Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Attorney in Benton County, AR

Representing Victims & Those Contesting Accusations in Family Court

Domestic violence matters in Benton County move fast. A judge can issue a temporary ex parte order, removing someone from their home or suspending their access to children, without the other party ever appearing in court. Whether you need that protection or you’re contesting an accusation that could upend your custody case, you need a family law attorney who understands both sides of this process.

Arnold and Associates, LLC handles domestic violence matters as part of a dedicated family law practice. Attorney Makenzie Arnold has been licensed since 2015 and has handled thousands of cases across Arkansas, including matters before Benton County Circuit Court. Because our practice centers on family law, we connect the protective order process directly to the divorce and custody proceedings it so often affects.

Schedule a complimentary in-person or virtual consultation with a Rogers domestic violence attorney by contacting us online or at (479) 383-2475. Hablamos español.

Relatable Service & Aggressive Results in Arkansas

Choosing a lawyer is a deeply personal decision. Here is why clients trust our team:

A courtroom warrior. Attorney Makenzie Arnold has been licensed since 2015 and thrives on trial work. While some lawyers try to avoid the courtroom, we love it. If your case needs to be argued before a judge, you want a representative who is aggressive, prepared, and willing to fight.

More than just a case number. We genuinely care about our clients. We’re a down-to-earth team that speaks your language. No legalese, just honest advice and a clear plan of action.
Mission-driven advocacy. Everyone at our firm believes in what they do. We’re dedicated to the safety of families and the integrity of the justice system.

Why Experienced Family Law Representation Matters in Benton County

Domestic violence matters rarely stand alone. They intersect with family law issues including divorce and child custody, and a finding in a civil protective order proceeding can be introduced as evidence in a subsequent custody determination under Arkansas law. A criminal defense attorney can address the criminal track. They can’t address what happens in family court the following week.

For Victims Seeking Protection

Your priority is safety. Navigating Benton County Circuit Court to secure a protective order while managing trauma is overwhelming, and the downstream effects on custody and spousal maintenance require a family law attorney who understands the full picture, not just the immediate order.

For Those Contesting Accusations

An Order of Protection can be introduced strategically in a divorce or custody dispute. Being found subject to one can mean removal from your home, loss of child access, firearm restrictions, and a permanent record impact. Arkansas courts consider acts of domestic violence when evaluating the best interests of the child in custody matters. That means what happens at your protective order hearing can directly shape your parenting rights for years to come.

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Testimonials From Former Clients

Real Stories, Real Results

Our clients’ experiences speak to the dedication, preparation, and advocacy we bring to every case. Read what former clients have shared about working with our team.

"A Fierce Yet Compassionate Advocate"
Makenzie Arnold was an absolute lifesaver during one of the hardest times in my life. From the very first consultation, she was different from the other lawyers I spoke with—she didn’t just listen, she *fought* for me.

- Jennifer H.
"Cannot Recommend Makenzie Arnold Enough"
Cannot recommend Makenzie Arnold enough. She handled my custody case with more compassion and grace than I could have ever imagined. It was incredibly obvious that she actually cared about my family and our needs.

- Todd
"She Was Instrumental in Winning Our Case"
Makenzie Arnold is without a doubt the best attorney I've ever worked with. She answered emails quickly, she explained things to us well. She is an absolute bulldog in court.

- Jarrod C.
"Hands Down the Best Attorney"
She has grit and integrity. We had a very difficult case with the odds stacked against us. We came out on top. She's highly ethical and commands a solid understanding of the law.

- David L.
"She Was Truly on My Side"
It was a relief knowing I could trust her to advocate for me. She kept me informed and was available to answer questions I had along the way. Will absolutely work with Melanie again if I ever have other legal needs!

- Becca S.
"A Gem in The Legal Field"
Payton's kindness, understanding, and responsiveness truly set her apart as a top-notch lawyer. Throughout the entire process, she eased my fears and made me feel like I had a dedicated advocate fighting for me and my children.

- Meggan
"Kind, Professional, and Supportive"
Morgan Woelke was incredibly kind, professional, and supportive, patiently guiding me through every step of the process and always making sure I felt informed, confident, and well assisted throughout my case.

