Felony Defense
In Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs Felony Defense Attorney
Criminal charges can arise from mistakes, misunderstandings, or difficult circumstances. In some cases, individuals are falsely accused. In others, a person may have made a mistake and now feels overwhelmed, regretful, or alone while navigating the criminal justice system. If you have been charged with a felony, you deserve a strong and effective defense. Working with a knowledgeable Hot Springs felony defense attorney can help protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.
A felony conviction can carry consequences that extend far beyond immediate criminal penalties. In addition to substantial fines and the possibility of years in prison, individuals convicted of a felony may face long-term consequences such as the loss of voting rights, the loss of firearm rights, and a permanent criminal record that can impact employment, housing, and other opportunities.
At Lemley DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyers, our team brings more than 50 years of combined experience in criminal law, including experience as both defense attorneys and prosecutors. We understand how stressful and overwhelming felony charges can be, and we are committed to standing by your side during this difficult time.
Our firm has proudly served individuals and families throughout the Hot Springs community who are facing criminal charges. We are dedicated to protecting the rights and freedoms of those accused of crimes. Our attorneys will carefully evaluate the details of your case, develop a strong and strategic defense, and work to reduce or dismiss the penalties you face whenever possible. Our goal is to pursue the most favorable outcome available in your criminal case.
Understanding Felony Penalties
Felony convictions carry sentences of a year to decades in state prison. They include charges such as:
- Repeated DWI (driving while intoxicated) offenses
- Most drug possession and drug trafficking offenses
- Aggravated robbery
- Sex crimes
- Aggravated assault
Certain misdemeanor crimes can become felony charges if there are aggravating factors present.
Felony charges in Hot Springs have different penalties based on their classification. The penalties for these categories include:
- Class D Felony: Class D felonies carry up to 6 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. They include crimes such as breaking and entering, aggravated assault, and reckless burning.
- Class C Felony: These charges result in 3 to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Offenses include financial identity fraud, commercial burglary, certain types of drug possession, some theft charges, and failure to appear in court for a felony charge.
- Class B Felony: Class B felonies result in 5 to 20 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines. Charges include first-degree battery, first-degree forgery, theft of property valued at more than $25,000, and residential burglary.
- Class A Felony: A conviction for these charges can result in 6 to 30 in prison and up to $15,000 in fines. Crimes include human trafficking, domestic battery against a pregnant person, possession of 100 to 500 pounds of Schedule VI controlled substances, and second-degree murder.
- Class Y Felony: Class Y felonies result in between 10 and 40 years in prison, up to life. Crimes include first-degree murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated residential burglary, and trafficking of a controlled substance.
There are also unclassified felonies in Arkansas, which means that the crime has its own sentencing guidelines listed under its own statute.
Beyond these immediate criminal penalties, conviction of a felony carries other penalties, including the loss of certain rights. Felony convictions also result in a criminal record, which can have significant consequences on your opportunities for the rest of your life. A criminal record can impact you in many ways, including:
- Causing you to be terminated from your employment
- Making it difficult to gain new employment
- Preventing you from working in certain fields
- Limiting your ability to obtain housing
- Costing you educational opportunities
It’s important to talk with a qualified attorney after being charged with a felony offense. An attorney in Hot Springs is your greatest chance of avoiding or limiting the penalties of a conviction.
FAQs About Hot Springs, AR Felony Defense Law
How Much Does a Felony Defense Attorney Cost in Arkansas?
The average hourly rate for a criminal defense attorney in Arkansas is around $151 per hour, though felony defense attorneys often charge higher rates. Felony cases are typically more complex and require additional time for investigation, legal research, and court proceedings.
The total cost of hiring a felony defense attorney can vary based on several factors, including:
- The attorney’s level of experience and reputation
- The complexity and seriousness of the felony charges
- Whether the attorney charges an hourly rate or a retainer fee
- The amount of time required to investigate and defend the case
While more experienced attorneys may charge higher hourly rates, they often bring valuable knowledge and courtroom experience that can help build a stronger defense or resolve a case more efficiently.
What Is the Most Common Punishment for a Felony?
A felony is a criminal offense punishable by more than one year in prison. Depending on the specific charge and circumstances, a felony conviction can result in significant prison sentences, including life imprisonment in the most serious cases.
In some situations, a judge may allow alternatives to incarceration, such as probation, rehabilitation programs, community service, or court-ordered classes. However, for repeat felony offenders, violent crimes, or particularly serious offenses, judges are more likely to impose a prison sentence.
Additionally, some felony crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences, meaning a judge is legally required to impose at least a certain amount of prison time.
How Long Do You Go to Jail for a Class A Felony in Arkansas?
A Class A felony in Arkansas is punishable by 6 to 30 years in prison, depending on the nature of the crime and any aggravating or mitigating factors involved. Individuals convicted of a Class A felony may also face fines of up to $15,000.
Class A felonies are among the most serious criminal offenses in Arkansas, second only to Class Y felonies and offenses that may result in the death penalty.
What’s a Class C Felony in Arkansas?
A Class C felony includes a range of criminal offenses under Arkansas law. Examples may include:
- Commercial burglary
- Financial identity fraud
- Theft of property or services valued between $5,000 and $25,000
- Receiving stolen property valued between $5,000 and $25,000
- Failure to appear in court after being charged with a felony
- Possession of 10 to less than 25 pounds of marijuana
- Possession of 2 to less than 10 grams of cocaine or methamphetamine
- Possession of 10 to less than 28 grams of other Schedule I or II controlled substances
If convicted of a Class C felony, a person may face 3 to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Contact a Hot Springs Felony Defense Attorney
At Lemley DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyers, we believe that those charged with crimes deserve second chances. Contact our team to learn how we can protect your rights against a felony charge.