Kendra Duggar tells husband Joseph she hired her own lawyer in jail call: 'It’s only for me'

TONTITOWN, ARKANSAS: Kendra Duggar told her husband Joseph Duggar during a jail call that she has hired her own attorney ahead of their upcoming legal proceedings in Arkansas. The call came just hours after her release from custody on March 20, following her brief detention earlier that day.

Kendra, 27, had been taken into custody by the Tontitown Police Department and charged with multiple misdemeanor counts, including false imprisonment and endangering the welfare of a child.

She was released roughly 90 minutes after being booked into the Washington County Detention Facility. Later that evening, she spoke with Joseph over a monitored call obtained by PEOPLE, offering insight into how the couple is preparing for their case.

Kendra Duggar was advised to secure independent representation

During the conversation, Joseph, 31, cautioned his wife about discussing sensitive details, saying, "Just know that we can't talk about a lot on here," before asking whether attorney Travis Story had reached out to her.

Story previously represented Josh Duggar in a past legal case and has longstanding ties to the Duggar family. "I've been talking to Travis," Kendra said. "I've got him as my attorney now."

She added, "I wasn't sure if you knew that, I've asked him to be my attorney."

Joseph responded positively, saying, "I wasn't sure who we settled with, but this guy's good."

Kendra then clarified that the couple would not be sharing the same legal counsel. "Well, it's not for you, it's only for me," she said, explaining that she was advised to secure independent representation "for the case we've got going with the kids and stuff." The exchange suggests a coordinated but separate legal approach as both prepare to face charges in court.

Charges against Kendra and Joseph Duggar and case timeline

According to court documents, Kendra is facing four misdemeanor counts of false imprisonment and four misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Joseph is also facing the same eight misdemeanor charges in Arkansas, with both scheduled to appear for their first court hearing on April 29.

Joseph had been taken into custody earlier after authorities in Florida issued an arrest warrant on separate felony charges. He is no longer being held at the Washington County Detention Facility and is currently in the process of being extradited to Bay County in Florida. Officials have stated that the Arkansas case involving both individuals is unrelated to the separate case in Florida.

A spokesperson for the Duggar family told PEOPLE that Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar are deeply affected by the situation and are focusing on supporting their family during this time.

"Jim Bob and Michelle are heartbroken over this entire situation. Right now, they are focused on loving their family and helping Kendra and her children during this difficult time. They are praying for the victim. They ask for privacy and appreciate the kind words and prayers offered by so many,” they said.