Daniel Price
Aggravated assault charge (D felony) was dismissed for insufficient evidence; found guilty of assault in the 3rd degree (C misdemeanor) instead and punished with 10 days jail.
State of Arkansas v. Christopher John McEnaney
Not Guilty Jury Verdict (10 minute deliberation)
State of Arkansas v. Joshua Jerry Ray Garner
Not Guilty
State of Arkansas v. Joshua Jerry Garner
Not Guilty Jury Verdict
Eddie York and CRT v. City of Fort Smith
Victory for the Plaintiff - the City of Fort Smith then held a public vote on the 1% prepared food tax, which was subsequently voted down by the citizens.
Education
2009
University of Tulsa College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2006
University of Central Arkansas
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2002
Southside High School
High School Diploma
Speaking Engagements
2019
Professional Update 2019 CLE
“Oops!” The Importance of Proper Punctuation and Clarity in the Law
2013
River Valley Pride: Presenters and Poets
Being LGBT in Arkansas: Legal Concerns and Complications
2011
Food Tax Forum
Fort Smith, Arkansas 1% Prepared Food Tax
Publications
2013
Arkansas Bar Association publication
Tech Tip: Dual Monitors
2013
Arkansas Bar Association publication
New Admittee Survival Guide
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers