Skip to main content

Drew D. Ledbetter

Criminal defense Attorney at Fayetteville, AR

4.8   44 reviews
  • Licensed for 20 years
    State AR
    Acquired 2003
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Drew

Learn Drew’s areas of practice.

1
Practice area

I am a trial attorney in Fayetteville, AR focused on state and federal criminal cases.  I have handled thousands of felony cases and had numerous jury trials, including trials on Death Penalty cases.  I have taught classes on the topic of Criminal Law at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy, and I have taught classes for continuing legal education credit to other attorneys in my area of practice.  In 2007 I served as President of the Benton County Bar Association.  I am the former senior trial attorney at the Benton County Prosecuting Attorney's office.   I am a trial lawyer.  My practice is focused on State and Federal Criminal defense and general civil litigation.   

Photos and videos

Contact Drew

Similar lawyers nearby

Ledbetter Cline, PLLC
112 S. East Ave
Fayetteville, AR, 72701

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  44 customer reviews
Posted by Malachi | July 3, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Ledbetter Cline is the best and I'm grateful
I made some bad mistakes and I was going to go to jail I was afraid. Thanks to Ledbetter Cline I am only on probation and my record can get expunged after its over as long as I don’t mess up. I am grateful for the work they did for me and I wanted to leave this review and I will tell everyone I know who needs a lawyer that Ledbetter Cline is the best.
Read less
Posted by Maurizio | July 2, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I can't recommend Drew enough!!!
I can’t recommend Drew enough! He helped me with a long list of misdmeanors that I had in 3 different courts. Drew probably saved me more in fines and court costs than I had to pay him for the whole deal. In all he got 15 charges reduced down to only 3 that I had to pay fines on. Thanks Drew I will always use you if I ever need help again!!!
Read less
Posted by Marc | May 10, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
6 out of 5 stars!
Drew is awesome! I shopped around and hiring Drew was clearly the best option. He explained several possible approaches/outcomes and kept me up to date as things progressed. Drew was able to get my charges completely dismissed and I never stepped into a courtroom. Don't think twice about hiring Drew. 6 out of 5 stars!!! Thank you Drew! Your hard work is much appreciated! -- MW
Read less
Posted by Kelsey | December 26, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Absolutely Amazing!!
Drews help was an absolute blessing! He was very professional, and did everything we wanted! I was facing multiple felonies in Washington an Benton county and Drew took on my cases!! He helped me into drug court and was always so helpful to my family! He is amazing...especially at what he does! If I could give him 10 stars I would!! Thank you so much!
Read less
Posted by Tim | May 27, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Case Scenario = Drew Ledbetter
Drew did exceptionally to get BOTH felonies dropped! Serious felonies and I had no fines, no time…absolutely nothing… I just walked out of the courtroom. Hire him now! Seriously, while I was on-edge of my case outcome, Drew professionally knew the exact approach and executed beautifully. Drew is the only attorney I would seek in the future. As scared as I was I felt he didn’t have frequent enough communication with me on play-by-play but now I assume that’s because he’s out there diligently working on the case. My case was public intox which I had an amphetamine pill in my possession and a knife. Drew was able to prove the pill was a relatives prescribed med and the knife was just a common knife someone would carry for work. The prosecutor still wanted to charge me for using/possessing the amphetamine. Most impressive to me was that through the prescription research and expiration dates Drew was able to argue the prescription was not being abused and was mistakenly in my possession. Drew fought for me = All charges dropped!!
Read less
Posted by Nicholas | March 20, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A lawyer that saved me when other lawyers refused my case
I was in a case where I was looking at receiving 4 felonies, 1 misdemeanor, (non of which I had committed, but the evidence from an unprofessional police officer that wanted to screw me over) and going to jail somewhere between 6-24 years, Mr. Ledbetter was recommended to me by multiple friends of mine, I also was told by another lawyer that I was better off with a public defender because I wasn't going to be able to win my case, and refused me. So whenever I was recommend to Drew I didn't have high expectations but from being a former lawman and now the lawyer he is, he was able to find a loophole and evidence that helped proved my innocence and now I can live my life and not worry about anything, so if your looking for a lawyer that can save you and your record, look no further because this is him.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | August 12, 2015
Better than promised
I was facing up to 16 years for felony possession and ended up getting off with just probation, no community service and no rehab or classes. My chances were looking bleak bur he managed to turn it all around, a real life saver!
