BENTONVILLE — Judge Brad Karren will seek his first full term in next year’s election.
Karren, 51, announced his candidacy in the nonpartisan judicial election this week.
“It has been a privilege to serve the people of Benton County,” Karren said. “It would be an honor to continue to serve in my current capacity as Circuit Court Judge.”
Karren, former Rogers District Judge, was elected to the circuit judgeship in May 2012 to serve out the remainder of retired Judge David Clinger’s term.
Karren said he has tried to streamline the court with taxpayers and crime victims in mind. He recently implemented a computer Smartboard to allow live remote court hearings from the Benton County Jail.
“This has increased courtroom efficiency and security, while substantially decreasing labor and transportation costs incurred as a result of bringing the inmates to court,” Karren said.
Karren plans to use the Smartboard to allow witnesses, such as state crime lab technicians, to testify in court hearings without having to leave their offices in Little Rock.
Karren said he and his court staff also have made efforts to fast-track criminal cases involving crime victims who are less than 14 years of age to be tried within nine months of a defendant’s arraignment date.
Benton County Sheriff Kelley Cradduck said the county would be hard pressed to find anyone who equals Karren’s commitment and the compassion he shows toward victims and their families.
“The people of Benton County deserve the professionalism and care that Judge Karren brings with him to work every day,” Cradduck said. “Judge Karren’s willingness to develop new processes has helped increase efficiency for the Sheriff’s Office, by both maximizing time and increasing safety for all.”
County Judge Bob Clinard believes Karren has done good job while on the bench.
“Judge Karren has the judicial experience, integrity, knowledge, and fairness necessary to continue to serve the people of Benton County as their circuit court judge,” Clinard said.
Karren served a 4-year term as Rogers district court judge prior to being elected circuit judge.
He practiced for nearly 20 years as a trial attorney in the county. Karren also served as a Benton County deputy prosecuting attorney and as in-house counsel for Walmart.
Karren lives in Bentonville with his wife of 24 years, Anita, and their two children.
The nonpartisan election is May 20, 2o14.