Official Court Reporter Donna Wood
Ms. Wood is a graduate of the Arlington Court Reporting College, Arlington, TX and has been a freelance court reporter for the past 24 years. She is a steno writer and can provide ASCII, condensed transcripts and court transcripts upon request. She has been a member of Judge Whiteaker's staff since February 1, 2011.

Trial Court Assistant James Tapscott
Mr. Tapscott is a graduate of the Community College of the Air Force, Montgomery, AL. He served 21 years in the United States Air Force and has attended numerous supervisory and management courses. He is currently pursuing national certification from the Institute for Court Management and has been a member of Judge Whiteaker's staff since July 15, 2009.

What is Juvenile Court?
The juvenile court handles matters of child dependency and neglect. Matters of child dependency and neglect are initiated by the State of Arkansas through the Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The local DHS office investigates claims of child abuse and neglect. They may refer some matters to law enforcement for criminal prosecution as well as initiate their own case to remove children from the home of the offender. If DHS removes a child from a parent or guardian due to allegations of dependency and neglect, the parent or guardian may be entitled to court appointed counsel. The Judge will appoint an Attorney ad Litem to represent the best interest of the child in every dependency and neglect case. The Judge may also appoint a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) to act as a fact finder and assist the Court in determining the child’s best interest.

The juvenile court handles matters of delinquency. Delinquency is when a person under the age of 18 is accused of doing something that would be a crime if done by an adult. Allegations of delinquency may be diverted into Teen Court based upon the recommendation of the prosecuting attorney and the juvenile intake officer. Juveniles and their families must sign and complete the requirements of a diversion agreement to participate in Teen Court. If diversion is not appropriate, the prosecuting attorney may file a delinquency petition with the Circuit Court. The juvenile will be notified to appear for an intake interview where the charges will be explained. The juvenile’s parents or legal guardian must be present during all proceedings. A juvenile delinquent has the right to an attorney. The Judge may appoint an attorney to represent the juvenile if the family cannot afford one. The Judge will determine if the juvenile is delinquent. If delinquent, the Judge has a range of alternatives to use. The Judge’s choice considers all factors including the juvenile’s history, physical and mental condition, circumstances at home, the facts and seriousness of the offense, as well as the best interest of the juvenile.

The juvenile court handles matters of truancy. Truancy means missing more days of school than the law allows. Every child between the ages of five (5) and eighteen (18) must attend school. Each school keeps a record of unexcused absences for their students. When a student obtains more unexcused absences than allowed by law, the school notifies the Juvenile Department of the Circuit Court. The Juvenile Department will contact the family of the student about the absences and attempt to handle the issue of absences without court intervention. This is called diversion. If a diversion is not appropriate, a truancy petition is filed, and the family must appear before the Judge. The Judge will determine if a truancy has occurred. If truant, the Judge has alternatives to use. The Judge’s choice considers all factors including the juvenile’s history, physical and mental condition, circumstances at home and the facts and seriousness of the offense.

The juvenile court handles matters pertaining to families in need of services (FINS). A family in need of services is any family where a juvenile’s behavior is beyond the control of the authority figures within the home and outside assistance is necessary to protect the best interest of the juvenile. Any interested person may file a FINS petition by contacting the Juvenile Department of the Circuit Court. The Judge will determine if the family is in need of services. If the Judge finds a FINS, a range of services can be provided to the family.

What are treatment courts?
A treatment court is a highly intensive, hands-on program of supervised probation and rehabilitation for people addicted to drugs and alcohol.  The purpose of treatment court is to help the addict recover, reduce criminal activity and return the person to a productive lifestyle.  Participants to treatment courts must admit to addiction, have a non-violent criminal history and meet other conditions of the program.  Each participant has been found guilty by the Judge of having committed some non-violent crime.  A major requirement of treatment courts is that each participant will stop using drugs and be drug free.  Drug tests are performed routinely but randomly to ensure compliance.  The Judge meets with each participant weekly to hold them accountable for their actions.  Persons who graduate may be entitled to have their criminal record sealed.  Persons who do not graduate or meet the requirements may be sent to prison by the Judge.

Lonoke County operates two treatment courts; a drug treatment court for eligible, non-veteran participants, and a veteran’s treatment court for eligible, veteran participants.