Before becoming a full-time criminal defense attorney, Patrick dedicated his early legal career to criminal appeals -- a strategic foundation that has shaped him into an exceptional trial lawyer. His deep understanding of appellate law led to numerous landmark victories before the Arkansas Supreme Court, the Arkansas Court of Appeals, and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. Today, Patrick continues his winning track record, proving his skill and dedication in any courtroom.
Fouse v. State, 337 Ark. 13 (1999) -- The Arkansas Supreme Court ruled that Mr. Fouse's Fourth Amendment rights were violated during a "nighttime" search warrant at his residence. The Court held that while ether can be used in methamphetamine production, it is also a legal substance -- meaning law enforcement cannot rely solely on its odor to establish probable cause for a warrant.
Doe v. Little Rock School Dist., 4:99-cv-00386 -- Ms. Doe (a pseudonym) was in high school and she was charged in juvenile court with a minor marijuana offense. The Court found that the search of Ms. Doe's backpack was not based upon "reasonable suspicion" and violated her Fourth Amendment rights.
Bennett v. State, 345 Ark. 48 (2001) -- The Court found that the "daytime" search in this case violated Ms. Bennet's 4th Amendment rights. Like Fouse, the only fact the officers included in the affidavit for search warrant was the "smell of ether." Even though a person has more rights at nighttime, the fact that ether had many legal purposes invalided the warrant.
Barrientos v. State, 72 Ark. App. 376 (2001) -- Mr. Barrientos was arrested subsequent to a vehicle stop and a search of vehicle was conducted. The Court found that law enforcement officer did not have probable cause for the stop. Barrientos was stopped from hitting the yellow line, but didn't go over the line. The Court found that law enforcement violated his Fourth Amendment rights as a result of this initial unlawful stop. All evidence was considered "fruit of the poisonous tree" and his convictions was reversed and set aside.
Bragg v. Norris, 5:98-cv-00540 (2005) -- This was a federal habeas based upon actually innocence. He was convicted in state court with delivery of a controlled substance and given a life sentence. At the habeas hearing, the Court found that the only witness, a dirty law enforcement officer, manufactured all of the evidence that resulted in Mr. Bragg's conviction. He was released after five years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections and successfully sued the State for wrongful conviction.
Osburn v. State, 2009 Ark. 390 -- Mr. Osburn was convicted of killing Casey Crowder and received a life sentence. On appeal, the Arkansas Supreme Court found that Mr. Osburn's "confession" was not voluntary. After numerous denials that he was involved in the murder, Kenneth was detained and taken to a shed in the backyard for further "interrogation," The Court found the interrogation involuntary.
Beavers v. State, 16 Ark. 277 (2016) -- Mr. Beaver's was convicted of statutory rape. The Arkansas Supreme Court found that Mr. Beavers did not receive effective representation regarding his defense. Patrick represented him in the trial court after winning on appeal.
Howard v. Hobbs, 5:07-cv-00047 (2016) -- Mr. Howard, who was on death row, was given the opportunity to get a new trial arguing his innocence. Most of the jury agreed and he was released He would eventually get that new trial and was released from death row after 18 years and he is a free man today.
Harris v. State, 2018 Ark. 2018 -- Mr. Harris was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison. At the time of the offense, Harris was a juvenile at the age of 17. The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Miller v. Alabama found that life sentences for juveniles is a violation of his rights to avoid cruel and unusual punishment.
Stanton v. State 2023 Ark. 81 (2023) -- In this case, Mr. Stanton wanted Patrick to represent him at trial, and the trial court denied his request. The Arkansas Supreme Court found that the trial court violated Mr. Stanton's 6th Amendment right to counsel of his choice and ordered that Mr. Benca's entry of appearance be granted.
Echols v. State, 2024 Ark. 61 --:Mr. Echols is one of the West Memphis Three and he was released from death row on August 19, 2011 via an Alford plea. He continues to seek total exoneration and filed a petition asking for DNA testing of the ligatures that were found on the bodies of the three young victims. New technology called M-Vac almost assuredly will disclose who the actual killer(s) is/are.