Posted by anonymous | June 4, 2015
Drew Ledbetter
For many people, the first time they encounter a lawyer is a very tense one. This was the case for me. Before I was arrested, my experience with lawyers was very limited and largely in a social setting. Drew Ledbetter was referred to my family the night that I was arrested. He came to the jail to visit with me after speaking with them that very same night. Over the course of several months and countless continuations, Drew worked tirelessly on my case. His preparation for trial was amazing to see. He utilized every resource available to insure that he presented the best defense possible. Drew has a tenacity about him that I challenge any other lawyer to match. I could write for days about what a fantastic lawyer Drew Ledbetter is and it still wouldn't be enough. He came into my life at a time when my world was turned upside down and I will always be grateful for the manner in which he handled my case. He has continued as confident counsel for me since my acquittal, but most importantly, he has remained a close, personal friend. If you find yourself in need of legal representation, I highly encourage you to reach out to Drew Ledbetter.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | March 3, 2015
The real deal.
I was very nervous about my case. He offered guidance to help with other issues I had and told me to let him worry about the legal stuff. Everything went exactly the way he said it would and he was always up front and honest.
Posted by Andrew | November 3, 2014
Drew helped me get my life back
I am a former client of Drew's. I was arrested for a possession of controlled substance charge in 2012. I spent about two years in divert court or Drug Court that ended in termination resulting in the continuation of my case. I came to Drew with my case and asked him if he could help. The charge was a felony and the minimum amount of time in Prison was 9 months. I thought that there would be no way that I would not see the inside of a prison. Drew took my case and relentlessly worked with the judge to get my sentence from 9 months in prison to a 3 year probation term that also allowed me to return to my home state. Drew and the judge worked out a deal to a treatment facility for drug and alcohol addiction which saved my life. Drew went above and beyond as a lawyer and a human being. I was informed about the progress of the case every step of the way. He always called me personally to tell me what was happening. I was never judged, criticized, or met with intolerance. Drew treated me like a human being and is a huge factor in why I am sober today and receiving the help that I needed. Drew is a great lawyer, with a vast working knowledge of the law, as well as personal connections with officials in the city that can make a difference in your case. I truly owe Drew Ledbetter for the way that he handled my case which ultimately decided the fate of my future. If you have a case and you need help Drew is the right lawyer.
Read less
Posted by John | October 30, 2014
A Great Deal
In April 2014 I got arrested for intent to deliver MDMA, intent to deliver marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and simultaneous possession of drugs and guns. I meet with Drew a few days after I got arrested and he told me to expect 9 months of RPF or something along those lines but in July he got me off with only 5 years of probation and the gun charge dropped. I am more than happy with the service he provided.
Read less
Posted by Rhonda | September 29, 2014
Drew saved me from prison. He is a great Lawyer.
Drew Ledbetter is honest, hardworking, compassionate and caring. He is also a fighter. The judges and prosecutors respect him. He is the best lawyer I have ever seen. Drew represented me on a Felony Possession of Drug Paraphernalia charge that I was arrested on in 2012, and two Felony Drug Deliveries that I was arrested on in 2013. We finished the cases on September 11, 2014. I started shopping for lawyers by asking a lawyer I knew who I should hire. She told me that Drew Ledbetter was the best criminal defense lawyer in the state. She said he was a hardcore trial lawyer and that he knew exactly what he was doing. My sister was going to be helping me pay for my lawyer so she and I interviewed Drew and several other lawyers. Drew was a little more expensive, but we both agreed that we thought he would do the best job. The two counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance were both Class C Felonies which carry 3-10 years for most people. Because of my criminal history I was facing up to 30 years on each charge. I was also charged with several misdemeanors including DWI, Failure to Submit to Arrest, and Careless Driving. I knew I was in serious trouble. I am already considered a Super Habitual Felon in Arkansas. I had 6 felony prior offenses, all related to drugs. Those prior felonies were from over 10 years ago. I completed drug court in 2004 and had remained clean and sober until I got into this last round of trouble. Because of my priors I was facing 30 years on each drug delivery. We went to court together 15 times. Drew is the best lawyer I have ever seen. He knows his stuff. When he is in court he is in total control of the room. He treated me with kindness and compassion. He didn’t treat me like a drug dealer or a bad person. I could tell that he cared about me. He