Interim Suspension Follows Arrest

An interim suspension has been ordered by the Arkansas Supreme Court Committee on Professional Conduct of the son of a former Governor of the state

Lisa Ballard, Executive Director of the Supreme Court Office of Professional Conduct, has presented to the Committee her verified Petition for Interim Suspension, pursuant to Section 16.4(3) of the Supreme Court Procedures Regulating Professional Conduct of Attorneys at Law (2011) (the “Procedures”), alleging Respondent William Asa Hutchinson, III, Arkansas Bar No’ 2001115, presently poses a substantial threat of serious harm to the public and to his clients if he
continues to practice law.

The Arkansas Supreme Court Committee on Professional Conduct (the “Committee”), pursuant to the mandate of Section 16 of the Procedures, finds the allegations of the petition are “serious misconduct”, and involve alleged violations of the Arkansas Rules of Professional Conduct.

The Committee further finds that an interim suspension of Respondent’s privilege to practice law under the authority of his Arkansas law license shall be imposed pursuant to Section 17.E(3XcXiii), of the Procedures (201 1)

KNWA reported on the attorney’s recent arrest 

According to the affidavit, on Jan. 13, William was pulled over for speeding, reportedly driving 71 mph in a 45 mph zone.

The affidavit says the sheriff’s deputy who stopped William noticed him slurring his words when he would speak and could smell a strong odor of alcohol.

According to the affidavit, the deputy suspected William of driving under the influence of alcohol based on his actions and odor and asked him to exit the vehicle and perform several standard field sobriety tests on the corner of Been Street and SW 18th Street, which he failed.

The affidavit says William was arrested for driving while intoxicated, and the deputy searched William’s car where he found a clear plastic baggie with a white powdery substance.

According to the affidavit, the deputy performed a field test on the substance. The test showed a positive result for cocaine.

The affidavit says the deputy also found a Glock 43 9mm handgun in the center console of the car.

(Mike Frisch)