utility and government condemnation defense
Arkansas Eminent Domain & Condemnation Defense Attorney
Protecting Arkansas Landowners Against Utilities, Pipelines & Government Takings
When a utility company or government agency shows up and says they are “taking” part of your property, it can feel overwhelming.
Whether it’s:
A high-voltage transmission line corridor
A natural gas or oil pipeline
A water line or sewer expansion
A highway widening project
A drainage or flood control easement
A telecommunications or fiber line
A substation site
A temporary construction easement
You are not powerless.
You have rights under Arkansas law.
And you are entitled to full and fair compensation.
I represent Arkansas landowners in eminent domain and condemnation cases across the state — and in many cases, I work on a contingency fee basis, meaning no money up front.
Call 501-251-1076 to discuss your situation.
What Is Eminent Domain in Arkansas?
Eminent domain is the power of a government entity — or certain private utilities — to take private property for a “public use.”
In Arkansas, this often involves:
Electric utilities (Entergy Arkansas, SWEPCO, etc.)
Pipeline companies
Transmission line developers
Municipal water or sewer authorities
The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT)
County or municipal governments
Condemnation is often a certainty.
But the amount of compensation is not.
That’s where experienced legal representation matters.
Just Because They Can Take It Doesn’t Mean They Can Underpay You
Most landowners are approached by right-of-way agents who say something like:
“This is the standard offer.”
“Everyone else is signing.”
“If you don’t sign, we’ll just condemn it.”
Here’s what they don’t say:
Their appraiser works for them.
Their valuation may not account for long-term impacts.
They may ignore damage to the remainder of your property.
They may undervalue access limitations, aesthetics, development restrictions, or future resale impact.
In high-voltage transmission line cases especially, the true damage to the property can extend far beyond the physical footprint of the poles.
You get one chance to get this right.
What You May Be Entitled To in an Arkansas Condemnation Case
Under Arkansas eminent domain law, landowners may be entitled to compensation for:
The fair market value of the property taken
Damage to the remainder of the property
Loss of access
Loss of development potential
Impact on highest and best use
Interference with farming or ranching operations
Timber loss
Aesthetic damage
Diminished property value due to utility corridor stigma
Every case is different.
Every property is different.
Every negotiation is different.
Why Hire an Arkansas Condemnation Attorney?
Because the utility has lawyers.
The government has lawyers.
They have appraisers on standby.
You should too.
In many cases, when a landowner hires counsel and engages a qualified appraiser who is prepared to go to bat, the compensation increases significantly.
I work with experienced valuation professionals who understand:
Rural land values
Agricultural impact
Development potential
Utility corridor stigma
Arkansas jury expectations
The goal is simple:
Maximize your recovery.
Contingency Fee Representation – No Money Up Front in Many Cases
Most Arkansas landowners don’t want to write a large check just to fight a utility company.
In many condemnation cases, I work on a contingency model. That means:
No large retainer
No upfront attorney fee
Fees are tied to the increased compensation we secure
If I don’t increase your recovery, I don’t get paid.
That aligns our interests.
Types of Condemnation Cases We Handle
I represent Arkansas property owners in cases involving:
Electric Transmission Lines
High-voltage corridors across farmland, pasture, timberland, and residential property.
Oil & Gas Pipelines
Natural gas lines, crude oil lines, produced water pipelines.
Water & Sewer Easements
Municipal expansion projects affecting private land.
Highway & Road Expansion
Arkansas Department of Transportation takings.
Substation Sites
Full fee takings for electrical infrastructure.
Telecommunications & Fiber Lines
Permanent and temporary utility easements.
If your property is being taken — or threatened with condemnation — call.
Arkansas Counties Served
I represent landowners across Arkansas, including:
Pulaski County, Saline County, Faulkner County, Conway County, Van Buren County, White County, Sebastian County, Crawford County, Franklin County, Logan County, Polk County, Yell County, Union County, Columbia County, Lafayette County, Miller County, and throughout the state.
If your land is in Arkansas, I can help.
What To Do If You Receive a Condemnation Letter
Do not sign anything immediately.
Do not assume the first offer is final.
Do not rely solely on the utility’s appraiser.
Call an attorney before granting permanent rights across your land.
Once you sign, leverage is gone.
Experience Matters
I have practiced property, utility, energy, and environmental law in Arkansas for nearly two decades.
My background includes:
Representing landowners in utility and energy disputes
Working inside regulated industries
Handling complex property valuation issues
Negotiating with utilities and right-of-way agents
Understanding how public service and utility regulation works in Arkansas
I know how these projects are structured.
And I know how to protect landowners.
This Practice Is For Landowners
I represent regular Arkansas property owners.
- Farmers.
- Small Businesses
- Ranchers.
- Small acreage owners.
- Families who’ve owned land for generations.
If a utility or government entity is coming across your property, you deserve someone in your corner.
Call Before You Sign
Eminent domain cases move quickly.
Utilities often create pressure to move fast.
Before you give up permanent rights across your property, call:
Mark Robinette
Arkansas Eminent Domain & Condemnation Attorney
501-251-1076
Let’s make sure you’re treated fairly.