Photo: Searcy County Judge Jimmy “Jim” Dale Harness
Searcy County Judge Jimmy “Jim” Dale Harness has been sentenced to five years probation in a domestic disturbance case involving his estranged wife.
The sentence was handed down in Searcy County Circuit Court Tuesday, after Harness entered a plea of nolo contendere or the equivalent of guilty to four charges. Under a nolo contendere plea, a defendant in a criminal prosecution accepts conviction as though a guilty plea had been entered but does not admit guilt.
Harness entered his plea to a felony count of breaking or entering and misdemeanors of criminal mischief, interference with emergency communication and harassment.
His case had been scheduled for a two-day jury trial this week.
In January, the Class D felony of breaking or entering charge had been amended to a Class B felony of residential burglary.
Under Arkansas’ laws, the sentence for a Class B felony conviction is five to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Class D felonies are the least serious felonies in Arkansas, punishable by up to six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
The charges stemmed from a domestic disturbance in June 2020.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Harness forced his way into the home of his estranged wife in Marshall, where the woman and a guest were watching television.
He reportedly beat on the door several times, as well as a window, breaking the glass.
He then “kicked” the locked deadbolted door four to six times, forcibly entering the house, while causing pictures to fall from the wall.
After gaining entry, Harness allegedly began taking pictures of the woman and her guest.
The woman said she tapped her cellphone in an attempt to reach 911, and Harness reportedly seized the device.
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