FAYETTEVILLE -- Conrad Odom has announced his candidacy for judge of the new 8th Division of the 4th Judicial Circuit, which serves Washington and Madison counties.
"We understand this position was largely created in response to our population growth and to help alleviate the increased number of juvenile cases filling our court system," Odom said in his announcement. "Our community cannot afford to let an overburdened juvenile justice system become a pipeline to prison. I will treat all parents and children fairly, always putting the best interests of the child first," he said.
Tim Snively and Brian Hogue are the other announced candidates for the position.
Odom said he has experience mentoring juveniles in several civic organizations. He has served as den leader and cubmaster of Pack 46, is scoutmaster of Troup 102, and finance chairman of the Razorback District Committee of the Boy Scouts of America. He has served as chairman of the board of the Fayetteville Boys & Girls Club and the Fayetteville Education Foundation.
"This position will be a welcome relief to alleviate a tough and demanding juvenile justice docket where Judge Stacey Zimmerman has been putting in long hours and working very hard to help so many families," Odom said. "I believe a good juvenile judge can work with teachers and schools to keep children safe and in school in addition to making sure first time offenders are given a second chance at getting their lives back on the right track."
Odom has practiced law for 27 years with the Odom Law Firm. He's a certified mediator.
He has served on the City Council and the School Board.
Odom received his undergraduate degree from Hendrix College in 1988 and his law degree from the University of Arkansas in 1991.
The Arkansas Legislature approved the new circuit judge position earlier this year. The judge will be elected in 2020 and take office Jan. 1, 2021.
Elections in Arkansas for circuit judges are nonpartisan. The 2020 election will be March 3. Runoffs will be on the general election ballot in November.
Circuit judges serve six-year terms and are paid $168,096 a year.
NW News on 07/18/2019