Hot Springs Felony Defense Lawyer

Hot Springs Felony Defense Attorney

Criminal activity can be the result of a necessity or a mistake. Those charged with crimes may be falsely accused, or they may have committed the crime and now feel regretful and alone in the criminal justice system. If you have been charged with a felony, you deserve to have a fair and effective criminal defense against your charges. You need a knowledgeable Hot Springs felony defense lawyer to protect your rights and your future.

The consequences of a felony conviction can extend beyond immediate criminal penalties. Besides devastating fines and years in prison, you face the potential loss of your voting rights, the loss of your firearm rights, and having an established criminal record.

At Lemley Law Partners, we have 50 years of combined experience in criminal law as defense attorneys and prosecutors. We know how overwhelming a felony charge can feel, and we want to be on your side when you feel isolated and frustrated.

Our firm has served those accused of crimes in our community, and we are proud to protect the rights and freedoms of these individuals and their families. Our team can assess your case to develop an aggressive and effective defense. We can then work to minimize or dismiss the penalties you face and find the most beneficial outcome 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 Laws

How Much Does a Felony Defense Attorney Cost in Arkansas?

The average cost of a criminal defense attorney in Arkansas is $151 an hour, but a felony defense attorney will likely have higher rates. This is because felony charges are typically more complicated and require more time to investigate and defend. Each attorney will also charge their own unique rates, depending on:

• Their own experience
• The complexity of your specific felony charges
• Whether they charge a retainer fee

An attorney with more experience typically has a higher hourly rate, but they may be able to create a stronger defense or more quickly resolve your criminal case in a favorable manner.

What Is the Most Common Punishment for a Felony?

A felony is a criminal charge with a penalty of 1 year or more in prison. Depending on the charge, a sentence may be up to life in prison or a death sentence. A felony prison sentence could be waived by the judge on the case, and the defendant could instead be required to serve probation and/or complete courses or service.

For repeat felony offenses, violent offenses, or severe offenses, a judge is more likely to require the defendant to serve prison time. Some felony charges have mandatory minimum sentences, meaning that a judge can’t waive the minimum prison time.

How Long Do You Go to Jail for a Class A Felony in Arkansas?

You do not go to jail for a Class A felony. Instead, you may face between 6 and 30 years in prison, depending on the specific crime you committed and the aggravating or mitigating factors surrounding the charge. Class A felony penalties also include up to $15,000 in fines. A Class felony is one of the most severe felony categories, behind Class Y felonies and felonies that result in the death penalty.

What’s a Class C Felony in Arkansas?

A Class C Felony includes crimes such as:

• Commercial burglary
• Financial identity fraud
• Theft of items 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 pounds to less than 25 pounds of marijuana
• Possession of 2 grams to less than 10 grams of cocaine or methamphetamine
• Possession of 10 grams to less than 28 grams of other Schedule I or II controlled substances

If convicted, penalties include fines of up to $10,000, along with 3 to 10 years in prison.

Contact a Hot Springs Felony Defense Attorney

At Lemley Law Partners, 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.