If you've recently been arrested—or are worried you might be—one of the first questions you may have is whether you're being charged with a felony or a misdemeanor. The answer matters. The classification can shape what happens next, what penalties you could face, and how it might impact your future.
At Miller, Butler, Schneider, Pawlik, Rozzell, PLLC, we help people across Rogers, Fayetteville, and Northwest Arkansas understand what’s at stake and how to protect themselves. Here's what you should know about felonies and misdemeanors.
What’s the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor in Arkansas?
Criminal charges in Arkansas are generally divided into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies.
Misdemeanors cover lower-level offenses like shoplifting a small item, disorderly conduct, or a first-time DUI. These charges usually carry less than one year in jail and fines up to $2,500.
Felonies involve more serious crimes, such as aggravated assault, burglary, or drug trafficking. These can carry prison sentences over a year and significant fines—and often come with long-term consequences even after release.
Scenarios to Help You Understand
If someone in Rogers is arrested after a bar fight and faces a third-degree battery charge, they may be looking at a misdemeanor, unless serious injuries were involved, which could raise the charge to a felony.
If you're pulled over in Fayetteville with a suspended license and a small amount of marijuana, you may face misdemeanor charges. But if you're caught with larger quantities or prior convictions, prosecutors could push for felony drug possession.
Every case is different. The line between a misdemeanor and felony charge can depend on factors like intent, injury, prior history, and the value of stolen property or contraband involved.
How the Penalties Differ
The biggest difference comes down to how long you could be behind bars, or how long this could follow you.
Misdemeanor Penalties: Up to 1 year in county jail, fines, probation, community service, and a criminal record.
Felony Penalties: Over a year in state prison, higher fines, and long-term restrictions on voting, owning a firearm, and finding work.
Some felony convictions in Arkansas also carry mandatory minimum sentences. That means no early release or probation until a certain amount of time is served.
Why It Matters, Even for "Minor" Charges
Don’t make the mistake of thinking a misdemeanor isn’t serious. A conviction—of any kind—can show up on background checks, make it harder to get a job or apartment, and come back to haunt you if you’re charged with something else later.
Felony charges, meanwhile, can permanently change your rights and freedoms. You may lose professional licenses, gun ownership rights, or eligibility for student loans.
The Importance of a Criminal Defense Attorney in Rogers, AR
Whether you’re facing a first-time misdemeanor or you’ve been charged with a felony, your best chance at protecting your rights starts with a strong legal defense.
At Miller, Butler, Schneider, Pawlik, Rozzell, PLLC, we listen to your side of the story, review the evidence, and fight to have charges reduced—or dismissed altogether. We know Arkansas law, and we know how to push back when the system gets it wrong.
Facing Charges in Northwest Arkansas? Let’s Talk.
If you’ve been arrested or charged in Rogers, Fayetteville, or anywhere in Benton or Washington County, don’t try to navigate this alone. Contact the criminal defense team at Miller, Butler, Schneider, Pawlik, Rozzell, PLLC. We’ll walk you through your options and fight for the outcome you deserve.