Class A Felony

What Is a Class A Felony?

First, remember that there are federal classifications of felonies as well as state-level classifications of felonies. Arkansas uses A, B, C, and so on to classify their felonies. Some states choose to classify with a number system – level 1, level 2, etc. – but they basically mean the same thing. The state groups felonies so that punishment can be assigned in an orderly and consistent way. Every class has a set punishment or range of punishments and every crime is assigned a class/level to which it belongs.

Every state has its own penal codes and ranges of punishment for the different types of felonies. So a Class A felony in Arkansas may be a Class B Felony in Connecticut or vice versa. In this article, we will be using the Arkansas penal code to define Class A felonies and their consequences. 

In Arkansas, the categories of a felony are: Y, A, B, C, D. The Y felonies category was created to distinguish crimes against human life like murder, rape, arson, and kidnapping.  

What Are the Punishments for Class A Felonies?

In Arkansas, sentencing for a class A felony will depend on the type of crime committed and whether there were any aggravated circumstances (carrying a deadly weapon, reckless endangerment, if a minor was involved, etc.). In Arkansas, Class A felonies are punishable by six to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $15,000. (Ark. Code §§ 5-4-201, 5-4-401 (2019))

Examples of Class A Felonies

The circumstances of any crime can affect its classification, so it’s difficult to list all Class A felony crimes. That’s another reason to contact a defense attorney as soon as possible – if it’s possible, you want to have the classification lowered so the sentence is lessened. Examples of Class A felonies include:

• Aggravated robbery
• Human trafficking
• Many sex crimes
• Drug-related crimes like intent to deliver and distribution charges

Statute of Limitations on a Class A Felony

A statute of limitations is the time limit within which the state must begin criminal prosecution proceedings before the defendant can have the case thrown out. The statute of limitations begins from the moment the crime is committed. In Arkansas, as in most states, the more serious the crime, the longer the statute of limitations. Murder has no statute of limitations. Most Class Y and Class A felonies in Arkansas have a statute of limitations period of about 6 years. By comparison, a B, C, or D felony usually has a three-year statute of limitations. (Ark. Code § 5-1-109 (2019)) So if you can have the classification changed, you can lower the statute of limitations on your crime, which – in some cases – can have the case dismissed! 

If you think you may be charged with a Class A felony, contact a defense attorney as soon as possible. 

Find a Defense Attorney in Arkansas

Since every state penal code is different, you want to ensure that your defense attorney has years of experience and an in-depth knowledge of the Arkansas court system. Felony convictions have serious consequences. In addition to losing years of your life to prison, you can lose the right to vote, the right to own a gun, to run for public office, and to obtain certain professional or business licenses. Many businesses won’t hire a former felon. 

Talk to an Arkansas criminal defense attorney as soon as you realize you may be facing Class A felony charges. Contact the Bobby Digby Law Firm to schedule a free consultation with the best criminal defense attorney in Little Rock.