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Debra Joan Cheatham Reece
also known as Debra Reece Johnson
About Debra
Biography
I love the law. It's that simple. It's all I ever wanted to do. I worked hard all my life, raised two sons as a single mom after divorcing when they were young, and watched while people I knew and loved got screwed by the system. I became a lawyer to try to help people in that system. My practice is state-wide. I moved to Pope County (Russellville) in 2008 to be close to family. In 2017 I have opened a branch office in Saline County (Benton), and I divide my time between the two offices. Criminal law is the main focus of my practice, because I consistently see people who are either completely innocent of their charges, or who are overcharged (charged with something more than what they actually did), and I want to help them. I am tired of police officers who treat the Constitution as though it's merely a suggestion, prosecutors who are willing to bring cases when even they don't really believe the defendant is guilty of the crime, and judges who turn a blind eye to justice.
I believe the criminal defense lawyer is the last bastion against a police state run by corrupt government officials, and the only way the criminal defense system works is if the defendant is represented by excellent counsel who holds the State to its burden of proof, and makes all required motions, evidentiary objections, etc.
My practice is a family practice. Before he passed away in 2014, my father was our office manager. Now my husband runs the business side of things, one of our sons is our excellent paralegal/legal assistant, our younger daughter is our file clerk, and I handle the lawyering. Because we are a family business, we treat our clients like family, too. In my leisure time, I spend time with family and friends, and I enjoy writing, playing guitar and writing music, and playing with our dogs.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
90%
21 years | 873 cases
Appeals
5%
23 years | 250 cases
Child Abuse
5%
17 years | 26 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Arkansas for 22 years
State: Arkansas
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
Location
Reece Law Criminal Defense & Appeals
112 W. Sevier Street, Benton, AR, 72015
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Debra Joan Cheatham Reece's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 18 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Dan and Linda | July 27, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent
She doesn't sugar coat anything. Straight forward. Very knowledgeable. Well respected. Competent. Follows up and through. Literally a God send to our family !
Posted by Mia | April 18, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Criminal Law
Debra is very serious about what she does. She works hard to get the best outcome possible for you. She does understand situations that do happen can be unfair, and she is very knowledgeable about the laws. She will in no way push you to do anything, and she definitely won’t sugarcoat what she needs ...
Posted by Francisco | December 10, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The best lawyer
I met Debra in the worst moment in my life, she and her team were very professional. Since day one I felt safe and she did everything in her power to help me. Debra helped me not just in legal matters, she went beyond and gave me moral support. I went several times to her office and talked for a lo...
Posted by anonymous | December 10, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Awesome
Debra and her team handled the case with persistence, passion and perseverance as she navigated us thru the process with patience and thoroughness.
Posted by David | December 9, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
A very good friend
Ms. Reece went out of her way to help me with the case brought against me. When the first court date came up my dad had to have open heart surgery and she got the date changed the day before so I could be at the hospital. Her Law firm worked very hard and was understanding on payments for there serv...
Debra Joan Cheatham Reece's Lawyer Endorsements
"Debra is a fantastic attorney with a wealth of knowledge. She fights to get the results her clients want."
"I was a former student of Ms. Reece's, as well as a fellow attorney in the community with her. I find her to be an excellent attorney, and she offers her client services that are top-notch. She does whatever it takes to get the job done for her clients, and you can truly tell that she loves what she does every day. As her student, I found that she pushed us hard to achieve, because she knew that is what it also takes to be a good attorney."
"Ms. Reece always has the correct answer to legal problems, and she exhibits the attitude and demeanor of a good lawyer who is accustomed to winning. I am pleased to endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. In reading Ms. Reece's biography, practicing law is her calling and her passion. She gave firm and good advice. Good job!"
"Debra is a top-notch attorney, by far one of the very best in Arkansas. I am honored to call her a colleague. She is honest and professional, intelligent, and truly kind. She treats her clients with a kindness and respect that is often lacking in our industry. The Arkansas legal community is very lucky to have her."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Debra is very talented. The reason I'm posting this review today, though, is that we just finished the 2015 Arkansas Appellate Advocacy Institute at the Arkansas Bar Association. She was one of the speakers, and she did an outstanding job discussing several interesting and complicated matters relating to appeals. We were all very fortunate to have her there."
"Ms. Reece has the experience to help when you need it the most. I recall having worked with her as a prosecutor, and she was always a knowledgeable advocate for her clients. You can't go wrong with Debra."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"If I were facing criminal charges, Debra Reece is the first person that I would call. There is no other attorney that I would trust with my freedom!"
