Bentonville Eminent Domain Attorneys

Protecting the Rights of Bentonville Homeowners and Landowners

Under eminent domain, the federal government, Arkansas government, and local governments all have the power to seize private property for a public purpose. This means your property could be condemned and taken from you if a government entity wishes to expand a roadway or build a public park. You do have rights in these situations, and experienced legal professionals can fight to ensure you receive just compensation.

At Potts Law Firm, we are committed to protecting your interests when you learn the government plans to seize your property. Our Bentonville eminent domain lawyers understand how to effectively advocate for you in these complex, high-stakes situations. We will first determine whether the government has the right to take your property and will explore all available options if there is evidence that eminent domain powers are being abused. If the seizure is legitimate, we will make every effort to secure the maximum possible compensation. With over $1 billion recovered for our clients, our track record of delivering successful outcomes speaks for itself.

Call (479) 323-3738 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation as soon as you learn of the government’s intent to seize your property. Same-day appointments are available, and our firm offers services in English and Spanish.

How Can I Stop Eminent Domain in Arkansas?

No one wants to involuntarily lose their property, even if they receive compensation in the process. Unfortunately, government entities do have the power to take private property for public use thanks to the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution. This means that an eminent domain seizure cannot be stopped simply because you do not want to give up your land.

There are some instances where you may be able to challenge the government’s right to take your property. The government can only take property if it intends to use it for a valid public purpose. Whether a planned use for a property can be considered a legitimate public purpose can sometimes be ambiguous, and there have been cases where governments have stretched or abused the definition. Some public uses are fairly indisputable, while others may warrant scrutiny.

Governments can also label a building or neighborhood as “blighted,” meaning it is unsafe or unsightly and therefore eligible for redevelopment. Though there are genuine cases where the blighted designation makes sense, there are other scenarios where a government could declare a building or area blighted to justify spurious land seizures.

If you receive a condemnation notice, do not wait to reach out to our Bentonville eminent domain attorneys. We will carefully assess your situation and determine whether there is sufficient evidence to contest the government’s ability to take your land.

How Do Eminent Domain Disputes Work in Arkansas?

If you refuse an initial offer from a condemning authority, they will generally file a lawsuit against you. This will trigger an administrative hearing where appointed commissioners will evaluate the details of the case and decide the fair market value of your property. You will have an opportunity to present evidence and arguments in support of a number higher than what the condemning authority offered. This hearing is not a jury trial, however, so it is in your best interest to hire legal representatives who are familiar with how to successfully advocate for you in these proceedings. Potts Law Firm has considerable experience representing clients in these matters, and our team is ready to fight to protect your rights.

If you have received an inadequate offer for your property from the government, call (479) 323-3738 or contact us online to discuss your options.