Criminal Defense Lawyer

Whether our clients need help navigating a traffic offense or sex crimes charges, we can provide legal guidance and aggressive defense. By getting to know our clients and working to understand their circumstances, we are able to effectively uphold their rights, represent their interests, and exploit any weaknesses in our opponents’ cases.

We know how to handle tough charges. When the unimaginable happens and you find yourself facing serious criminal accusations, take control of your situation by hiring a skilled criminal defense lawyer to demand justice and navigate the criminal courts by your side.

Misdemeanors are generally considered less serious crimes and have lighter penalties than felonies. In Arkansas, there four different classifications for misdemeanors:

• Class A misdemeanor - up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500.
• Class B misdemeanor - up to 90 days in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000.
• Class C misdemeanor - up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of $500.
• Unclassified misdemeanor - limits the sentence and fine by the particular statute.

Felonies involve more serious crimes and more serious penalties. In Arkansas, there are six categories of felonies:

• Class Y felony - minimum of 10 years up to 40 years, or life.
• Class A felony - minimum of 6 years up to 30 years, and a maximum fine of $15,000.
• Class B felony - minimum of 5 years up to 20 years, and a maximum fine of $15,000.
• Class C felony - minimum of 3 years up to 10 years, and a maximum fine of $10,000.
• Class D felony - up to 6 years, and a maximum fine of $10,000.
• Unclassified felony - limits the sentence and fine by the particular criminal statute.

Because each felony class includes a number of different crimes, Arkansas sentencing laws provide a wide range of possible jail sentences and fines. The penalties in your case are influenced by the circumstances of the crime and your criminal history. Because both prosecutors and judges are given some leeway when recommending and imposing sentences, it is crucial to have an experienced Arkansas criminal defense lawyer advocating on your behalf.

Our principal attorney, Mark C. Lucas Jr., represents those charged with felonies or misdemeanors, including homicide, sex crimes, domestic battery, auto theft, drug possession, DUI and DWI, retail fraud, and burglary. He works closely with his clients and thoroughly examines each case for evidence that can help present a case for eliminated or lessened charges. Mr. Lucas is a member of the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association, Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Benton County and Arkansas Bar Associations.

While every case is unique, here are the typical stages you can expect when navigating the criminal justice system in Arkansas:

• Investigation - when the police work to gather enough evidence to present to a prosecutor for you to be charged and a warrant issued for your arrest.
• Arrest - when you are arrested and charged. It is crucial for you to invoke your 5th Amendment right to remain silent and immediately contact an experienced defense attorney.
• Arraignment - the first court date. This is when you appear before a judge and are given the chance to plea guilty or not guilty. We always recommend you plea not guilty. Pleading guilty at this stage puts you at the mercy of the court without any opportunity to negotiate the sentence.
• Entry of Appearance - when your lawyer enters an appearance on your behalf, informing the court that you are represented by an attorney. For misdemeanors, if retained before the arraignment, your attorney may be able to plea not guilty on your behalf without you needing to attend the first court date.
• Discovery - this stage is when your lawyer and the prosecutor file motions to obtain evidence related to your case. Discovery is typically an ongoing part of the process.
• Pretrial Hearing - when your lawyer and the prosecutor argue motions to the court regarding what evidence will be admissible, limited, or excluded at trial.
• Plea Bargains - the prosecutor will make an offer to resolve your case without the need for trial. If an agreement can be reached trial will not be necessary.
• Criminal Trial - when we represent your interests in front of a judge or jury who will decide if you are innocent or guilty of all or some of the criminal charges. 
• Appeal - some cases that have been decided by a trial may present grounds for an appeal where there is an issue with the evidence presented at your trial or the law that was applied.