In Arkansas, misdemeanors are crimes punishable by up to one year in county or local jail. Misdemeanors in Arkansas may be designated as Class A, B, or C. Some misdemeanors are unclassified. For unclassified crimes, the criminal statute will set the sentence. (Ark. Code § 5-4-401 (2019).)
More serious crimes, known as felonies, are punishable by state prison terms. For more information on felonies in Arkansas, see Arkansas Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences.
A Class A misdemeanor is the most serious type of misdemeanor in Arkansas and is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Theft of property worth $1,000 or less, for example, is a Class A misdemeanor. (Ark. Code §§ 5-4-201, 5-4-401 (2019).)
A conviction for a Class B misdemeanor can result in a jail term of up to 90 days and a fine of up to $1,000. Cyberbullying is an example of a Class B misdemeanor in Arkansas. (Ark. Code §§ 5-4-201, 5-4-401 (2019).)
Class C misdemeanors are the least serious misdemeanors in Arkansas, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. For instance, public intoxication is a Class C misdemeanor. (Ark. Code §§ 5-4-201, 5-4-401 (2019).)
Most crimes have a time limit (called a statute of limitations) by which the state must begin criminal prosecution or the defendant can have the case thrown out. In Arkansas, the state typically has one year from the date a misdemeanor is committed to begin criminal prosecution. (Ark. Code § 5-1-109 (2019).)
Any criminal conviction can have serious and lasting consequences. If you are charged with any crime, even a misdemeanor, you should talk to a local criminal defense attorney in Arkansas. An experienced attorney can tell you what to expect in court and how best to protect your rights and defend your case.