Little Rock criminal defense lawyer Bobby Forrest Jr. to run for county prosecutor

Bobby Forrest Jr., a Little Rock legal protection lawyer, will run for prosecuting lawyer for Arkansas’s Sixth Judicial District, protecting Pulaski and Perry Counties, towards incumbent Will Jones.

Forrest, founding father of the Chosen Regulation Group in Little Rock and a former narcotics detective, made the announcement by way of press launch on Friday. 

From the discharge:

“I’m running for Prosecuting Attorney because the current system is not working,” Forrest mentioned. “We need someone in office who understands the criminal justice system from every angle. I know what it means to be a misguided teenager caught up in the system. I’ve served in the Army National Guard and as a police officer. I’ve fought for justice as an attorney. I believe in accountability, and I’m committed to bringing smart justice to Pulaski and Perry Counties.”

“My own family has been impacted by violence in our district.” Forrest added. “The tragic murder of my sister in 2023 deepened my commitment to ending senseless violence. I know firsthand the devastation crime brings to families and communities. As Prosecuting Attorney, I’ll work tirelessly to ensure justice for victims while implementing solutions that truly make our communities safer.”

The press launch outlined Forrest’s priorities:

1. Accountability for Violent Offenders and Unlawful Gun Trafficking: Guaranteeing that those that commit violent crimes and unlawful gun trafficking face swift penalties.
2. Sufferer and Witness Advocacy: Strengthening help programs for crime victims and guaranteeing their voices are heard all through the authorized course of.
3. Prevention and Rehabilitation within the Juvenile Justice System: Specializing in the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders whereas not neglecting our responsibility to the security of all.
4. Neighborhood Partnership: Working alongside neighborhoods, religion teams, and native organizations to collectively heal our communities.
5. Addressing Root Causes: Implementing applications that handle root causes like dependancy and psychological well being with a view to break cycles of recidivism.

Forrest can be the proprietor of Xperience Kitchen and Lounge in downtown Little Rock, the place he’ll host a marketing campaign kickoff occasion on Could 19 at 5:30 p.m. 

Earlier than incomes his regulation diploma, Forrest labored as a police officer and narcotics detective for the Jacksonville Police Division till his “law enforcement career ended in 2015 due to a policy violation while trying to protect a friend,” the discharge states. 

He acquired three letters of commendation for saving lives throughout his tenure, together with through the pursuit of a hijacked school bus full of children, in line with the discharge. 

“[Forrest] holds licenses to practice in Arkansas, Tennessee, and the Eastern and Western Districts. He has also taught Criminal Justice at UALR,” the discharge states. 

At present, Forrest serves on the Arkansas Bar Affiliation Board of Trustees and the Civil Service Fee for the Metropolis of Little Rock, which is liable for listening to residents’ complaints towards police and hearth personnel and listening to disciplinary appeals of police and hearth personnel. 

In 2020, Forrest was within the first cohort of New Leaders Council Arkansas fellows. 

From the discharge:

Past his authorized work, Forrest serves on the Civil Service Fee for the Metropolis of Little Rock and is an lively member of the Arkansas Bar Affiliation Board of Trustees. He’s a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and attends St. Mark Baptist Church. As an entrepreneur, he has based Xperience Kitchen and Lounge, renovates actual property to help Part 8 households, and mentors youth locally.

Jones, who’s serving his first time period after being elected in 2022, announced on Tuesday he is running for reelection. He offered a press release in response to Forrest’s announcement:

“I’ve spent decades fighting for crime victims and safer communities with integrity and honesty and I welcome the chance to compare our records in law enforcement and the justice system,” Jones mentioned Friday.