Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Fort Smith, AR

Fort Smith, AR Criminal Defense FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Fort Smith, Arkansas?

  479-709-5000 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Fort Smith.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Fort Smith, Arkansas?

  To acquire a copy of the report, go to https://www.fortsmithpd.org/index.php/how-do-i/find-an-incident-report. To retrieve your report, you must provide the following three pieces of information: your call for service number, your last name, and the date the report was filed.

• What is the criminal process in Fort Smith?

  The criminal process in Fort Smith typically begins with a police investigation, followed by an arrest and arraignment where the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty. Pretrial release inquiries may be conducted, and plea bargaining and hearings may take place prior to a trial. If a plea deal is not reached, a judge or jury will determine guilt or innocence during the trial. In the event of a conviction, a separate sentencing hearing will be held, where the court imposes a penalty.

• What are the penalties for criminal convictions in Fort Smith?

  In Fort Smith, crimes are separated into two classes: misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors include public intoxication, reckless driving, prostitution, theft of property worth $1000 or less, and assault (unless it is classified as aggravated assault, in which case it is a felony). Felonies include murder, rape, domestic violence, drug trafficking, arson, and robbery. Penalties for convictions can include fines, jail time, and a criminal record.

• What should you consider when choosing a Fort Smith criminal defense attorney?

  When selecting a criminal defense attorney in Fort Smith, you should consider their experience, chemistry with you, litigation experience, confidence, demeanor, and reputation for aggressively defending their clients in criminal matters. Reviews and referrals can provide insights into an attorney's reputation. A lawyer with a good reputation for aggressively defending their clients is more likely to provide the same service to you in your case.

• How long will the Fort Smith traffic ticket stay on your record if you can't keep it off?

  In Fort Smith, a traffic ticket will remain on your driving record for three years if you cannot keep it off. Although potential employers cannot view it after that time, it will still be visible to law enforcement and courts for future penalties. To keep the ticket off your record or reduce the charges, consider hiring a criminal defense attorney who can negotiate with the prosecutor, seek deferred adjudication, or fight the ticket in court.

• Which drug offenses qualify for expungement in Fort Smith?

  The Arkansas Drug Court Expungement Act allows individuals in Fort Smith who are undergoing a drug court program to seek expungement of offenses to which they have pleaded guilty or no contest in that court. Those who have completed a drug court program, received aftercare programming, and met eligibility criteria may also seek expungement of drug offenses and other convictions in other courts. It's worth noting that not all drug offenses are eligible for expungement under this Act.