Felony in Arkansas
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Arkansas defines felonies as crimes punishable by more than one year in state prison.
How Arkansas treats Felony
Arkansas law classifies felonies as offenses punishable by imprisonment in the state penitentiary for more than one year. The state recognizes capital felonies (murder, treason, rape, and certain drug offenses) that may result in death sentences or life imprisonment. Arkansas uses a sentencing structure with presumptive ranges based on offense severity and criminal history. Felony convictions result in loss of voting rights during incarceration and may affect employment, housing, and professional licensing.
The general definition of Felony
A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.
A felony is the most serious category of crime in the US criminal system. The key distinction is punishment: if a conviction can result in more than one year of imprisonment, it's a felony. Felonies include crimes like murder, rape, robbery, and drug trafficking. A felony conviction carries long-term consequences, including loss of voting rights, gun ownership restrictions, and difficulty finding employment.
Read the full Felony entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Arkansas.