William Asa Hutchison III, the son of former Governor Asa Hutchinson, has pleaded guilty to drug and drunken driving charges. As a result, he is facing jail time and will spend eight days in the Benton County jail. The plea was part of an agreement reached by Hutchinson’s attorney, Shane Wilkinson, and Seth Segovia, the deputy prosecutor.
Hutchinson’s arrest occurred following a traffic stop on January 16. A sheriff’s deputy observed Hutchinson driving at 71 mph in a 45 mph zone. Hutchinson’s eyes were described as bloodshot and watery, and the deputy detected the smell of alcohol on his breath. After conducting field sobriety tests, the deputy believed Hutchinson was significantly impaired by alcohol.
During a search, the deputy discovered a clear plastic bag with a white powdery substance, later identified as cocaine, in Hutchinson’s jacket pocket. Additionally, a gun was found in his car. The charges against Hutchinson included possession of a controlled substance and second offense driving while intoxicated.
Hutchinson’s guilty plea was accepted by Benton County Circuit Judge Brad Karren, who sentenced him to three years of unsupervised probation. If Hutchinson successfully completes his probation, his conviction will be expunged under Act 346. He has already served two days in jail and will turn himself in on Friday to begin his eight-day sentence for the driving while intoxicated charge.
As part of his sentence, Hutchinson is required to undergo evaluation at a facility specializing in alcohol and substance abuse issues, such as Ozark Guidance. It is worth noting that Hutchinson was also arrested for simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, but formal charges were not filed.
Hutchinson’s attorney expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the case, commending the Benton County prosecutor’s office for treating Hutchinson like any other individual. He emphasized that being notable doesn’t provide any advantages in such situations.
While this news highlights the legal issues faced by Governor Asa Hutchinson’s son, it is a reminder that everyone, regardless of their background or status, is subject to the same legal process. The judicial system aims to treat all individuals fairly and impartially, ensuring that justice is served.
