Allen has 26 years of civil and criminal trial experience. As an experienced former prosecutor, assistant attorney general, and municipal judge, he has an unparalleled understanding of the intricate workings of the legal system. He has served as a faculty member in the Southeast Missouri State University Department of Criminal Justice teaching courses on evidence, criminal law, search and seizure, and statements, admissions, and confessions.
He received his Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree from Southeast Missouri State University and his Juris Doctorate degree from the Southern Illinois University School of Law.
Allen is an active member of professional organizations including the Missouri Bar Association, the Cape Girardeau County Bar Association, the Missouri Municipal and Associate Circuit Judge Association, and has been admitted to practice in Federal Court, Eastern District of Missouri.
He has served the community as Past President of the Cape Girardeau Evening Optimist Club, where he was recognized as Optimist of the Year. He spent 10 years as the chairman of the Cape Girardeau Church Basketball League.
He has been recognized for his commitment to the community as a recipient of the E. C. Younghouse Community Service Award, and the Edward Calvin Award for outstanding legal service to the community.
Allen is a member of the National Rifle Association, National Cutting Horse Association, and the American Quarter Horse Association.
He and his wife Kathryn have been married for 19 years and have three children including Courtney, Allen III (Trey) and Thomas. He is a member of the First Baptist Church of Jackson.