FELONY LAWYER IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
HELPING CLIENTS REDUCE OR REMOVE CRIMINAL PENALTIES
Felony offenses are some of the most serious criminal charges you can face. Even low-level felonies can lead to prison time, hefty fines, and being labeled as a convicted felon on job applications. Working with a team of criminal defense lawyers is the only way to defend yourself from these penalties and avoid serious consequences for the rest of your life.
Even felony offenders have options. If you are facing drug charges, for instance, you may be able to attend a drug treatment program or rehab center. For domestic violence charges, an anger management program may be helpful for you. Our team will help you explore your options no matter what you are facing.
At Renauro Law, we have extensive experience helping clients defend themselves from felony charges in Arkansas. We have worked with first-time offenders as well as individuals with a criminal record. We are confident that with our legal background, we can create a unique legal defense strategy to reduce or even remove the charges you are facing. For more information about working with a criminal defense lawyer, contact our law office today at (479) 334-0355.
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WHAT IS A FELONY?
A felony is any crime that is punishable by imprisonment or incarceration for over a year. Crimes that are punishable with imprisonment of less than one year are often classified as misdemeanors. If you have been charged with a felony in Arkansas, it is essential to contact a team of experienced criminal defense attorneys immediately.
Even the lowest level felony puts you at risk for multiple years in prison, plus expensive fines. Most drug crimes in Arkansas are felonies, even though they are typically very common. Certain traffic violations, like DUIs and DWIs with aggravating factors, can also be charged as felonies.
WHICH CRIMES ARE COMMONLY CHARGED AS FELONIES?
Felony offenses cover a wide range of criminal charges. However, some felony offenses are more common than others.
You may be charged with a felony after being arrested for the following crimes:
Breaking or Entering
Breaking or entering happens when someone enters a property that is not theirs. Typically, this is a vehicle, a home, or a storage shed.
Defacing a Firearm
Knowingly removing, covering, or altering the manufacturer’s serial number on a firearm is a felony offense. Convicted criminals may face Class D felony penalties.
Possession of a Firearm by Certain Persons
Certain people are not allowed to own or possess firearms in Arkansas. Convicted felons who are found with a firearm can be charged with a felony.
Theft by Receiving
Possessing property that you know was stolen (or that you have good reason to believe is stolen) can result in a felony. The value of the property typically determines how this charge is classified.
Fleeing in a Vehicle
Feeling in a vehicle with extreme indifference to human life is a felony offense. In most cases, this happens in DWI cases where an individual attempts to flee from police.
Certain Drug Possession Cases
Certain drug possession charges can be classified as felonies. Typically, Schedule I and Schedule II drug possession charges can warrant a felony charge, while lower-level drug possession charges are classified as misdemeanors.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR FELONY CRIMES?
The penalties for felony criminal cases are often severe and can have negative impacts on your future. Penalties vary depending on the nature of your case and what you are charged with.
The penalties for felony crimes include:
Class Y felony: Ten years to life imprisonment. Drug trafficking, rape, murder, and possession of a firearm are often charged as Class Y felonies.
Class A felony: Six to 30 years in prison plus a $15,000 fine. Conspiracy and possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver are often Class A felonies.
Class B felony: Five to 20 years in prison and a $15,000 fine. Class B felonies include theft of property, forgery, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Class C felony: Three to ten years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. These felonies include failure to appear and battery.
Class D felony: Up to six years in prison and a fine of $10,000. You could be charged with a Class D felony after breaking or entering, defacing a firearm, or possession of drug paraphernalia.
Protect your future with Renauro Law; call (479) 334-0355 and get a comprehensive defense strategy.
Class C Felony
A Class C felony carries between three and ten years in jail plus a fine of up to $10,000. You could be charged with a Class C felony if you are found with:
Two to ten grams of a Schedule I or Schedule II substance
Ten to 25 pounds of a Schedule VI substance
CAN A FELONY BE REDUCED TO A MISDEMEANOR?
While having the charges dismissed is always our goal, negotiating with the prosecution for a lighter charge can also have a positive impact on your case. Dropping a felony charge down to a misdemeanor charge can come with fewer penalties and may help you avoid prison time.
There are a few instances in which a felony could be reduced, including:
Plea deal. Prosecutors may be open to a plea deal if they do not have enough evidence to convict you or if this is your first offense. Lead Attorney Ryan Renauro will negotiate with prosecutors to determine if a plea agreement is right for you
Diversions. A diversion is like a contract with the state where the prosecutor agrees to give you a chance to complete certain programs or take certain steps to uphold your end of the deal, sometimes they can be from 6 to 12 months and may result in a reduction in charges or a dismissal
WHAT DOES A FELONY DEFENSE LAWYER DO?
Being charged with a felony crime can impact your life in a significant way. You could be facing prison time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Working with a team of criminal defense attorneys is the best way to reduce or remove the penalties you are facing.
Our team at Renauro Law will gather evidence in your defense and negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or remove your charges. If your case goes to trial, we will represent you in court, fighting for your rights throughout your entire criminal case. To learn more about our team and receive a free case overview, call today at (479) 334-0355.