Herzfeld seeks new judgeship

Robert Herzfeld

Former Saline County Prosecuting Attorney Robert Herzfeld is a candidate for the county's new circuit judgeship, which is nonpartisan.

The Fourth Division position was created during this year's legislative session. The general election will be in May, along with the party primaries. The new judge takes office in January 2009.

Herzfeld said his experience qualifies him for the position.

He served as Saline County prosecutor for from 2003-06. He sought the Democratic nomination for state attorney general in 2006.

He has served as special judge in Saline County Circuit Court; Saline County District Court; Saline County Adult Drug Court; and several city courts.

He also has served as an arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau and as a court-appointed mediator in child-custody cases.

Herzfeld is now in private practice with the Herzfeld Law Firm in Benton and is the Haskell city attorney, a position he previously held.

"With our explosive growth over the past several years, Saline County has one of the most crowded trial dockets in Arkansas, which is why this new position was created," he said.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to serve in this new judgeship with the primary commitment of working with the other three circuit judges to clean-up the docket and provide fair and efficient justice."

Herzfeld co-founded the current Saline County Adult Drug Court in 2003. He hopes to establish a second drug court.

"Drug courts are a proven method of cutting crime and maximizing scarce criminal justice resources; while making a real difference in the families and communities affected by drug abuse," he said.

"Helping to establish our drug court was one of my proudest achievements as prosecutor, and I look forward to expanding our capability as circuit judge."

While prosecutor, Herzfeld established the state's first child-support task force; led the successful drive for a new county jail; fought for clemency reform to keep criminals behind bars; and achieved a conviction rate higher than 95 percent. He also worked with local legislators to write several laws, which protect children and increase the punishment range for dangerous criminals.

"It was very humbling to be able to work with victims' families to help to create 'Isaac's Law,' which dramatically increased protections for children riding school buses, and the Trooper Scott Baxter Law, which increased punishment for those who harm law enforcement officers," Herzfeld said.

Herzfeld has long been active in the community. He was the founding president for Habitat for Humanity of Saline County Inc. and also served as vice president of the Saline County Library board of directors. He is a Paul Harris Fellow with Rotary International.

"My dad, Bob Herzfeld, taught me that we have a duty to serve our community," Herzfeld said. "My father's example as a business and community leader is the most important reason I want to serve as circuit judge."

In his private practice, Herzfeld has handled a variety of cases, including divorce, probate, contracts, property law, and personal injury and complex civil litigation.

Herzfeld graduated from Emory Law School with honors in 1998 and from the University of Mississippi in 1993 magna cum laude. Herzfeld is a Benton High School graduate.

He's married to the former Karma Schanzlin, executive director for Habitat for Humanity of Saline County. Members of First Baptist Church of Benton, the Herzfelds have two sons, Leo, 6, and Hank, 5.