- Lilian C.

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Why Choose Arnold and Associates, LLC?

The Right Firm MAkes A Difference

Trial-Tested Advocacy

We prepare every case with a courtroom mindset and are always ready to fight for you when it matters most.
Client-First Approach
You are never just a case number. We take the time to understand your goals and build a strategy around what matters most to you.
Proven Experience
With thousands of cases handled, we bring real-world experience and practical insight to every legal challenge.
Aggressive When It Counts

We negotiate strategically, but we won’t hesitate to push hard when your rights or your family are on the line.
Free Consultations Available

We offer free consultations for select case types so you can understand your options, ask questions, and feel confident about your next steps before making any commitment.
Flexible & Accessible

We offer flexible meeting options and responsive communication because legal issues don’t always happen on a convenient schedule.

Orders of Protection in Arkansas

In Arkansas, domestic abuse is defined under A.C.A. 9-15-103 as physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm between family or household members. You don’t need to have been physically injured to qualify for protection. The legal remedy is a civil document called an Order of Protection, distinct from a general restraining order and specifically designed for domestic relationships, including spouses, former spouses, people who share a child, people who have cohabited, and people in a dating relationship.

How to File in Benton County

Benton County follows a specific filing pathway. Petitioners don’t go directly to the circuit clerk’s office. Instead, you contact the Benton County Prosecutor’s Office and meet with a Victim Advocate to initiate the process. The Victim Assistance Program can be reached at (479) 383-2475. There is no filing fee. If you have a prior civil or domestic case in Benton County, your petition will likely go before the same judge who handled those prior proceedings.

When immediate danger exists, a judge can issue a temporary ex parte order without the respondent present. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office then serves the respondent, and the order takes effect upon service. An Order of Protection issued in Benton County is enforceable in all other Arkansas counties and throughout the United States.

What a Judge Can Include in an Order

A Benton County judge has the authority to include several powerful provisions in an Order of Protection, such as:

No contact - Prohibiting the respondent from coming within a certain distance of the petitioner’s home, school, or workplace.
Temporary custody - Granting the petitioner temporary custody of minor children.
Exclusive possession - Ordering the respondent to vacate a shared residence, regardless of whose name is on the lease or deed.
Financial support - Ordering temporary child support or spousal maintenance.
Firearm restrictions - Prohibiting the respondent from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition for the duration of the order. All Orders of Protection in Arkansas must also notify the respondent that federal law makes it unlawful to ship, transport, or possess a firearm or ammunition while subject to a qualifying order.

Types of Orders of Protection

The duration of an Order of Protection in Arkansas depends on whether it is a temporary emergency order or a final order issued after a full court hearing.

Temporary (Ex Parte) Orders

Duration: Usually 30 days.
Purpose: These are emergency orders issued by a judge without the respondent present, designed to provide immediate safety until a full hearing can be held.
The hearing: A hearing is typically scheduled within 30 days of issuance to determine whether a final order is necessary.

Final (Permanent) Orders

Duration: Between 90 days and 10 years.
The hearing: A final order can be granted only after a full court hearing at which both sides have the opportunity to present evidence and testimony.
Court discretion: The judge determines the exact length based on the level of ongoing threat. While orders are commonly issued for one to two years, the law allows terms of up to a full decade for serious safety concerns.

Orders of Protection don’t automatically renew; the petitioner must request an extension before the order expires.

Violating an Order of Protection is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. A subsequent violation within five years can be elevated to a Class D felony.

Speak with a Benton County Domestic Violence Attorney Today

At Arnold and Associates, LLC, we know that domestic violence cases aren’t just legal battles. They’re fights for your safety, your reputation, and your family’s future. Whether you’re seeking protection or defending against a false accusation, you don’t have to face Benton County Circuit Court alone. We bring thousands of cases’ worth of family law experience to every matter we take on, and we’re ready to go before a judge on your behalf.

Call (479) 383-2475 or reach us online to get the guidance and help you need in a domestic violence matter.