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Outside the courtroom, Brannen is a family man, adventurer, and self-proclaimed history buff. He shares his life with his wife, Whitney, their two children, Addie and Prosper, and their two dogs—Hanno, a Rhodesian Ridgeback named after one of his favorite historical figures, and Izzy, a beloved mutt.

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Brannen lives by the mantra, "Cross-examination is the greatest legal engine ever invented for the discovery of truth," a quote from John Henry Wigmore that encapsulates his passion for the courtroom. When he’s not dissecting a witness’s testimony or building a defense strategy, you might find him enjoying a plate of chicken tikka masala, sipping on a strong black coffee, or diving into the gritty pages of The First Law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie.

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A lover of history, Brannen admires the military genius of Hannibal Barca, Carthage’s greatest general and Rome’s fiercest enemy. His favorite movie, Conan the Barbarian, reflects his appreciation for relentless perseverance, and his fight song, Werewolf Act by The Mountain Goats, sets the tone for his unyielding drive.

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​Whether defending clients or enjoying life’s quirks, Brannen approaches everything with tenacity, curiosity, and a sharp sense of humor.

Brannen Payne
 

Founder and Trial Attorney

Brannen Payne isn’t just a lawyer—he’s a fighter for the underdog and a steadfast defender of those facing the daunting weight of the legal system. As the founder of Payne Law Firm, Brannen has dedicated his career to standing up for everyday people who’ve found themselves on the wrong side of a DWI or criminal charge. He believes that one mistake shouldn’t define your life and has built his practice around helping clients take back control of their futures.

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With years of trial experience under his belt, Brannen has developed a reputation as a top-tier DWI defense attorney in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley. He is specially certified as an Instructor of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) under NHTSA standards—the very tests law enforcement relies on in DWI cases. This unique qualification gives him unparalleled insight into the weaknesses of police investigations and the tools to dismantle their case against you.

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Brannen thrives in the courtroom, where his sharp legal mind and relentless advocacy deliver results for his clients. He has a proven track record of securing “Not Guilty” verdicts and favorable outcomes, earning the trust and gratitude of clients who once felt like their world was over.

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But Brannen’s work goes beyond the courtroom. As a staunch believer in justice, he’s committed to standing up to bullies—whether they wear a badge or hold a position of power. His libertarian spirit drives his passion for challenging overreach and ensuring that no one is steamrolled by the system.

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When you meet Brannen, you’ll find someone who listens without judgment, explains without legal jargon, and fights with everything he has. Whether it’s in front of a jury or at the negotiation table, Brannen approaches every case with the same goal: protecting your future and restoring your peace of mind.

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