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1. What is the Staff Attorney's Office?

The Staff Attorney acts as in-house counsel and provides legal guidance and support for elected city officials, city departments, and boards and commissions in conducting City business. The office represents the City before judicial and administrative agencies in civil litigation proceedings; and prosecutes all traffic and misdemeanor violations occurring within the limits of the city of Bentonville. Felony criminal matters in the City of Bentonville are handled by the Benton County Prosecutor's Office. For more information contact Camille Thompson.

2. I received a ticket or citation to appear in the Bentonville District Court, what can I expect?

You can expect an arraignment, plea discovery and if needed a trial. For more information, visit our Ticket or Citation page.

3. Since I live in the City of Bentonville, can I receive legal advice regarding personal matters?

No. The Staff Attorney's office advises the City, which has the status of a municipal corporation. The Staff Attorney and Legal Department personnel are ethically prohibited from providing legal advice to individuals regarding private legal matters. These matters must be handled by attorneys retained by the individuals. You may search for attorneys who are members of the Arkansas Bar Association.

4. Where can I find a copy of the Bentonville City Code or City ordinances?

The Bentonville City Code and City Ordinances can be found online through through the City of Bentonville’s Website.

Under the Government Tab, click on the Code of Ordinances, next select the Bentonville Municipal Code Link.

5. Would it be possible to speak with the Bentonville City Prosecutor regarding a traffic ticket I received, before my first appearance in court?

No. You should follow the options provided on the ticket. Contact us at 479-271-5956 for more information.

6. Would it be possible to speak with the Bentonville City Prosecutor regarding my being arrested or cited for a misdemeanor crime in the City of Bentonville, prior to my first appearance in court?

No. Cases are not assigned to the City Prosecutor's Office until after your first appearance. You should appear at your first appearance, or arraignment hearing, before the City Prosecutor will speak with you. For more information, contact us at 479-271-5956.

7. How do I obtain discovery in my Bentonville District Court case?

Discovery will be available upon request after your second court appearance, termed a Plea Discovery Appearance.  This documentation will be mailed out by our office.  In addition, the City of Bentonville Prosecutor’s office maintains an open file policy.

If you have an attorney, discovery will be provided to your attorney, free of charge, prior to the Plea Discovery date. If you are not represented by an attorney and would like to request a copy of the discovery, please make a written request to the Bentonville City Prosecutor’s Office at:

1000 SW 14th St.
Bentonville, AR 72712

You can also access your pending case(s) information and most current court dates by going to https://justiceweb.bentonvillear.com/justiceweb.  Select the Reports tab at the top, there you will be able to search by your name and date of birth in order to access your pending case(s).

8. I got a traffic ticket in the City of Bentonville. Can I keep it off my driving record?

Depending on the violation(s) on the citation as well as your driving record, the Judge and Prosecutor may be willing to put your charge under advisement.

9. Can I resolve my citation without appearing in court?

Yes, as long as the citation is not marked as Must Appear and payment is made prior to the court date.  All payments can be made through Bentonville District Court.  Please contact their office at 479-271-3120 for further.

You can also resolve eligible traffic citations without appearing in court online at www.courtinnovations.com/ARBDC.  Please visit the website for further information.

10. I am a victim of a crime and I want to know how I can find out information about the case?

Please contact the Legal Department at 479-271-5956 and give a description of the crime involved, including the location and approximate date of the incident. The Legal Department Staff will determine the status of your case for you.

11. How do I go about getting restitution if I am a victim of a misdemeanor crime in the City of Bentonville?

You should contact the City's Case Coordinator at 479-271-5956 and she will work with you, the City Prosecutor and the Bentonville District Court to obtain restitution.

12. Can I drop charges in a case for which I was the victim?

The prosecutor and investigator assigned to this office will need to know about the request, but whether or not the charges will be dropped is within the prosecutor’s discretion. For more information, contact us at 479-271-5956.

13. What is the difference between the Benton County Prosecutor and the Bentonville City Prosecutor?

Many people get confused because both offices are located in Bentonville. The City of Bentonville takes complaints and prosecutes misdemeanor cases that are committed within the Bentonville City Limits. For example: Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Number 1 Number 2 or Number 3, Shoplifting under $500, Battery, traffic citations and City ordinance violations.

The Benton County Prosecutor’s office takes complaints and prosecutes on felony level cases. For example homicide: DWI Number 4, hot checks, shoplifting over $500. The County Prosecutor’s Office also handles misdemeanors which occur in Benton County (outside of a city). In addition, the county prosecutes juveniles and felony domestic violence cases. The Benton County Prosecutor’s Office may be reached at 479-271-1030.

14. Are all Bentonville District Court cases handled by the Bentonville City Prosecutor?

No. Bentonville District Court hears misdemeanor and traffic cases prosecuted by the Benton County Prosecutor’s Office as well as the Bentonville City Prosecutor’s Office. As a general rule, if your citation was issued by a Bentonville Police Officer, it will be handled by the Bentonville City Prosecutor.

If your citation was issued outside the Bentonville City limits by a Benton County Deputy or Arkansas State Trooper, then it will generally be handled by the Benton County Prosecutor. For more information, contact us at 479-271-5956.

15. What resources are available for victims of domestic violence?

We do have resources available for victims of domestic violence.  For more information, please contact us at 479-271-5956 and request to speak to our Investigator assigned to this office.