"It's rare to find an attorney with Debra's level of intelligence and extensive knowledge of the law, combined with her degree of passion for helping those in need and to seek justice. She is "top-notch" in the area of criminal law, dedicated to her clients, and a tremendous asset to the citizens in need of Arkansas and its legal system. She is fearless, smart, and an insomniac who spends far too many nights researching law and drafting pleadings, which makes for one hell of an attorney for her clients, and a nightmare for the lawyer opposing her. Highest regards."
"Ms. Reece is who attorneys call when they have questions. She is a class act and I can easily recommend her services."
"I endorse this lawyer. Outstanding reputation and ability."
"Our Firm refers serious criminal cases to no other attorney but Ms. Reece. We consider her to be the best of the best."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Reece is a well known and respected member of the Minnesota Bar. She is very knowledgeable"
"I endorse Ms. Reece. Debra provides knowledgeable and practical advice and has the experience needed to provide outstanding representation of her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Debra is a fierce aggressive attorney who knows the law. She is fearless in her pursuit of defense of her clients. She is highly regarded in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Debra is an excellent attorney who puts her clients and their interests first - the way it should be. She is passionate in and out of the courtroom. When out of the courtroom, she is dedicated to her students at the William H. Bowen School of law, where she is a Professor teaching criminal law classes."
"I strongly endorse this lawyer. She has been a wonderful mentor to me and several of my fellow attorneys. Her advice has always been well thought out and helpful. She is very thorough in her approach to each case, and a very fearless and zealous advocate for her clients. She is mindful and careful in each step of the process to ensure the protection of her client's rights and to hold the state responsible for any actions taken against the defendant."
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Experience
Honors
2013
Mid-South Rising Stars, Super Lawyers
2012
Mid-South Rising Stars, Super Lawyers
2011
Mid-South Rising Stars, Super Lawyers
2010
Mid-South Rising Stars, Super Lawyers
Work Experience
2007 - Present
Owner, Reece Law Firm
2004 - Present
Adjunct Professor, UALR Bowen School of Law
2006 - 2007
Attorney, Windstream Communications
2005 - 2006
Owner, Reece Law Firm
2002 - 2004
Law clerk, Arkansas Supreme Court
Associations
2007 - Present
Faulkner Co. Renegade Bar Assnmember
2007 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyersmember
2005 - Present
Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyersmember
2011 - 2013
Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense LawyersBoard of Directors
2008 - 2018
Pope County Bar AssociationMember
2005 - 2014
Arkansas Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. D.K.
Jury acquittal on both charges
State v. T.W.
Aquittal by jury
State v. J.R.
Charges dropped - case dismissed
State v. R.P.
We won - parole revocation denied
State v. R.N.
Acquittal on DWI
State v. R.M.
Plea for probation.
State v. L.M.
Charges dropped - case dismissed
State v. C.M. (juvenile case)
Criminal case dismissed/DHS case successfully challenged
State v J.L.
Felony charges reduced to two misdemeanors
State v C.H.
One year sentence with another nine suspended
State v S.F.
First degree murder negotiated down to manslaughter
Rudd v State
Appeal won; sentence modified from 5 years to 16 months
Dosia v State
Appeal won; Conviction reversed, client released from prison
State v T.C. and M.C.
Charges dropped - case dismissed
State v. V.C.
Drug court/probation
State v. J.B.
Plea deal to 10 years.
State v K.A.
Guilty plea - probation
State v D.A.
Charges dropped - case dismissed
State v. N.D.
Charges dropped - case dismissed
State v S.S.
Jury acquittal
State v D.M.
Jury acquitted on B felony, guilty on other charges
State v. S.S.
Pled to leaving scene of accident.
State v S.H.
Three felonies dropped to one misdemeanor
State v. N.F.
Charges dropped - case dismissed
State v. G.D.
Charges dropped - case dismissed
State v. J.M.
All charges dropped - case dismissed
Education
2003
UALR Bowen School of Law
Juris Doctorate w/ High Honors
1999
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
B.A. Magna Cum Laude
Speaking Engagements
2016
Pope County Bar Association Annual CLE Seminar
Sentencing Issues
2014
Appellate Advocacy Seminar
Criminal appeals
2009
Appellate Advocacy Seminar
Criminal Appeals
2007
Solo practitioner panel
Solo Practitioner Office Mgmt
Publications
2010
Arkansas Trial Lawyer's Association "Docket" Magazine
"The Dangers of Dabbling in Criminal Defense"
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can you appeal verdict if it comes to light that the defendant is mentally ill and has schizoaffective disorder
06 Dec 2018
Q&A
How long do they have to arraign you on a felony ?
07 Oct 2018
Q&A
I recently just got my record expunged for a domestic case and I wanted to know about the first amendment offense means
29 Aug 2018