Fayetteville Criminal Defense Lawyers

In Arkansas, criminal offenses are classified as either felonies or misdemeanors, with felonies being the more serious of the two.

• Felonies are punishable by more than one year in state prison and may include mandatory minimum sentences depending on the offense.
• Misdemeanors are typically punishable by up to one year in county jail.

However, don’t assume a misdemeanor is “minor.” Any criminal conviction—regardless of classification—can result in lasting damage to your record, freedom, and future.

Some crimes that might normally be misdemeanors can be elevated to felonies depending on the circumstances. For example, a DWI offense may be charged as a felony if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is very high or if the incident resulted in serious injury.

Criminal cases in Arkansas generally proceed through the following stages:

1. Investigation and Arrest
2. Initial Appearance Before a Judge
3. Formal Charging
4. Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases)
5. Arraignment and Plea
6. Discovery Phase
7. Pretrial Motions and Hearings
8. Trial
9. Sentencing
10. Appeal

Not every case follows this exact progression. Many are resolved through plea negotiations before reaching trial.

Yes—you have the right to fight the charges. The prosecution must prove each element of the alleged crime beyond a reasonable doubt. If they cannot meet that burden, you should not be convicted.

Your criminal defense attorney will evaluate the case and identify applicable defenses, such as:

• Lack of intent to commit the crime.
• Illegal search and seizure (Fourth Amendment violation).
• Lack of probable cause for arrest.
• Violation of your constitutional rights (e.g., being interrogated after invoking your right to counsel).

A skilled attorney can file motions to suppress evidence or even have charges dismissed entirely, depending on the circumstances.

Most criminal cases in Arkansas are resolved through plea agreements, but accepting a plea is never automatic or required. Your attorney will help you evaluate the strength of the case against you and whether a plea bargain is in your best interest.

At Osborne Law Firm, we work hard to put clients in the strongest possible negotiating position. In many cases, the best plea offers come after mounting an aggressive defense. Whether we resolve your case through negotiation or trial, our goal is always the same: to protect your rights and secure the most favorable outcome possible.

Even if you avoid incarceration, a criminal conviction can follow you for life. In Arkansas, most convictions stay on your record permanently unless you are eligible for expungement.

Long-term consequences may include:

• Difficulty securing employment or housing.
• Ineligibility for certain professional licenses.
• Loss of firearm rights (in felony cases).
• Damage to your reputation.
• Adverse effects on immigration status or child custody matters.

Before you plead guilty to any crime, it’s essential to understand the full scope of consequences.

You should never face criminal charges without legal representation. Prosecutors have vast resources and experience—they’re not on your side. Without a lawyer, you may not even know when your rights are being violated.

At Osborne Law Firm, our criminal defense attorneys have the legal knowledge and courtroom experience to stand up for you. We’ll scrutinize the charges, challenge improper police conduct, and explore every possible defense to help you achieve the best possible result.

Time is of the essence. If you’ve been arrested or believe you’re under investigation, you should contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Law enforcement may attempt to question you or pressure you into making statements or plea deals that can damage your case.

The earlier you involve legal counsel, the better your chances of protecting your rights, preserving crucial evidence, and avoiding costly mistakes.