Facing a criminal charge in Arkansas

Bond and pretrial release in Arkansas

Article II Section 8 of the Arkansas Constitution guarantees bail before conviction except for capital offenses when proof is evident or presumption great. Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure 8 and 9 govern pretrial release. Rule 8.5 directs that the judicial officer impose the least restrictive condition that will reasonably assure appearance and community safety. Authorized forms include release on own recognizance, unsecured bond, conditional release with reporting, and secured bond (cash, surety, or property). Rule 9.2 sets criteria for the bail amount including the nature of the offense, defendant ties to the community, and prior record. A defendant may move to reduce bond at any time under Rule 9.6, with prompt hearing required. County sheriffs may publish bond schedules for misdemeanors with judicial review.

Bond amounts, conditions, and timelines vary by county and judge. Confirm with counsel or the court.

Criminal defense attorneys serving Arkansas

Our directory is still building in Arkansas. Public-defender intake is available now.

Record clearing in Arkansas

Arkansas record sealing is governed by the Comprehensive Criminal Record Sealing Act of 2013, codified at Arkansas Code 16-90-1401 through 16-90-1417. The Act provides a petition-based pathway to seal eligible misdemeanor and felony convictions after a waiting period. The statute provides a five-year waiting period after completion of sentence for most eligible felonies and a 60-day waiting period for misdemeanors. Capital, Class Y, and violent felonies, sex offenses, and felonies involving a minor are excluded. The petition is filed in the circuit court of the county of conviction.

Eligibility, waiting periods, and the petition vs. automatic pathway depend on the conviction class and the date of the offense. Confirm with counsel or the court record.

Public defender intake in Arkansas

Arkansas Public Defender Commission serves STATEWIDE County. Public defenders are appointed by the court based on financial eligibility. We do not refer you to a specific public defender and we do not represent you.

Public defenders are appointed by the court based on financial eligibility. LawSensai does not refer you to a public defender and does not represent you. This packet is a courtesy summary you can share with your public defender or their intake staff. You remain responsible for applying to the court for appointed counsel.