Fayetteville Misdemeanor Lawyer

Fayetteville Misdemeanor Attorney

Arkansas takes every crime, including misdemeanors, seriously. Depending on the class of misdemeanor with which you’ve been charged, you could face jail time and/or substantial fines if convicted. That’s why it’s important to have a Fayetteville misdemeanor lawyer on your team to help you fight the charges.

Trust the Law Office of Geoffrey D. Kearney, PLLC

You can trust the team here at the Law Office of Geoffrey D. Kearney, PLLC, to provide a robust defense against any misdemeanor charges. Geoffrey D. Kearney has tried many misdemeanor cases and has a deep understanding of Arkansas’s misdemeanor laws. He can help you evaluate the evidence against you and develop the most effective criminal defense strategy.

Fayetteville Misdemeanor Lawyer

Call Law Office of Geoffrey D. Kearney, PLLC today at 870-376-3068 for your Free Consultation!

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Why Hire a Misdemeanor Lawyer?

As of 2023, the Arkansas Department of Corrections was housing 15,556 inmates, nearly 1,000 over capacity. Around 75.27% of convictions at the state level are for misdemeanors, and the conviction rate for all crimes is 68.80%.

While the City of Fayetteville has been releasing most misdemeanor arrests by citation to avoid further overcrowding, you could still face serious fines and potential jail time if convicted.

The most effective way to improve your chances of avoiding jail time and hefty fines is to hire a misdemeanor lawyer who can help you fight your charges. A Fayetteville misdemeanor attorney can help you understand the charges against you, evaluate the evidence, and come up with an effective defense strategy.

Your lawyer can also negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf and provide representation in the Fayetteville District Court on S Church Ave.

How Misdemeanors Are Classified and Penalized in Arkansas

Arkansas has three classes of misdemeanors: A, B, and C. Class A misdemeanors are the most serious. Class C misdemeanors are the least serious. Some misdemeanors are also unclassified, in which case, criminal statutes set sentencing guidelines. Penalties for misdemeanors include:

• Class A misdemeanors. Class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Examples of Class A misdemeanors include joyriding, rioting, theft, and battery in the third degree.
• Class B misdemeanors. Class B misdemeanors can be punished by jail terms of 90 days or less and fines of up to $1,000. Examples of Class B misdemeanors can include second-degree assault, cyberbullying, prostitution, and unlawful flying of drones over critical infrastructure.
• Class C misdemeanors. These misdemeanors are the least serious. They can face punishments of up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. Examples of Class C misdemeanors can include third-degree assault, criminal trespass, failure to disperse, and public intoxication.

Understanding Sentencing Enhancements

Arkansas permits sentencing enhancements for certain misdemeanors. If you’ve been accused of committing a misdemeanor involving a protected class of victim or increased risk of harm, you could face:

• Additional jail time
• Mandatory minimum sentences
• Enhancement to felony penalties

If you have prior convictions, that can also be considered an aggravating factor. A Fayetteville misdemeanor attorney can help you avoid the worst possible outcomes of a conviction.

Sentencing Options for Judges in Arkansas

Judges don’t have to assign jail time as punishment for misdemeanors in Arkansas. In fact, many first-time offenders can avoid jail altogether, even if they are convicted. Judges can sentence convicted misdemeanor offenders to jail time, fines, and restitution. They can also place defendants on probation in lieu of, or in addition to, a jail sentence. Probation requirements often include:

• Court-ordered supervision or treatment
• Restrictions on firearm possession
• No-contact orders
• Job requirements
• And others

Statutes of Limitation for Misdemeanors in Arkansas

Arkansas places a one-year statute of limitations on most misdemeanors, which means the state only has 365 days to begin criminal prosecution if it intends to charge you with a crime. If you believe that the prosecution is violating the statute of limitations in your case, tell your lawyer so we can take appropriate action to protect your rights and interests.

FAQs

Your Fayetteville Misdemeanor Lawyer

Misdemeanor charges may not carry the same prolonged prison sentences as felonies, but they can still be quite serious. If you’re facing charges, hire a Fayetteville misdemeanor lawyer who can help you fight them.

The Law Office of Geoffrey D. Kearney, PLLC, takes every case seriously and provides a robust defense against any level of misdemeanor charges. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.