Craighead County, AR — (JonesboroRightNow.com) — May 27, 2025 — Keith Chrestman announced his candidacy for Circuit Judge in Division 11 of the Second Judicial District of Arkansas on Tuesday.
Chrestman is a seasoned attorney, former prosecutor, and judge with nearly 30 years of legal experience.
“I’m running because our communities deserve a judge with a deep understanding of the law and a strong sense of public service,” Chrestman said in a news release. “I bring to the bench not just years of courtroom experience, but a proven record of leadership, fairness, and a commitment to the rule of law.”
Chrestman earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas in 1996 and later completed his M.B.A. at Loyola University Chicago. He has served in various legal roles, including law clerk for the Arkansas and Illinois appellate courts, general practitioner, deputy prosecutor, and prosecuting attorney. He has also presided as Circuit Judge for the district during terms in 2020 and from 2023 to 2024, appointed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson.
From 2021 to 2022, Chrestman served as the Prosecuting Attorney for the Second Judicial District, appointed again by Hutchinson. During his tenure, his office secured 14 murder convictions, reorganized and expanded the Drug Task Force, eliminated inefficiencies, and helped clear a backlog of felony drug cases.
Chrestman has been licensed to practice in Arkansas since 1996 and is admitted before the Eighth Circuit and the United States Supreme Court.
Born and raised in West Memphis, he resides in Craighead County with his wife, Dr. Leslie McCasland, and their three sons.
“This is not just where I work—it’s where I call home,” Chrestman said in a news release. “It’s where I’ve raised my family and dedicated my career to serving the people of Arkansas.”
The Second Judicial District covers Craighead, Greene, Clay, Crittenden, Mississippi, and Poinsett Counties. The election for circuit judge takes place on March 3, 2026.