Josh is fantastic! I was so worried about EVERYTHING in my case but he was kind, patient, and I could tell that he really cared about the case and my emotional state. Even the thought of going to court freaked me out but he made the entire process bearable and his hard work and competence paid off because the court granted everything that we asked for and I didn't even have to go to trial. He's one of the good ones for sure!
Most of the lawyers that I talked to about my case ignored me when I asked about making payments (one even played on his phone and wouldn’t look up after). Mr. Bugeja was different- yes, he needed money up front to get started, as could be expected, but he DID work with me on payments (and was cheaper than many of the others).
Every time I called, his assistant knew who I was and what was going on in my case. Mr. Bugeja replied to emails regularly, even on weekends most of the time, and stayed after five on at least one occasion to call me back a few days before my court date.
Throughout this whole process, it was clear that he was respected by court staff, other defense lawyers, and the prosecuting attorney. When he spoke about the law, he quoted cases and rules one after the other. I felt so proud to have a smart, dedicated attorney representing me! In the end, he was underpriced and he’s my first call if I ever find myself in a jam again! A++
Both child and adult guardianships, including contested and uncontested
13 years
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.
Licensed for 12 years
StateAR
StatusActive
Acquired2010
Updated12/05/2022
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
One of the good guys!
Josh is fantastic! I was so worried about EVERYTHING in my case but he was kind, patient, and I could tell that he really cared about the case and my emotional state. Even the thought of going to court freaked me out but he made the entire process bearable and his hard work and competence paid off because the court granted everything that we asked for and I didn't even have to go to trial. He's one of the good ones for sure!
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Posted by Michael | September 24, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A cut above the rest!
Most of the lawyers that I talked to about my case ignored me when I asked about making payments (one even played on his phone and wouldn’t look up after). Mr. Bugeja was different- yes, he needed money up front to get started, as could be expected, but he DID work with me on payments (and was cheaper than many of the others).
Every time I called, his assistant knew who I was and what was going on in my case. Mr. Bugeja replied to emails regularly, even on weekends most of the time, and stayed after five on at least one occasion to call me back a few days before my court date.
Throughout this whole process, it was clear that he was respected by court staff, other defense lawyers, and the prosecuting attorney. When he spoke about the law, he quoted cases and rules one after the other. I felt so proud to have a smart, dedicated attorney representing me! In the end, he was underpriced and he’s my first call if I ever find myself in a jam again! A++
Read less
Posted by James | May 21, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
NEVER going to use another lawyer!
I've hired a couple of lawyers for different stuff over the years and none of them has been as good as Josh. He really cared about what I had to say and then shot me straight about how he thought things might turn out or what he could do to help! Ultimately, the results were better than I had hoped for and I couldn't be happier. The fact he worked with me on payments also made a world of difference and I couldn't be more grateful for all his help.
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Posted by anonymous | March 14, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great lawyer!
Josh listened to me and showed he cared even before I hired him to help me. When I did, he reviewed the file, spoke with the prosecutor, and the next thing I knew the charges against me were dropped! He was worth every penny.
Posted by Brian | January 20, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Disability case
Joshua stays on top of everything needed for my disability case and is very knowledgeable about what he's doing and explains everything going on with the case.
Posted by anonymous | May 2, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Lacks Professionalism and Attention To Detail
I am extremely grateful for the amount of work that Mr. Bugeja accomplished when he represented me as my attorney. What I am not grateful for is the lack of professionalism that Mr. Bugeja displayed and his lack of attention to details.
Additionally, he never put his client first and always would take the path of least resistance when it came to taking care of the client. Never challenging the prosecution or opposing attorney.
Also he treated his office staff and legal assistant with harsh words and showed no respect towards his office assistant whenever something didn’t go his way, that was clearly his fault.
He showed zero preparation for a court hearing and missed important details that could’ve swung things in the other direction. He doesn’t have a professional relationship with the local District Attorneys office and he is not well respected by local Judges either.
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Discipline
Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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.
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 08
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"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."
Litigation Attorney | Jan 08
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"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."