Brent first started doing criminal defense and public defender work after passing the bar examination prior to going to work at the Arkansas Attorney General's Office.  He maintained a law practice in Montgomery and Polk Counties after passing the bar examination in 1985, where he was appointed by judges to represent citizens charged with crimes in the district.  Additionally, he represented clients in civil matters as well.

After serving as a District Court Judge from 2003-2004, Brent again resumed his practice of criminal defense work and also became a part-time Deputy Public Defender for Saline County in 2008.

In 2019, after serving 11 years as Deputy Public Defender, Brent became the Managing/Chief Public Defender for Saline County where he performs administrative tasks including supervision of other attorneys and staff while maintaining a full case load of felony cases to defend.  This defense includes negotiated pleas and trials of cases before judges and juries in all Saline County courts.

In his capacity as a criminal defense attorney Brent has defended all kinds of cases from minor traffic offenses to capital murder.

Oral argument before the Supreme Court of Arkansas sitting at a special session at Arkansas Northeastern College, Blytheville, Arkansas, 4.8.2010; case was a capital murder case which occurred in Saline County, Arkansas, and Brent argued the case on behalf of the Appellant/Defendant.