What Is Considered a Class B Felony in Arkansas?

The prospect of facing criminal charges in Arkansas can be scary and overwhelming. That said, it can be helpful to understand how the state handles certain types of crimes so you can have a better idea of what you may be up against if the time comes to face the criminal justice system. For example, you may wonder, “What is considered a Class B felony in Arkansas?”

Common Class B Felony Crimes in Arkansas

Class B felonies are considered serious crimes in Arkansas, but they’re not the most serious felony you can receive. Some common examples of Class B felonies include, but are not limited to:

• Arming rioters
• Arson
• Burglary
• Drug offenses
• Federal drug crimes
• Domestic violence
• Different degrees of domestic battery charges.
• Forgery
• Manslaughter
• Robbery
• Second-degree battery
• Second-degree sexual assault
• Witness intimidation

By working with an Arkansas criminal defense attorney, you can better prepare yourself to face criminal charges at any level. A professional can evaluate your case and help you develop a legal strategy to secure a fair outcome.

Sentencing for a Class B Felony in Arkansas

If you’ve been charged with a Class B felony, it can be helpful to have an idea of the consequences that may be coming your way. Class B felonies in Arkansas typically carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison plus applicable fines. The exact terms of your sentence ultimately depend on the nature and severity of the crime. For example, theft of property is considered to be a Class B felony if:

• The value of the property is $25,000 or more
• The property is obtained by threat of physical injury or destruction of another person’s property
• The person threatening the other party is in a confidential or fiduciary relationship with them

Your criminal record also plays a part in the severity of your sentence. For example, in Arkansas, you can be sentenced to no less than 30 years for a Class B felony if you receive a felony for a violent crime and already have two or more violent felony convictions under your belt.

Additionally, any offenders who commit a sex crime, sexual felony offense or violent felony offense must serve 100 percent of their prison sentence and are not eligible to receive bail.

A Look at Felonies in Arkansas

Arkansas is home to approximately 3,0676,732 people and was recently named the fourth most dangerous state in the nation. Felony defense crimes can happen anywhere at any time.

Recently, in Paragould, AR, a man was arrested after kicking an officer and making a threat against their life. “One of the charges the defendant now faces is a Class B felony because physically attacking the officer is considered second-degree battery. This raises common questions like, Is domestic battery a felony, and in many cases, the answer is yes, depending on the severity of the offense and whether aggravating factors are involved.

There were a total of 380,337 criminal offenses reported in Arkansas in 2023, including:

• 63,126 crimes against persons
• 109,946 crimes against property
• 207,265 crimes against society

Moreover, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System reports 15,735 total felonies from Arkansas.

With crime being ever-present across the state, people must rely on laws to serve justice. Those laws, however, are imperfect. That’s why it’s wise to seek representation from an Arkansas federal criminal defense attorney if you’re facing criminal charges at any level.

Advantages of Working With a Little Rock Criminal Defense Lawyer

Arkansas law enforcement and the state’s justice system are known to prosecute crimes aggressively. Working with a skilled legal professional can make it easier to work through your case, secure a lighter sentence, or even explore options to expunge a felony in Arkansas if you’re eligible.

That’s where the defense lawyers at Lemley Law Partners come in. Whether you need simple legal advice, representation in court, or anything in between, you can count on our team to be there for you.

FAQs

Q: How Serious Is a Class B Felony in Arkansas?

A: Felonies can be classified as Class Y, Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D. Class B felonies are considered to be more serious crimes, though not as serious as Class A or Class Y. Class B felonies typically include crimes like battery, burglary, and robbery. They can also include more obscure offenses like arming rioters and intimidating witnesses.

Q: When Does a Class B Felony Become a Class A Felony in Arkansas?

A: You can typically expect a Class B felony to become a Class A felony in Arkansas if the crime involved a high degree of violence or a weapon. The exact parameters for how a level of crime is determined depend on the nature and specific details of the crime itself.

Q: Is It Possible to Get Class B Felony Charges Reduced in Arkansas?

A: While challenging, it is possible to get Class B felony charges reduced in Arkansas. You can get your charges reduced through negotiations or plea bargaining. You also may be able to argue that there is a lack of sufficient evidence to prove your guilt. It’s beneficial to work with a criminal defense lawyer to help build your defense and work toward a more favorable sentence.

Q: What Is the Lowest Felony Class in Arkansas?

A: The lowest felony class in Arkansas is a Class D felony. Class D felonies include some cases of arson, burglary, fraud, theft, and vandalism that cause damages worth $2,500 or more. They come with a mandatory six-year jail term and fines of up to $10,000. Ultimately, jail terms for felonies are based on the severity of the crime and the offender’s criminal history.

Reach Out to an Arkansas Criminal Defense Attorney to Learn More About Your Legal Options

No matter the nature of your charges, it’s important that you understand how to defend yourself in the upcoming legal battle. Otherwise, you could be met with the harshest sentencing and incredibly high legal fines and fees.

At Lemley Law Partners, our team of legal professionals is prepared to develop a strong legal strategy and secure a fair outcome for your case. Our goal is to get you the lightest sentence possible if we can’t get your case dismissed completely. Contact our office to schedule an appointment and learn more from a skilled Arkansas criminal defense attorney today.