Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F. Hagood Announces Re-Election Bid

Sonia F. Hagood announced today that she will seek re-election as Prosecuting Attorney for the 2nd Judicial District, which includes Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Greene, Mississippi, and Poinsett Counties.

Hagood was elected in 2022 and began serving in January 2023. Since taking office, she has prioritized the prosecution of violent crime, with a strong focus on crimes against children, particularly child sexual abuse. Under her leadership, the office has launched several innovative initiatives to better support victims and improve the administration of justice across the district.

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“Serving as Prosecuting Attorney for the 2nd Judicial District has been the honor of my life,” said Hagood. “Over the past term, we’ve made significant progress in protecting our communities and supporting vulnerable victims. There is more work to be done, and I’m committed to continuing that work with integrity, compassion, and accountability.”

In recognition of her work on behalf of child victims, Hagood was named “Protector of the Year 2023” by the Northeast Arkansas Child Advocacy Center—an honor that reflects her deep commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.

“I ran for this office because I believed our district deserved a prosecutor who would fight for victims, ensure fairness, and uphold the law with transparency,” said Hagood. “I am proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I am asking the people of the 2nd Judicial District to let me continue that work for another term.”

Some of the accomplishments during her term include:

• Securing a Courthouse Facility Dog through the Paws for Justice program to support vulnerable victims—especially children—as they testify in court.

• Strengthening partnerships with local Child Advocacy Centers and law enforcement to ensure child victims receive the support and protection they need throughout the criminal justice process.

• Establishing unprecedented communication and trust with law enforcement, creating the strongest working relationships possible.

• Launching a successful Restoration Court, providing low-level, first-time offenders a second chance through structured rehabilitation, restitution, and dismissal of charges upon completion. This model is poised for expansion into other counties if Hagood is re-elected.

• Eliminating the pandemic-era backlog of cases, allowing the office to refocus efforts on violent crimes and sex crimes.

• Providing extensive training for law enforcement on new laws and courtroom procedures, helping officers strengthen their cases and become more effective witnesses in court.

• Working diligently with the 2nd Judicial District Drug Task Force to identify, investigate, and prosecute drug dealers—especially those dealing fentanyl. Thanks to efforts by President Trump to secure our borders, the flow of illegal drugs into the country has been significantly reduced, allowing the District to concentrate more fully on holding drug traffickers accountable. Fentanyl remains a serious threat in our communities, and Hagood is committed to continuing the work the Drug Task Force has advanced in recent years.

• Successfully advocating for three new prosecutor positions in the 2nd Judicial District—currently the largest geographically in the state and consistently among the top in annual case filings. Hagood has pledged to continue pushing for more resources and hiring the best and brightest attorneys to serve and protect our communities.

• Adding five new certified victim/witness coordinators to the district’s team, significantly expanding the office’s ability to serve victims and ensure their voices are heard and supported throughout the criminal justice process.

Hagood remains committed to pursuing justice for all, supporting victims, and holding offenders accountable while also recognizing the importance of rehabilitation and alternatives to incarceration where appropriate.

Prior to her election, Hagood operated a private law practice in Paragould and served as a Deputy Public Defender in Craighead County. She was an active member of the Criminal Justice Act Panel for the Eastern District of Arkansas and has served on the Federal Practice Committee.

She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville and completed visiting studies at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law in Tempe, Arizona. She holds a BA from Florida State University and is active in numerous professional and civic organizations, including the Arkansas Prosecuting Attorney’s Association, Greene County Bar Association, and the Paragould Chamber of Commerce.

Hagood and her husband, Justin Hagood, are the parents of six children and are deeply involved in local schools, youth sports, and community service.

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