Prosecuting Attorney, District 16
Over their four-year term, a prosecuting attorney is responsible for:Deciding whether to charge a person accused of a crime.Making recommendations related to a person's bail.Prosecuting criminal actions in court.Making recommendations related to a person's prison sentencing.Summoning people to testify before grand juries.Provide notice on court hearings to victims or families of victims.Assisting people with accessing victim services.Working with the county treasurer to process and account for any fines or fees collected.Overseeing deputy prosecutors in their office.Additionally, prosecuting attorneys often communicate with defense attorneys to set the terms of a plea bargain for people accused of a crime.
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Drew E. Smith
(Non)
Describe in your own words the duties of the office you seek.
Describe in your own words the experience and skills you have that qualifies you for this position.
Describe the first thing you plan to change/improve when you take office and how you will accomplish that goal.
The duties of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for Arkansas’s 16th Judicial District are broad and touch many parts of public safety and local government.
At its core, our office represents the State of Arkansas in criminal cases. We handle everything from misdemeanor offenses—such as traffic violations and other lower-level crimes—to the most serious felony prosecutions, including violent crimes and homicide.
In addition to criminal prosecutions, our office has important responsibilities in other areas of law. We play a key role in mental health commitment proceedings as required by Arkansas statute.
We also assist in representing county government and certain elected officials in specific circumstances authorized by law.
I have served as a prosecuting attorney throughout my legal career. Over nearly 14 years, I have represented quorum courts, county judges, and other elected officials in their official capacities, providing practical legal guidance on government operations and compliance. I have also managed the full spectrum of criminal litigation, from traffic offenses to complex felony and homicide prosecutions, developing what I believe are strong courtroom skills, sound judgment regarding case filing decisions, and a steady commitment to justice in the courtroom. I have worked with countless victims of crimes to ensure they understood the court process, their options/rights as victims, and that they felt they were heard during these court proceedings.
My first priority this upcoming term will be modernizing our case management and discovery processes. Working with each county in the 16th Judicial District, we will implement a unified, secure system with standardized case management, improved digital filing, and faster information sharing with law enforcement and the courts. This has been an ongoing process that should be implemented sometime in spring of 2026. At the same time, I will continue partnering with the 16th Judicial Drug Task Force to locate, seize, and prosecute illegal fentanyl pills and methamphetamine. We will also continue to strengthening our Victim Assistance Program by improving our communication network, support, and access to services as they become available.
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