John Atkins is an experienced attorney that has defended clients facing felony, misdemeanor, and traffic charges. Prior to coming to work at Norwood & Norwood, John practiced criminal law in Northwest Arkansas and he has represented thousands of clients in all stages of litigation. John has defended clients at the most vulnerable time of their lives, and he understands the stress and uncertainty that our legal system can inflict on individuals. John is committed to the idea that every client is innocent until proven guilty, and that every client is entitled to the best legal defense possible.
John graduated with honors from the University of Arkansas School of Law. After law school, he worked for the criminal division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas. Later, John entered the private practice of law and represented both Plaintiffs and insurance companies in civil litigation. Although John enjoyed civil litigation, he decided to leave the practice of defending insurance companies for the more personal connection of defending individuals in criminal cases. He is very happy he made the change back to criminal defense, and he finds the practice of helping individuals navigate our criminal justice system much more rewarding than the practice of defending insurance companies.
In addition to being a member of the bars of Texas and Arkansas, John is a member of the Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
In his spare time, John enjoys spending time with his family, doing outdoor activities, and cheering on the Razorbacks and the Dallas Mavericks.
Education
- University of Arkansas School of Law
Employment
- Eastern District of Arkansas U.S. Attorney's Office- Criminal Division
Professional Memberships & Affiliations
- Texas State Bar
- Arkansas State Bar
- Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers