Arkansas / AR Public Defender Commission

Agency file

AR Public Defender Commission

Source file: Arkansas — State Employee Compensation / ingested Jun 18, 2026

The AR Public Defender Commission handles legal functions of government — prosecution, legal advice, and representing the state in court.

In 2026, this agency had 389 employees with median total compensation of $59,625; the highest distinct record was $182,485.

Year: 2026
Total payroll: $28.4M
Employees: 389
Median total: $59,625
Highest record: $182,485

What the records show

Compensation analytics

These summaries compare pay within the agency before listing individual records.

Salary distribution

$21,486$151,435+

Hover a bar for its range; click to filter the list below.

How 2026 total compensation is spread across the 389 employees. Each bar is a pay range; taller bars mean more people earn in that range. The amber line marks the median ($59,625) — half earn less, half more. The far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Average pay composition

Base — $72,981 (100%)
Overtime — $0 (0%)
Other — $0 (0%)
Benefits — $0 (0%)

What an average paycheck here is made of — base salary versus overtime, other pay (bonuses, allowances), and benefits. A large overtime or other-pay share means take-home often exceeds base salary.

Pay percentiles

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$40,000

$51,343

$59,625

$88,790

$127,085

The pay ladder for this department. Someone at the 90th percentile earns $127,085 — more than 90% of the department; the 10th percentile earns $40,000. The shaded band is the middle half of employees (25th–75th percentile).

Largest job titles

Public Defender II

93 · $53,152

Public Defender I

74 · $47,245

Public Defender III

69 · $114,390

Legal Support Specialist

63 · $52,137

Chief Public Defender I

33 · $135,704

The most common job titles in this department by headcount, with the median total compensation for each. Click a title to see everyone who holds it.

Record list

Employees

Page 2

Jacqueline Mcdonald

Legal Support Specialist/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$52,137

Sub-department: State Government Services
Base pay: $52,137
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $52,137
Hire date: 11-12-2024
Pay grade: Sgs06
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: ILS03I
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22079218

Jacqueline Mcdonald is a Legal Support Specialist at AR Public Defender Commission within State Government Services. Records show a hire date of 11-12-2024. 2026 total compensation came to $52,137. They are classified at grade Sgs06.

Kristen Corley

Legal Support Specialist/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$52,137

Sub-department: State Government Services
Base pay: $52,137
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $52,137
Hire date: 05-03-2026
Pay grade: Sgs06
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: ILS03I
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22162547

At AR Public Defender Commission, Kristen Corley serves as a Legal Support Specialist within State Government Services. Records show a hire date of 05-03-2026. Their 2026 pay totaled $52,137. They are classified at grade Sgs06.

Stephanie Smoke

Legal Support Specialist/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$52,137

Sub-department: State Government Services
Base pay: $52,137
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $52,137
Hire date: 08-15-2005
Pay grade: Sgs06
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: ILS03I
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22079186

Stephanie Smoke holds the role of Legal Support Specialist at AR Public Defender Commission within State Government Services. Their hire date on record is 08-15-2005. In 2026, their total compensation was $52,137. Their pay grade is Sgs06.

Hallie Smith

Legal Support Specialist/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$52,137

Sub-department: State Government Services
Base pay: $52,137
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $52,137
Hire date: 10-01-2024
Pay grade: Sgs06
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: ILS03I
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095025

Hallie Smith holds the role of Legal Support Specialist at AR Public Defender Commission within State Government Services. Their hire date on record is 10-01-2024. In 2026, their total compensation was $52,137. Their pay grade is Sgs06.

Amy Cupples

Legal Support Specialist/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$52,137

Sub-department: State Government Services
Base pay: $52,137
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $52,137
Hire date: 07-07-2024
Pay grade: Sgs06
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: ILS03I
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22079217

Amy Cupples is a Legal Support Specialist at AR Public Defender Commission within State Government Services. Records show a hire date of 07-07-2024. 2026 total compensation came to $52,137. They are classified at grade Sgs06.

Valancia Caradine

Legal Support Specialist/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$52,137

Sub-department: State Government Services
Base pay: $52,137
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $52,137
Hire date: 01-15-2007
Pay grade: Sgs06
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: ILS03I
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095033

Valancia Caradine holds the role of Legal Support Specialist at AR Public Defender Commission within State Government Services. Their hire date on record is 01-15-2007. In 2026, their total compensation was $52,137. Their pay grade is Sgs06.

Tonya Dettmer

Legal Support Specialist/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$52,137

Sub-department: State Government Services
Base pay: $52,137
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $52,137
Hire date: 07-21-2025
Pay grade: Sgs06
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: ILS03I
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095023

Tonya Dettmer works as a Legal Support Specialist for AR Public Defender Commission within State Government Services. Their hire date on record is 07-21-2025. Tonya earned $52,137 in 2026. Their pay grade is Sgs06.

Karrie Foster

Legal Support Specialist/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$52,137

Sub-department: State Government Services
Base pay: $52,137
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $52,137
Hire date: 09-10-2012
Pay grade: Sgs06
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: ILS03I
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095150

Karrie Foster is a Legal Support Specialist at AR Public Defender Commission within State Government Services. Records show a hire date of 09-10-2012. 2026 total compensation came to $52,137. They are classified at grade Sgs06.

Kiara Goldsberry

Legal Support Specialist/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$52,137

Sub-department: State Government Services
Base pay: $52,137
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $52,137
Hire date: 12-10-2023
Pay grade: Sgs06
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: ILS03I
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095029

Kiara Goldsberry works as a Legal Support Specialist for AR Public Defender Commission within State Government Services. Their hire date on record is 12-10-2023. Kiara earned $52,137 in 2026. Their pay grade is Sgs06.

Teresa Griffin

Legal Support Specialist/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$52,137

Sub-department: State Government Services
Base pay: $52,137
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $52,137
Hire date: 05-11-2009
Pay grade: Sgs06
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: ILS03I
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22154567

Teresa Griffin holds the role of Legal Support Specialist at AR Public Defender Commission within State Government Services. Their hire date on record is 05-11-2009. In 2026, their total compensation was $52,137. Their pay grade is Sgs06.

Shelia Luker

Legal Support Specialist/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$52,137

Sub-department: State Government Services
Base pay: $52,137
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $52,137
Hire date: 09-30-2024
Pay grade: Sgs06
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: ILS03I
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095019

Shelia Luker works as a Legal Support Specialist for AR Public Defender Commission within State Government Services. Their hire date on record is 09-30-2024. Shelia earned $52,137 in 2026. Their pay grade is Sgs06.

Elizabeth Brady

Legal Support Specialist/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$52,137

Sub-department: State Government Services
Base pay: $52,137
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $52,137
Hire date: 07-15-2007
Pay grade: Sgs06
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: ILS03I
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22142773

Elizabeth Brady is a Legal Support Specialist at AR Public Defender Commission within State Government Services. Records show a hire date of 07-15-2007. 2026 total compensation came to $52,137. They are classified at grade Sgs06.

Kellie Hodgens

Legal Support Specialist/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$52,137

Sub-department: State Government Services
Base pay: $52,137
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $52,137
Hire date: 11-28-2022
Pay grade: Sgs06
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: ILS03I
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095020

Kellie Hodgens works as a Legal Support Specialist for AR Public Defender Commission within State Government Services. Their hire date on record is 11-28-2022. Kellie earned $52,137 in 2026. Their pay grade is Sgs06.

Anacaren Ramos

Legal Support Specialist/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$52,137

Sub-department: State Government Services
Base pay: $52,137
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $52,137
Hire date: 09-03-2024
Pay grade: Sgs06
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: ILS03I
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22079187

At AR Public Defender Commission, Anacaren Ramos serves as a Legal Support Specialist within State Government Services. Records show a hire date of 09-03-2024. Their 2026 pay totaled $52,137. They are classified at grade Sgs06.

Lanora Butler

Legal Support Specialist/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$52,137

Sub-department: State Government Services
Base pay: $52,137
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $52,137
Hire date: 07-21-2025
Pay grade: Sgs06
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: ILS03I
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22079189

Lanora Butler is a Legal Support Specialist at AR Public Defender Commission within State Government Services. Records show a hire date of 07-21-2025. 2026 total compensation came to $52,137. They are classified at grade Sgs06.