listened to me and was very thoughtful and understanding about my problems. Drew fought hard for me. He worked on my case for over a year. In the end the prosecutor would not offer me anything other than 4 years in prison with an additional 10 years suspended sentence to hang over my head when I got out. Drew and I decided to go to trial. Because of my criminal history Drew recommended we waive the jury and try the case straight to the Judge. When we were in trial I felt like things could not have gone any better. I was very nervous before trial. He prepared me to testify and got me ready. Once I was on the witness stand Drew kept me calm and walked me through all the questions. He was in total control. He did a great job with all the other witnesses. Every time the prosecutor made a point Drew cut her to pieces. He explained to the judge why the prosecutor had it wrong. The judge seemed undecided about what to do and reset my case 30 days so she take her time could make a decision . On the day of formal sentencing I was worried. I had all my faith in Drew, and I knew he had done a good job. But I also knew I was guilty and that there was a good chance I was going to prison that day. Drew had written a good legal brief to the court about the law and the facts of my case. The prosecutor argued to the court that I was a super habitual felon, that I had delivered drugs to a confidential informant, that I had committed new crimes while I was still on pretrial release, and that I deserved to go to prison. She was right about all of that. Drew fought back hard and explained to the judge that I did not deserve to go to prison. In the end the judge agreed with Drew and sentenced me to exactly what he asked for. She gave me a $1,000 fine plus $120 in court costs and left me on the probation that I was already on. I couldn’t be happier with Drew. He saved my life.
Read less
Posted by Kelly | September 23, 2014
Great attorney!
Drew was highly recommended to me when I found myself in need of legal help. I was really impressed with him. I felt great about things after the first meeting. He took care of everything, all I had to do was show up at court. I'm really pleased with the outcome of my case. Thanks, Drew!
Posted by anonymous | September 18, 2014
How Drew saved my life
Professionally, Drew Ledbetter is incredible at his job. My 20 year sentence for commercial burglary was reduced to just probation but to only tell you that he reduced a guilty criminal's punishment would be an insult to Drew's character. Drew went above and beyond for me and my family. The mistakes I made were big enough to ruin my life and they would have if not for Drew. He cared enough to look past my crime, got to know me and the people I love, explained every step of the way and was always available to answer our questions. Drew did so much more for me than settle a case. He kept people in my life that had every reason to give up on me by sitting down with them and explaining what he saw in me. He didn't have to do that. I don't know if he is better at being a lawyer or being a great man but either way I am happy to have been introduced to Drew Ledbetter.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | September 17, 2014
Great criminal defense
Drew Ledbetter did an amazing job. He got me the best scenario I could possible get. I highly recommend him. He did a great job the first time I needed legal counseling that I seeked him again 4 years later when I needed legal counseling again. He's a very smart talented gentlemen and he's very relatable to people. Definitely the way to go.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | September 16, 2014
A great lawer and the best pick for any student
Drew was very knowledgable and reassuring throughout the entire process. This was my first offense and I was completely clueless about the process, he talked me through the whole thing and all my options and was available to answer additional questions along the way. Out of all the lawyers I interviewed I didn't find another that offered as much support as Drew. Beyond helping me on the legal front he offered assistance when it came to dealing with parents and more importantly the school. I appreciated that he treated me with respect throughout the process and treated me as an adult, not "some punk kid" and he took the time to get to know me. I got a better deal than I ever thought I was going to get and my case has had minimal impact on my life thanks to Drew!
Read less
Posted by Bryce | March 13, 2014
Drew Ledbetter, not just a lawyer. I can call him a friend and a mentor.
"The work an unknown good man has done is like a vein of water flowing hidden underground, secretly making the ground green." -Thomas Carlyle Well, I would like to make this man known. Drew did more for me than anyone has, be it family or friends. There was never a time that I could not reach him, and he would gladly see me immediately. Not only was I going through a drug possession case, but I was struggling with a drug addiction. That is why I can honestly say Drew is more than a lawyer. Many things he said to me I still remember daily, and they help me cope. I do believe that I would not be clean now if it were not for the push he gave me. Now let me tell you some details about how the case went down. I was arrested in October 2010 for felony possession (class d). I found drew through an online service and decided to have