Violent Crimes in Arkansas

Types of Violent Crimes 

If you are facing charges, working with an experienced violent crime defense attorney in Arkansas is critical to protecting your rights and your future.

In Arkansas, the following offenses are considered “felonies involving violence” and can subject someone to enhanced penalties and remove any chance at their parole eligibility:

• Murder in the First Degree
• Murder in the Second Degree
• Kidnapping
• Aggravated Robbery
• Rape
• Battery in the First Degree
• Terroristic Act
• Sexual Assault in the First Degree
• Sexual Assault in the Second Degree
• Domestic Battering in the First Degree
• Residential Burglary
• Aggravated Residential Burglary
• Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm from a Vehicle
• Criminal Use of Prohibited Weapons (Class B felony version)
• Aggravated Assault Upon a Law Enforcement Officer or Employee of a Correctional Facility
• Attempt, Solicitation, or Conspiracy to commit any of the above offenses (except for Unlawful Discharge and Criminal Use of Prohibited Weapons)

What Is Considered a Violent Crime?

A violent crime is any offense that involves the use, attempted use, or threat of physical force against another person.

In Arkansas, these charges are treated with a high level of seriousness because they involve direct harm or danger to someone’s safety. If you are wondering what is considered a violent crime, it typically includes offenses like murder, robbery, rape, kidnapping, and certain types of assault or burglary depending on the circumstances. Even crimes like burglary can be classified as violent if force, weapons, or threats are involved during the incident.

Why Violent Crime Charges Are So Serious

If you or our loved one is facing any of the above charges, you need an attorney with the experience and legal wherewithal to combat these charges aggressively. Violent crime charges often carry some of the harshest penalties under Arkansas law, including long prison sentences, limited parole eligibility, and in some cases, life imprisonment.

Cases involving violent crime typically have a lot of moving parts and are often very emotionally charged. Further, each of the above charges carries at least 5-20 years in prison upon conviction, and several carry potential life sentences.

Because of the serious potential consequences associated with each of the above offenses, these cases are the most likely ones to actually proceed to jury trial. Our attorneys have experience trying jury trials throughout the Natural State and in federal court in cases involving violent crime. A skilled violent crime defense attorney can evaluate your case early and identify opportunities to challenge the charges before they escalate. They know how and when to challenge the police narrative; highlight the prosecution’s lack of evidence; challenge the legality of searches and seizures; question forensic techniques and/or results; and submit alternative theories of how the underlying facts actually took place. Call for a free consultation today.