Keith chrestman announces candidacy
Craighead County, AR – Keith L. Chrestman has formally announced his candidacy for Circuit Judge in Division 11 of the Second Judicial District of Arkansas. A seasoned attorney and respected former prosecutor and judge, Chrestman brings nearly 30 years of legal experience and a deep-rooted commitment to justice and public service.
Born and raised in West Memphis and now residing in Craighead County with his wife, Dr. Leslie McCasland, and their three sons, Chrestman’s connection to the district is both personal and professional.
“This is not just where I work—it’s where I call home,” said Chrestman. “It’s where I’ve raised my family and dedicated my career to serving the people of Arkansas.”
Chrestman earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas in 1996 and later completed his M.B.A. at Loyola University Chicago. Over the years, he has served in a variety of legal roles, including law clerk for both 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 again from 2023 to 2024.
From 2021 to 2022, Chrestman served as the Prosecuting Attorney for the Second Judicial District, appointed by Governor Asa Hutchinson. During his tenure, his office secured 16 murder convictions, reorganized and expanded the Drug Task Force, eliminated inefficiencies, and helped clear a backlog of felony drug cases—accomplishments he credits to collaborative leadership and a results-driven approach.
“I’m running because our communities deserve a judge with both legal expertise and a strong sense of public service,” said Chrestman. “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 has been licensed to practice in Arkansas since 1996 and is admitted before the Eighth Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. If elected, he pledges to uphold the integrity of the judiciary and maintain a courtroom where every party is treated with respect and every case receives the attention it deserves.