a consultation. Which during, Drew was very honest, stern, but also caring. He told me the hard truth that I was in trouble and that there would be consequences. Which I knew. What I did not know was how quickly Drew got to working on my case. It felt like mine was the only one he was handling. Everything was looking well, no jail time or probation. But then, in February 2011, I was arrested again for a Class Y felony for guns and drugs (minimum 10 year sentence by the way), and on top of that it was on UA campus. When I got to jail, Drew was already there waiting. He comforted me, called my mother to tell her, and told me he would do everything he could. And he did. Drew managed to get me back into school, and instead of doing 10 years in a state prison, Drew made a deal with the state that if I would accept a plea to complete Washington County Drug Court, I would not have to serve the sentence. All I can say is Drew must have some superpowers, because what I did was not something you get away with lightly. In March 2011 I plead into Drug Court, and released Drew from being my counsel. After some slip ups and a few days in jail I managed to graduate Drug Court in February 2014. Immediately Drew contacted me to congratulate me and to assure me he would call Drug Court and make sure they sealed my record. Without Drew, I would still be in an Arkansas State Prison or SWACCC. Instead, I am living a happy life with my wife, a job, a car, a home, and two puppies. I cannot thank Drew enough. In summary, I would never think of using anyone else as an attorney. Forget anything you have heard about any "great lawyers" in the area. Drew is the greatest lawyer in the country. I recommend him to anyone and everyone. If you want a lawyer that goes above and beyond his job; a lawyer that will be your friend; a lawyer that will be your mentor and guide if needed; a lawyer that will do everything possible to win your case; a lawyer that will be honest with you and not beat around the bush; he is the lawyer for you. Again- USE DREW LEDBETTER AS YOUR ATTORNEY. YOU WILL NOT REGRET THE DECISION. Thanks so much Drew. Your buddy, BAC
Read less
Posted by Andrew | March 4, 2014
Great Lawyer for your criminal defense needs
I recently had a case involving felony possession of a controlled substance. I contacted Drew Ledbetter after receiving many recommendations from friends and colleagues around the Fayetteville, Arkansas area. Drew had one month to reach a plea deal that would help me move back to my hometown in another state. His work was very precise and he kept me informed about what was expected during the weeks prior to my court date. The deal that Mr. Ledbetter reached for me was nothing short of amazing. Mr. Ledbetter interviewed me first hand to find out who I was as a person before he started to work with the prosecutor and judge. Mr. Ledbetter is a very competent attorney, as well as a great person. He worked with me as a client and was behind me from start to finish.
Read less
Posted by Judy | December 11, 2013
Why YOU want Drew Ledbetter.
If you want an attorney that is totally honest, extremely knowledgeable, constantly in touch with the client and will never promise what he cannot deliver, Drew is the man you want. When he told me he would do something, he did. When he said he would call or contact me, he did. I have had attorneys for personal matters in the past, but I have never experienced the expertise and attentive, honest communication that Drew provided. He is extremely educated in his field...yet he is humble and sincere. His compassion and empathy is generous. He gave me such a feeling of security during a stressful time, but never gave me false hope or flamboyant rhetoric....just the plain honest truth. He did not avoid contact with me, as I have experienced in the past with other attorneys....I always found direct communication when promised or needed. My case came to a successful conclusion. I cannot say I escaped without some negative consequences, but he worked diligently on my behalf to bring me the most positive results possible. It was also done without delay and long personal apprehension. I had a criminal case that was very bleak, and today I am paying my debt to society in a far more fair manner than I had ever hoped. Drew did this for me with great skill and finesse, and I will be eternally grateful. I pray that I never have to call on his services again, but he would be the first person I called if need ever arose. I recommend him to my loved ones, friends and anyone that needs legal help in his field of practice.....without doubt or reservation!!! I cannot tell you how important an attorney like Drew Ledbetter can be in your time of need.
Read less
Posted by John | August 20, 2013
Helped Us On A Alcohol Related Citation
My mother had gotten cited for serving alcohol to a minor at our family owned restaurant. Having not ever gotten in trouble for anything in her life, not even a speeding ticket, she was in quite a panic. Because this was family, I wanted nothing but the best and contact Drew to represent my mother. Drew was able to speed along the legal process and before my mother could even meet Drew in person everything was settled with a minor fine and zero history of her infraction. Though the process did cost us some very well spent money, it did not cost us time or head/heartache. Thank you Drew for helping us out.
Read less
View less reviews

Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 60 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Senior Partner
  • Ledbetter Cline, PLLC.
  • 2013 - Present
  • Partner
  • Brady, Platt, & Ledbetter
  • 2008 - 2012
  • Senior Trial Attorney
  • Benton County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
  • 2004 - 2008
  • Attorney
  • Everett Law Firm
  • 2003 - 2004
View all work experience

Education

  • University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Leflar Law Center
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2003

Legal Cases

  • State of Arkansas v. C.S.
  • Jury found client Not Guilty
  • State of Arkansas v. JM
  • Jury found Client Not Guilty
  • State of Arkansas v. R.P.
  • Charges Reduced to Murder 2nd. After "good time" calculations my client will serve only 5 years.
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Benton County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2003 - Present
  • Washington County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2003 - Present
  • Arkansas Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2003 - Present
  • Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • 2003 - Present
  • Benton County Bar Association
  • President
  • 2006 - 2007
  • Benton County Bar Association
  • President-Elect
  • 2006 - 2006
  • Benton County Bar Association
  • Vice President
  • 2005 - 2006
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2018
  • Best Lawyer
  • Arkansas Times
  • 2013
  • Recognition of Service as President
  • Benton County Bar Association
  • 2007
  • Recognition of Service as Vice President
  • Benton County Bar Association
  • 2006
  • Award of Excellence
  • Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
  • 2006
View all awards

Publications

  • Benton County Bar Journal
  • Year in Review
  • 2007

Speaking Engagements

  • Spring CLE
  • Jury Nullification: Ethical Considerations for Trial Advocates
  • 2016
  • Meet the Experts
  • Trying Murder Cases
  • 2015
  • AACDL Summer Conference
  • Bloodstain Analysis
  • 2015
  • Continuing Education
  • Bail Bonding and Handguns
  • 2012
  • DWI awareness seminar
  • DWI Law
  • 2008
  • Methamphetamine Awareness Week
  • Meth Awareness
  • 2007
  • Arkansas Law Enforcment Training Academy
  • Search and Seizure Law
  • 2006
  • Arkansas Law Enforcment Training Academy
  • Search and Seizure Law
  • 2005
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (10)
Given (6)
Endorse Drew
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have been in court with Drew Ledbetter many times. He possesses superb trial skills and is very knowledgeable in the law. I highly recommend Mr. Ledbetter."
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I worked with Drew when I was a lowly law clerk and have observed him many times in Court. I trust his judgment, knowledge, and skill implicitly. I highly recommend Drew Ledbetter. I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I've known Drew for years. He is an excellent litigator with the experience, knowledge, and dedication to get his clients results. I highly recommend his services."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Drew is one of the most professional lawyers in the Arkansas legal community. He is a great attorney to deal with either as co-counsel or opposing counsel. With Drew, his clients interest come first and will fight for them. If I ended up in criminal trouble in the Washington/Benton County area, he would be one of my first calls."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 28
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Drew is a fellow lawyer in the defense community, but I prosecuted several cases against Drew as defense counsel. I endorse Drew because he has repeatedly demonstrated that he is smart, diligent, and dedicated to defending his clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have worked with Drew and know first hand his commitment and sense of responsibility to his clients. Drew is the criminal defense attorney I refer people to."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 21
Relationship: Co-worker
"Drew is a highly knowledgeable, experienced, compassionate, professional and skilled criminal defense lawyer. Drew has efficiently and effectively handled criminal cases ranging from misdemeanors to the most complex felonies, including death penalty cases, statewide. He is an excellent trial lawyer and is respected by his fellow lawyers in the community."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Drew is one of the finest criminal defense lawyers in Northwest Arkansas. As a lawyer who doesn't practice Criminal Defense, I routinely refer clients to Drew should they have a Criminal matter. I highly endorse Drew."
Chapter 7 bankruptcy Attorney | Jan 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
View more endorsements
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
General practice
General practice
General practice
General practice