At the Law Offices of Bryce Cook, we regularly defend clients against violent crimes in the state of Arkansas. Facing a violent crime charge is a serious matter: the penalties for a conviction can negatively affect your life for years to come. If you have been charged with a violent crime, our experienced criminal defense attorneys will fight to protect your rights and your freedom.
What are violent crimes in Arkansas?
Violent crimes in Arkansas include murder, aggravated assault, domestic battery, and gun crimes, and a conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence, significant fines, probation and lasting reputational harm, making it difficult to find a job, secure housing, or get an education. Hiring a skilled criminal defense lawyer is essential for presenting a strong case in your defense. Contact the Law Offices of Bryce Cook today to schedule a free consultation.
Arkansas Aggravated Assault Defense Lawyer
One of the most commonly charged violent crimes in Arkansas is assault. The state’s criminal code categorizes assault into the following different categories:
- Aggravated assault
- Assault in the first degree
- Assault in the second degree
- Assault in the third degree
Aggravated assault is the most serious assault charge in Arkansas. Aggravated assault, a Class D felony, occurs when a person purposely does any of the following with extreme indifference to the value of human life:
- Creates a substantial danger of death or serious physical injury to another person
- Displays a firearm that creates a substantial danger of death or serious physical injury
- Prevents another person’s blood circulation or breathing
The prosecution must prove that the defendant purposely took one of the actions listed above to secure a conviction for aggravated assault. “Purposely” means intending to engage in the activity or to cause the intended result. A serious physical injury is one that (1) creates a substantial risk of death or (2) causes protracted impairment of health or disfigurement or impairment of the function of an organ or any bodily member.
Penalties for aggravated assault include incarceration for up to six years. Arkansas judges can add years to a prison term when a defendant uses a firearm during the assault and for other aggravating factors. At the Law Offices of Bryce Cook, we understand how stressful facing an assault charge can be for our clients. That’s why we fight hard to prove that the prosecution can’t prove every element of the assault.
Arkansas Homicide Defense Lawyer
Homicide, the most serious violent crime in Arkansas, involves knowingly causing another person’s death or causing another person’s death through felonies like kidnapping, rape, or terrorism. Arkansas recognizes the following homicide crimes:
- Capital murder (Class A felony)
- First-degree murder (Class Y felony)
- Second-degree murder (Class A felony)
- Manslaughter (Class C felony)
- Negligent homicide (Class B felony or Class A misdemeanor)
- Physician-assisted suicide (Class C felony)
The penalties for murder can include a sentence of life in prison. A defendant commits capital murder if he commits a violent felony, such as rape, kidnapping, or burglary, and causes the death of another person during the crime. For example, if a defendant is engaged in a burglary, and another person dies during the burglary, the defendant will face capital murder charges. Capital murder is punishable by life imprisonment without parole or death. Prosecutors decide which type of murder charge to bring based on the circumstances of the case.
When a defendant deliberately causes the death of another person with premeditation, he or she will likely face first-degree murder charges. When a defendant negligently causes the death of another person, prosecutors will bring negligent homicide charges. If you’ve been charged with murder or homicide, hiring a skilled defense lawyer is critical. At Law Offices of Bryce Cook, we know how to negotiate aggressively with prosecutors to drop the charges or negotiate in a plea deal. We fight hard to protect your rights throughout the criminal process.
Arkansas Domestic Battery Lawyer
Arkansas recognizes three degrees of domestic battery. First-degree domestic battery is the most serious. An Arkansas first-degree battery happens when a person commits domestic battery against a household or family member:
- The defendant intends to cause serious physical injury with a deadly weapon
- The defendant intentionally causes a permanently disfiguring or disabling injury
- The defendant causes a serious physical injury with extreme indifference to human life
- The defendant knowingly causes serious physical injury to a child or elderly person
A conviction of battery in the first degree is a Class B felony and carries a jail sentence of up to 20 years. When the defendant knew or should have known that the victim was pregnant, or had a previous conviction within the last five years, prosecutors will charge him or her with a Class A felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
Penalties for Violent Crimes in Arkansas
Conviction of a violent crime in Arkansas will result in jail time, fines, probation, and possibly other penalties. Arkansas’ criminal code defines the penalties for each class of crime, for example:
- Class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine up to $2,500
- Class D felonies require up to six years in jail and fines of up to $10,000
- Class A felonies require between 6 and 30 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines
- Class Y felonies require between 10 and 40 years in prison or life in prison
Contact a Jonesboro Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer Today
At Law Offices of Bryce Cook, we have experience defending clients against a wide range of criminal charges, including violent crimes. We investigate each case thoroughly and determine the most effective defense strategy. If you’re facing violent crime charges in Arkansas, having the right criminal defense attorney can mean the difference between freedom and lengthy imprisonment. The sooner you contact our office, the sooner we can start defending your freedom.