On Wednesday, March 29, 2023, the Arkansas Supreme Court Committee on Professional Conduct Panel suspended attorney William Asa Hutchinson III for driving while under the influence of alcohol and possession of a controlled substance.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of William Asa Hutchinson III,” with case no. 2023-003
Hutchinson III, with bar no. 2001115, has consistently violated the law in such a manner that his conduct interfered with the administration of justice and indicates an indifference to his own obligation to obey the law. Hutchinson’s repeated DWI charges, possession of controlled substances, possession of firearms, and refusal to submit to blood alcohol testing are instances of his complete disrespect for the law and the administration of justice.
The filing states:
“Hutchinson’s behavior threatens serious harm to the public and his clients because he has demonstrated a clear lack of judgment or willingness to follow the law, and based on his latest arrest involving a felony charge, he appears to be escalating his criminal behavior. Neither the public nor his clients should be subjected to the risk of Hutchinson continuing to break the law. Hutchinson’s pattern Of reckless behavior erodes confidence in the legal profession and the respect and trust clients and the public deserve to have in it. This harms the public as well as the profession.”
The filing continues:
“In the most recent incident, in addition to allegedly driving at a high rate of speed in close proximity to a Sheriff’s Office while intoxicated and later refusing chemical testing, Hutchinson carried a firearm while also possessing controlled substances in violation of the Ark. Code Ann. 5-74-106. This alleged conduct meets the elements of a Class Y felony and exposes Hutchinson to a potential life sentence. No matter what action ultimately is taken by the prosecutor, the conduct was captured on body camera video, in addition to being detailed in an affidavit by Benton County Sheriff’s Deputy Hunter Volner.”
The filing further states:
“Hutchinson’s repeated arrests involving the use of alcohol and controlled substances are indicative of substance abuse issues that could result in innumerable harm both to the public and to Hutchinson’s clients, whether they believe so or not. His simultaneous possession of a firearm only further raises the specter of harm. As a self-regulating body, OPC must discharge its duty in regard to Hutchinson’s consistent and continued disregard for the law. To do otherwise would send a message to the public that the legal profession’s self-regulation serves to protect attorneys and not the public itself.”
By consistently violating the law and being the subject of criminal charges over the last seven years with offenses such as using controlled substances and driving while intoxicated as well as having been found in possession of both a firearm and controlled substances that pose a threat to the safety of the public, the committee states that Hutchinson brings disrepute to the legal profession and erodes the confidence of the public. In this regard, the committee suspended the respondent.
The Disposition states:
“For the reasons stated herein, Panel A of the Committee on Professional Conduct concludes that Respondent William Asa Hutchinson III should be, and hereby is, SUSPENDED from the practice of law within this jurisdiction for his conduct.”
Mr. Hutchinson attended the University of Arkansas School of Law, graduating in 1975. He practices in Bentonville, Arkansas. He is licensed in Arkansas. His info can be found on ballotpedia.org.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
