Hatcher announces run for new judicial seat

FAYETTEVILLE — A longtime deputy prosecutor is running for a new circuit judgeship to serve Washington and Madison counties.

Mieka Hatcher, 48, announced her candidacy for circuit judge in the 4th Judicial District, 8th Division. The position was approved during the last legislative session and the judge is expected to hear juvenile and family law cases.

Hatcher has served as a deputy prosecutor for 22 years.

“As a lifelong public servant, I believe this position should be filled by an attorney with the experience and perspective required to best handle the complex issues associated with delinquency and dependent neglect cases,” Hatcher said.

Hatcher graduated magna cum laude from Hendrix College in 1993 and received her juris doctorate from the University of Arkansas’

School of Law in 1996.

She began her career in Benton County Juvenile Court in 1997 and moved to the Washington County Prosecutor’s Office in 1998, where she’s chief deputy prosecutor.

Hatcher is a member and past president of the Washington County Bar Association and is chairwoman of the Memorial Committee. She is also a member of the Arkansas Bar Association.

Hatcher is a graduate of the FBI Citizen’s Academy, a member of the Arkansas Prosecuting Attorney’s Association, the National District Attorney’s Association and serves on advisory boards dealing with child abuse and cyber crime.

She has taught trial advocacy as an adjunct professor at the University of Arkansas’ School of Law for more than 10 years.

Diane Warren, Conrad Odom, Tim Snively and Brian Hogue are the other announced candidates for the position.

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. The judge will take office Jan. 1, 2021.

Circuit judges serve six-year terms and are paid $168,096 a year.

Hatcher