Cases We Handle
Exclusively Focused on the Area of Criminal Defense
Drug Possession Attorney in Rogers, AR
Former Prosecutor. Now Fighting for You in Benton County.
I’m Cody W. Dowden, and I defend individuals charged with drug possession in Rogers and throughout Northwest Arkansas. Before opening my criminal defense practice, I served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. That means I’ve personally built the kind of case that may now be filed against you. I use that knowledge to find weaknesses in the State’s case.
My practice is dedicated entirely to criminal defense. When you hire me, you work directly with me from the first call through the resolution of your case. I don’t hand files off to another attorney or a paralegal.
A drug possession charge in Rogers can move quickly, and early involvement can give you more options. Call me at (479) 777-0640 for a free, confidential consultation with no obligation to hire.
What a Drug Possession Charge Can Cost You in Arkansas
Arkansas classifies controlled substances into schedules based on risk of dependency and accepted medical use. Where your charge falls on that scale and how much of the substance was involved can determine the severity of what you’re facing. The penalty ranges by classification are:
- Class A misdemeanor: Up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,500
- Class D felony: Up to six years in prison and fines up to $10,000
- Class C felony: Three to ten years in prison
- Class B felony: Five to twenty years in prison
- Class A felony: Six to thirty years in prison
- Class Y felony: Up to forty years or life imprisonment
The courtroom penalty is only part of the picture. A drug conviction can make it harder to find work and create obstacles in housing applications. A felony conviction carries additional consequences, including loss of voting rights and firearms rights. If you have prior convictions, prosecutors may seek enhanced penalties on a current charge. Possession with intent to deliver is prosecuted more seriously than simple possession and can place the charge in a higher felony class.
Why Rogers Clients Choose Cody W. Dowden
My background as a former Deputy Prosecuting Attorney shapes how I approach every drug possession case. I know how Benton County prosecutors build these cases because I was one. That insight helps me identify where their case may be vulnerable before the first hearing.
I’ve been practicing in Northwest Arkansas courts for over 15 years. That time in local courtrooms means I understand how judges, clerks, and the prosecutor’s office operate in Benton County, and I use that familiarity strategically. I’ve been selected to Super Lawyers for 2024 and 2025 and was listed in Rising Stars from 2017 through 2021. Over the course of my career, I’ve helped thousands of clients navigate the Arkansas criminal justice system.
Affordability shouldn’t be a barrier to strong defense. I offer flexible fees and payment plans, and hours after your first call, I can send you a detailed action plan for your case. My promise is straightforward: “When You Hire Me, You Get Me.”
Hear From Our Happy Clients
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"After reading a multitude of positive reviews I decided to call Cody...I'm thankful I did!"
My family and I were visiting Arkansas from Texas when I was pulled over for speeding. The ticket said "15 over limit", which in Arkansas equates to an automatic "reckless driving" charge (maximum $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail). Upon learning this I panicked and immediately began looking for competent representation via the internet. After reading a multitude of positive reviews I decided to call Cody...I'm thankful I did! Upon hearing my story Cody assured me everything would be okay and then immediately went into action. When all was said and done, the charge never appeared on my driving record and I paid a small fine. I was also not required to return to Arkansas for my hearing as Cody handled everything. If you ever find yourself in need of a GREAT attorney in NW Arkansas, you should definitely call Cody Dowden!- DavidMontgomery, TX -
"He kept me updated along the way. I was most impressed by his quick responses and level of communication."
Five Star! I hired Cody Dowden for a traffic ticket I received while driving through Arkansas. When I called his office to see if he would represent me, I was surprised I was able to talk to Cody directly. Hours after my phone call he sent me a detailed plan of what he was going to do as well as what he needed from me. He kept me updated along the way. I was most impressed by his quick responses and level of communication. I would recommend Cody Dowden to anyone with a traffic ticket in the NWA area. He will represent you well.- estringSpringfield, MO -
"Cody did a fantastic job for us! Was honest with us during the whole process."
Cody did a fantastic job for us! Was honest with us during the whole process. Worked with us closely ensuring we had a successful result! If you need an honest, hard-working, results-driven lawyer, Cody is the one you need!- BrentRogers, AR -
"Cody is the man. By far one of the best lawyers I've ever worked with."
Cody is the man. By far one of the best lawyers I've ever worked with. I wish he did more than criminal defense so I could retain him for my business!!- KJGBentonville, AR
Why Choose Cody W. Dowden, Attorney at Law?
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Hundreds of 5-Star ReviewsMy clients’ trust is reflected in the hundreds of 5-star reviews from people I’ve helped through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
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100% Focus on Criminal Law
Unlike other firms that handle every type of case in the book, I focus exclusively on criminal law. You can trust in my focus.
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When You Hire Me, You Get Me
You won't be passed off to another lawyer or spend all of your time talking to a paralegal. I am your attorney. I'll be there every step of the way.
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Accessible Legal Defense
Life is busy and it can be hard to take the time you need to meet with your attorney. That's why I offer phone appointments for your convenience.
How I Defend Drug Possession Cases in Rogers
The Defense Strategy Starts at the Stop
Because I’ve worked on the prosecution side, I review drug possession cases the way a prosecutor builds them, and I look for every point where the State’s case can be challenged. The Fourth Amendment prohibits unlawful stops and searches. If law enforcement lacked probable cause or exceeded the legal scope of a search, I can move to suppress the resulting evidence. Suppression can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case and, in some situations, may lead to a dismissal of charges.
Not every possession charge is straightforward. Constructive possession arises when drugs are found in a vehicle or location shared with others. The State must prove you had knowledge of and control over the substance. That question can create room for challenge when the facts don’t point clearly to one person.
I also examine how physical evidence was handled after seizure. Lab testing accuracy and chain-of-custody documentation can both be contested when there are irregularities in how evidence was collected, stored, or tested.
For eligible clients, particularly those facing a first offense or a non-violent charge, Arkansas offers diversion programs and drug court options that may allow a case to resolve without a conviction on your record. Whether that path fits your goals is something we discuss from the start.
Rogers & Benton County Courts
Where your case is heard depends on how your charge is classified. Misdemeanor drug possession charges in Rogers are generally handled by Rogers District Court, the State District Court of Benton County, Rogers Division. Felony charges are generally filed in Benton County Circuit Court. If a conviction occurs at the district court level, Arkansas law allows an appeal to Benton County Circuit Court for a de novo trial, meaning the case is reheard from the beginning.
I’ve practiced in these courts throughout my career as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney. I know how the Benton County prosecutor’s office approaches drug possession cases, how local judges run their courtrooms, and what procedural details matter in Rogers. That familiarity shapes how I advise you, what motions I file, and how I negotiate on your behalf.
If you’re facing a drug possession charge in Rogers, AR, the right time to call is now. Reach me directly at (479) 777-0640 to schedule your free, confidential consultation.