This is the next post in my series on the handling of felony charges in the state of Arkansas. My last article provided an overview of topics which this series will be addressing. It also stressed the need to speak with an attorney, as soon as possible, if you or a loved one have been charged with a crime. It is important that you speak with counsel immediately as there are immediate steps which they must take in order to ensure that your interests are protected. In this article I will be discussing the handling of Class “A” felony charges in our state. If you are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a Little Rock criminal defense lawyer.
Arkansas Class “A” felonies can result in up to thirty years in prison
Class “A” felonies are the second-most serious felony charge which one can face in Arkansas. The potential penalty for a conviction can be a minimum of six years with a maximum sentence of thirty years. The Court may also choose to assess fines of up to $15,000. There are other consequences which flow from a conviction. These include a state and federal prohibition on the right to possess a firearm as well as being saddled with a permanent criminal record. Such a record can result in one not being able to pass a background check. This can make it difficult to secure housing, to gain employment, etc. Also, the requirement of having to register as a felon will follow a convicted individual for the rest of their life.
There are many offenses which can be charged as a Class A felony in our state. Common examples of such offenses include the distribution of controlled substances, aggravated robbery, trafficking other human beings, and more. Also, any charges can be “stacked” with other counts which the prosecution may believe are appropriate in a given situation. Stacking occurs when a prosecutor is able to bring multiple charges from one chain of events. An example of this can include a defendant who commits aggravated assault, a Class D felony, while distributing narcotics. Under this scenario, a defendant may face both charges simultaneously. Also, if the defendant is convicted on all counts, the judge may run the sentences consecutively. This would mean that a defendant would have to serve the time for one count before time even begins to accrue towards the second count.
Contact a Little Rock attorney if you have been charged with a Class A felony
If you are facing Class A felony charges then it is vital that you contact a lawyer immediately. The steps which counsel will take to defend you will depend on the facts of the case and the nature of the charges. If, for example, you are facing a drug-related charge then it may be possible to have the narcotics excluded from evidence due to search and seizure violations. If you have been charged with an offense such as aggravated robbery, then it may be possible to exclude the testimony of eyewitnesses in Court. These are just some examples of steps which your counsel can take. It is important to understand that no two cases are the same and that an experienced professional can advise you as to how you should proceed.
If you or a family member require assistance then contact my office today to speak with a Little Rock criminal defense lawyer. I understand that this is an important time in your life. My office is dedicated to providing the highest level of service and we are dedicated to protecting the rights of the accused. Contact us online or by telephone to schedule an initial consultation. We also handle matters in Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Springdale, Jonesboro, North Little Rock, Conway, Rogers, Pine Bluff, and throughout the rest of Arkansas.