Expert Criminal Defense
Shaw & Elenbaas stands firm in the face of serious accusations & fights for fair treatment for our clients.
Choose the Leading Arkansas Criminal Defense Law Firm
Busted for drugs, accused of a sex crime, arrested for an assault, involved in a federal criminal case, or caught up in a legal battle? Shaw & Elenbaas has over 50 years of experience with it all. We have the knowledge and tools to help you get through these difficult legal issues. Wherever you stand, your search for a lawyer stops here.
If you’ve been arrested in Arkansas, call us immediately!
Our Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
Criminal defense is an umbrella phrase for various criminal cases, including drug crimes, sex crimes, homicides, and weapons crimes. We’re highly experienced in this area of the law and aggressively represent clients across the state of Arkansas. If you’re being investigated or charged with a crime in state or federal court, contact us immediately. The sooner we start on your case, the better.
Drug Crimes
The possession of controlled substances such as methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, oxycontin, fentanyl, ecstasy, LSD, heroin, and various other narcotics can result in a multitude of state or federal charges. Drug charges in federal court generally result in lengthier terms than in state court, but a drug crime prosecution at either level has the potential to pose long-term consequences on your personal and professional life. It’s critical to have the right representation to handle these types of cases. If you have been indicted or feel that you may be, we can help.
Sex Crimes
Sex crimes are often emotional and complex and carry heavy penalties. Whether it’s rape, sexual assault, possession of child pornography, or prostitution, even the accusation of committing a sex crime can be devastating for your reputation, your home life, and your career. If convicted, you’re required to register as a sex offender, notify neighbors, and move away from the proximity of schools and parks. Our criminal defense attorneys understand the sensitive nature of this allegation and will examine every angle in your case.
Violent Crimes
Violent crimes such as homicides, assault and battery, and domestic violence are among the most serious and harshly penalized forms of criminal acts at both the state and federal levels. To be considered a violent crime, a victim must have been harmed or at least threatened with harm or violence when the crime is committed. A violent felony conviction carries the threat of incarceration, hefty fines, and a criminal record that will haunt you for the rest of your life. We work aggressively to provide you with the best opportunity to get your charges reduced, dropped, or otherwise dismissed.
Administrative Law
Administrative law encompasses the procedures, rules, and regulations of several governmental agencies, including both federal and state. Our attorneys are strong in professional licensing, DHS maltreatment, and driver control, which includes the suspension of driver’s licenses for those charged with a DUI or DWI.
Appellate & Post Conviction
Post-conviction is the legal process that occurs after a trial is complete and a defendant is found guilty. At this point, the defendant is permitted to challenge the sentence and the conviction, and this is where having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side is critical to your future. We know what options you can pursue based on the court’s decision, and we can walk you through a wide range of criminal appeals, from misdemeanor to circuit appeals and from the court of appeals up to the Supreme Court.
Petition to Seal
Having a criminal record can make it hard to get a job, secure housing, apply for college, and live a normal life. If you’ve been negatively affected by your criminal record, we can help you get back on track. Our expungement attorneys can help determine if you’re eligible to seal your record and advise you through the process. Taking this legal action can help you get the fresh start you deserve.
Parole Hearings
A parole lawyer works with someone in jail facing a parole hearing and helps them gain parole from the board overseeing the hearing. If you have a loved one who is eligible for parole, we can represent them through the process, improve their situation, and eventually help them move forward with their life outside of prison.
Land Use and Zoning
Shaw & Elenbaas is one of the most prominent law firms in Arkansas handling land use and zoning law. We are proficient at analyzing local land development codes and ordinances, zoning ordinances, development regulations, and other restrictions and requirements affecting the intended use of a client’s proposed project. We have worked on some of the most contested land battles in Central Arkansas and are the go-to firm for a wealth of knowledge in this area of the law.
Federal Cases
Federal Crimes
If you’re charged with a violation of the Federal Criminal Code, you face a difficult legal battle ahead. It’s no road to go alone. You need an experienced federal criminal lawyer who knows what they’re doing and understands the nuances of federal law and sentencing. Your future depends on it, and you can depend on us to help.
Why Choose Shaw & Elenbaas?

What Our Clients Say
Alvin LairdAugust 29, 2024 Shaw and Elenbaas are outstanding law firm. Lauren and Eric are phenomenal. They take care of you from beginning and end. J ArnoJune 28, 2024 Unbelievably, highly skilled in customer service. Easy to understand and follow. Douglas Max Young II (maxzmillion)April 11, 2024 I hate what happened to you Frank, but you did me a solid before you left. Thanks to you and your whole team posthumously. You were a gentleman and a great orator, lawyer and ally. Shade DragonMarch 28, 2023 Lauren and Eric are amazing lawyers, from doing everything they can for you in court to handling restitution afterwards so you don't have the added hastle in your life. They truly care about their clients, even after the case was done I can still call to get advice and trust that they do an amazing job with any appeals that need to be put in. They even went as far as to recommend lawyers for a DHS case and informed me as to the need of a lawyer for it. They are just flat out astounding. Communication, care, trust, and a determination to do their job well and right are all there. Thad HendersonFebruary 13, 2023 Excellent communication, honesty and professionalism. Lauren and her staff were very helpful and worked hard to secure the best outcome possible. I couldn't have asked for more.
Contact Us Now for a Free Consultation!
Your future deserves the best defense—trust Shaw & Elenbaas to deliver it.