Judge Chris Griffin: Proven Experience. Trusted Leadership.

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Judge Chris Griffin has presided over one of the busiest dockets in Arkansas, handling more than 80,000 cases in the Rogers Division of the State District Court. His extensive experience on the criminal docket uniquely positions him to effectively oversee the Circuit Court, Division 8, which also has a criminal docket. Judge Griffin also has extensive experience in civil litigation, which is also part of the Division 8 caseload. 

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Judge Griffin is committed to holding guilty offenders accountable while safeguarding the safety and quality of life in our community. His judicial philosophy is balanced, emphasizing both accountability and rehabilitation. He provides nonviolent offenders the opportunity to repay their debt to society through community service, such as volunteering at local charities, animal shelters, and public maintenance projects. Recognizing that our jails are overcrowded and taxpayer resources are limited, Judge Griffin employs practical solutions to reduce incarceration costs for minor offenses, allowing law enforcement to focus on the most serious and violent crimes.

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Judge Griffin has specialized training in the effects of gang activity, drug and human trafficking, and organized crime on a community.

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Efficient Justice and Community Commitment

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When he was first elected to the bench, Judge Griffin pledged to run an effective and efficient court, offering many special programs to address the backlog of cases, the impact of COVID-19, and make the court more accessible to the community. He has delivered on that promise, and he has worked to connect veterans with vital resources and services. He understands the sacrifices veterans have made and the heightened risk they face of becoming entangled in the criminal justice system due to physical and mental health challenges stemming from their honorable service.

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For over two decades, Judge Griffin and his wife, Hanni, have built their lives in Benton County, where they remain active and dedicated members of the community. They are longstanding members of the Bella Vista Lutheran Church and are committed to serving and supporting the people of Benton County.

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Education:

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Bachelor of Criminal Justice - Spring 2001 – Louisiana State University – Shreveport

Juris Doctorate – University of Arkansas – Fayetteville - December 2004 

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Licensed to practice law in Arkansas and Missouri.

Also licensed to practice before the United States Federal District Court - Western District 

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Legal Employment:

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Law Clerk – City of Rogers, Arkansas 2003 – 2005

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Deputy City Attorney & City Prosecutor - City of Rogers, Arkansas 2005 – 2008

Worked in federal and state courts. Criminal prosecution, employment law, contracts, government regulatory, eminent domain, civil defense. Worked with planning and development, airport regulatory issues, parks, streets, in conjunction with state highway department, training and representation of Rogers P.D.

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Associate - Miller, Butler, Schneider, Pawlik & Rozell, PLLC – Rogers, Arkansas 2008-2011, handling federal and state courts in Arkansas and Missouri. Felony and misdemeanor criminal defense. Government regulatory law, eminent domain, domestic relations, civil defense.

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Deputy City Attorney & City Prosecutor – City or Rogers, Arkansas - 2011-2014

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Senior Staff Attorney – City of Rogers, Arkansas - 2014-2016

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State District Judge District 1- Division 1  - 1/1/2017 – current

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Additional Legal and Judicial Training:

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Graduate – Nation Criminal Defense College – Mercer University School of Law - Macon, Ga

Graduate – Trial Advocacy College – University of Virginia School of Law - Charlottesville, VA

Graduate – Federal Law Enforcement Training Center – Police Advisors Course – Brunswick, GA

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