Bentonville Internet Stalking of a Child Attorney

Over 15 Years of Protecting the Rights & Freedom of the Accused

Accusations involving a minor move quickly and can feel overwhelming from the very start. Once investigators get involved, it often feels like the case is already stacked against you, even before all the facts are clear. Internet stalking of a child is prosecuted as a felony in Arkansas, and these cases can escalate fast if you do not have the right defense in place.

At Cody W. Dowden, Attorney at Law, we step in to slow things down, protect your rights, and make sure your side of the story is heard. From the first consultation through every court appearance, we help you understand what to expect and what can be done to protect your future. Our focus is on preparation, communication, and advocacy so you are never left wondering what happens next.

Learn what to expect and how we can help you respond to an Internet Stalking of a Child charge. Call (479) 777-0640 to request a free consultation today.

How Cody W. Dowden, Attorney at Law Builds a Defense

Building a defense starts with a clear understanding of how the state gathered its evidence. We look closely at every message, data log, and digital footprint. Many internet-based cases rely on undercover operations or chat transcripts that can be incomplete, misinterpreted, or even manipulated by investigators.

Attorney Cody W. Dowden’s experience as a former prosecutor gives him the insight to recognize where investigative shortcuts may have occurred. He spent more than four years as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, handling everything from misdemeanors to Class Y felonies. That background means he knows what the state must prove and what happens when it cannot.

Our analysis may involve:

• Reviewing whether law enforcement followed proper procedures in obtaining search warrants or digital evidence.
• Assessing if the alleged communications meet the legal threshold of solicitation or enticement.
• Identifying potential defenses, including mistaken identity, age misrepresentation, or entrapment.
• Working with qualified forensic experts to analyze metadata, timestamps, and server logs.

Every case receives an individualized plan that is updated as new information emerges. We communicate openly about your options, likely outcomes, and how each decision could affect your future.

How Arkansas Law Defines the Charge

Arkansas Code § 5-27-306 makes it a crime to use electronic communication to solicit, entice, or attempt to meet a child 15 or younger, or someone believed to be that age, for sexual activity. The law also prohibits sending identifying information such as names, photos, or addresses in an effort to arrange a meeting.

Even without a completed act, prosecutors can pursue the charge aggressively. An attempt or arrangement can qualify for a Class B felony, punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison. If a meeting was actually took place, it may become a Class Y felony, which can lead to 10 to 40 years or life.

These penalties are only one part of the impact. Allegations of this nature often lead to social fallout, employment loss, and permanent labeling through sex-offender registration. That is why early legal action matters. The sooner your defense begins, the sooner your attorney can challenge assumptions, preserve digital evidence, and ensure that your case is seen for what it actually is, not just what it appears to be on paper.

A Firm Built on Client Commitment

Our firm’s foundation is simple. Every client deserves full attention and direct access to their attorney. When you hire Cody W. Dowden, Attorney at Law, you will not be passed off to an associate or filtered through a paralegal. Your lawyer, the one you hired, handles every part of your case.

We understand how stressful waiting for answers can be, so we make communication a priority. Calls are returned promptly, often the same day, and emails are answered with the same urgency. You will always know how to reach your attorney and when to expect an update.

Our philosophy is grounded in accessibility and accountability. The people we represent are facing some of the hardest moments of their lives, and they deserve an attorney who listens, responds, and follows through. That is what we mean when we say that when you hire us, you get us.

Accessible Legal Support When You Need It Most

Serious charges can disrupt every aspect of your life. They bring fear, uncertainty, and financial stress. We want to remove as many barriers as possible so clients can focus on their defense.

Cody W. Dowden, Attorney at Law offers free initial consultations to give you a clear picture of your situation before you make any commitments. During that meeting, we explain the statute, the potential penalties, and immediate steps to take to protect yourself.

We also provide affordable payment options and flexible scheduling, including phone and video appointments. Protecting your rights should not depend on how much you can pay upfront or whether you can take time off work. By keeping our process accessible, we make it easier for clients to stay informed and involved.

Why Local Representation Matters

Each jurisdiction has its own pace, priorities, and expectations. Understanding those details can make a measurable difference when negotiating or preparing for trial.

Being based in Bentonville means we know the courts, prosecutors, and procedures across Northwest Arkansas. Attorney Dowden’s prior work as a prosecutor in Arkansas gives him a unique advantage when defending against charges like internet stalking of a child. He knows how investigators prepare digital evidence, what thresholds prosecutors must meet to file charges, and where weaknesses can develop in online sting operations.

In addition, his training as a forensic interviewer through the Child Advocacy Center provides valuable insight into how interviews are conducted in cases involving minors. That knowledge helps us identify when interview protocols are not followed or when suggestive questioning may have influenced a statement.

By combining legal analysis, local insight, and technical understanding, we build defenses that address both the evidence and the process behind it.

What to Do if You Are Under Investigation

Many clients contact us before they are formally charged. If you believe you are being investigated or have already been questioned, act now rather than waiting for an arrest.

1. Do not speak to investigators without counsel. Even brief comments can be misunderstood or used out of context.
2. Preserve your records. Save emails, messages, and device logs that might provide context or disprove the allegations.
3. Contact our defense attorney immediately. Early involvement allows us to communicate with law enforcement, prevent missteps, and begin protecting your rights before charges are filed.

These early actions can make a substantial difference in how your case develops and how much evidence the prosecution ultimately controls.

Experience, Integrity, & Professional Recognition

Cody W. Dowden, Attorney at Law focuses exclusively on criminal defense. Attorney Dowden has represented thousands of defendants throughout Arkansas and tried hundreds of cases. His career includes selection to Super Lawyers 2024–2025, an AVVO 10.0 Top Attorney rating, and membership in the Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Arkansas Bar Association.

Before establishing his Bentonville practice, he served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, handling everything from juvenile matters to Class Y felonies. This dual perspective as both prosecutor and defense attorney gives clients representation grounded in experience on both sides of the courtroom.

Schedule a Free Consultation

If you are facing an Internet Stalking of a Child charge in Bentonville or anywhere in Northwest Arkansas, contact Cody W. Dowden, Attorney at Law today. We will review your case, explain your options, and start building a plan to protect your rights.

You can schedule a free consultation online, in person, or by calling (479) 777-0640. Let us help you take control of the process and move forward with confidence.