Sherri Fletcher

Legal Support Specialist/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$52,137

Sub-department: State Government Services
Base pay: $52,137
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $52,137
Hire date: 06-07-2007
Pay grade: Sgs06
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: ILS03I
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095031

Sherri Fletcher holds the role of Legal Support Specialist at AR Public Defender Commission within State Government Services. Their hire date on record is 06-07-2007. In 2026, their total compensation was $52,137. Their pay grade is Sgs06.

Laura Biggs

Legal Support Specialist/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$52,137

Sub-department: State Government Services
Base pay: $52,137
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $52,137
Hire date: 10-10-2007
Pay grade: Sgs06
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: ILS03I
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095024

Laura Biggs holds the role of Legal Support Specialist at AR Public Defender Commission within State Government Services. Their hire date on record is 10-10-2007. In 2026, their total compensation was $52,137. Their pay grade is Sgs06.

Rhonda Copelin

Legal Support Specialist/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$52,137

Sub-department: State Government Services
Base pay: $52,137
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $52,137
Hire date: 01-02-1998
Pay grade: Sgs06
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: ILS03I
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095014

Rhonda Copelin holds the role of Legal Support Specialist at AR Public Defender Commission within State Government Services. Their hire date on record is 01-02-1998. In 2026, their total compensation was $52,137. Their pay grade is Sgs06.

Pamela Waldrup

Legal Support Specialist/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$52,137

Sub-department: State Government Services
Base pay: $52,137
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $52,137
Hire date: 04-03-2023
Pay grade: Sgs06
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: ILS03I
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095027

Pamela Waldrup holds the role of Legal Support Specialist at AR Public Defender Commission within State Government Services. Their hire date on record is 04-03-2023. In 2026, their total compensation was $52,137. Their pay grade is Sgs06.

Toni Hulsey

Legal Support Specialist/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$52,137

Sub-department: State Government Services
Base pay: $52,137
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $52,137
Hire date: 02-08-2010
Pay grade: Sgs06
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: ILS03I
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22079190

At AR Public Defender Commission, Toni Hulsey serves as a Legal Support Specialist within State Government Services. Records show a hire date of 02-08-2010. Their 2026 pay totaled $52,137. They are classified at grade Sgs06.

Amanda Thomas

Public Defender II/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$51,476

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $51,476
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $51,476
Hire date: 05-04-2023
Pay grade: Spc05
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 0.5

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD04P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095107

At AR Public Defender Commission, Amanda Thomas serves as a Public Defender II within Specialized Services. Records show a hire date of 05-04-2023, working 0.5 FTE. Their 2026 pay totaled $51,476. They are classified at grade Spc05.

Theodis Thompson

Public Defender II/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$51,343

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $51,343
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $51,343
Hire date: 12-13-2016
Pay grade: Spc05
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 0.5

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD04P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22179438

Theodis Thompson works as a Public Defender II for AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Their hire date on record is 12-13-2016 as a 0.5 FTE employee. Theodis earned $51,343 in 2026. Their pay grade is Spc05.

Robert Jackson

Public Defender II/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$50,393

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $50,393
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $50,393
Hire date: 08-05-2005
Pay grade: Spc05
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 0.5

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD04P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095050

Robert Jackson holds the role of Public Defender II at AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Their hire date on record is 08-05-2005 as a 0.5 FTE employee. In 2026, their total compensation was $50,393. Their pay grade is Spc05.

David Powell

Public Defender II/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$49,957

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $49,957
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $49,957
Hire date: 05-04-2014
Pay grade: Spc05
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 0.5

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD04P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095046

At AR Public Defender Commission, David Powell serves as a Public Defender II within Specialized Services. Records show a hire date of 05-04-2014, working 0.5 FTE. Their 2026 pay totaled $49,957. They are classified at grade Spc05.

Jon Standridge

Public Defender I/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$49,868

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $49,868
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $49,868
Hire date: 02-19-1989
Pay grade: Spc03
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 0.5

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD03P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095087

Jon Standridge is a Public Defender I at AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Records show a hire date of 02-19-1989, working 0.5 FTE. 2026 total compensation came to $49,868. They are classified at grade Spc03.

Thomas Brown

Public Defender II/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$49,226

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $49,226
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $49,226
Hire date: 01-17-2017
Pay grade: Spc05
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 0.5

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD04P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22150661

Thomas Brown is a Public Defender II at AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Records show a hire date of 01-17-2017, working 0.5 FTE. 2026 total compensation came to $49,226. They are classified at grade Spc05.