**Disclaimer: The following is general information regarding Criminal Law. This material is not legal advice and does not cover all issues that may arise if you find yourself charged with a Criminal offense. You should personally visit with an attorney if you have been arrested and charged with a felony or misdemeanor offense.
Arrest
Domestic Violence is an act of physical violence in the home. Domestic violence is usually perpetrated by the woman's partner but a woman can also be charged with domestic violence against her partner. Spousal abuse, assault, battery, threatening phone calls, stalking and intentional interference of communication are all domestic violence offenses in Arkansas.
It is very important to keep in mind that once a domestic violence call has been made in Arkansas, the local authorities will continue with prosecution with or without the help of the battered person. Arkansas law enforcement will still press charges regardless if there are witnesses or if there has been reconciliation between the partners.
At the first readiness conference, counsel confers with deputy district attorney, and confirms or resets the date for the preliminary examination. At this point, defense counsel should have received the initial discovery materials from the prosecutor's office. This generally consists of police reports, witnesses statements and any initial test results. Discussions towards a possible deposition may also begin at this appearance.
At the preliminary examination, the prosecutor is required to present the "bare bones" of his case against the defendant. He must present "some evidence" to lead the judge to believe that a crime has been committed and a strong suspicion that the defendant is guilty of that crime or crimes. The standard of proof is relatively low, therefore most defendants are "bound over" for trial.
A second arraignment is then held - though some judges actually arraign the defendant immediately following the preliminary examination. In either case, a second readiness conference is set, as well as a trial date. A defendant has a "speedy trial" right to have the trial start within 60 days from this arraignment.
At the readiness hearing, discussions with the prosecutor regarding a possible plea bargain usually intensify, as both parties by then have a better idea of the strengths and weaknesses of the case, the defendant's background, etc. Not only in Arkansas, but nationwide, approximately 95% of criminal cases filed in court are settled by some type of plea bargain.
If a case does proceed to trial, a jury of 12 persons is selected, assuming a jury is not waived and a "bench trial," i.e., before a judge only is had instead. This is a rarity. Once the jury is selected and sworn, counsel gives their opening statements. This is followed by the prosecution presenting its case. Afterwards, the defense presents its case. The judge may then instruct the jury on the applicable law. The prosecutor gives a closing argument, followed by the defense counsel. The prosecutor, but not the defense, is allowed a second argument - the last word. The judge then gives the jury its final instructions and they retire to deliberate in secret. A verdict, whether guilty or not guilty, must be unanimous - meaning all twelve members must agree. If a unanimous verdict cannot be reached one way or the other, a mistrial is declared.
A felony conviction presents two types of possible sentences. In the first, the defendant is granted formal probation (unless the charge is reduced to a misdemeanor). This may include the requirement that the defendant spend some time (up to one year) in the county jail, make restitution, etc. In the second, probation is denied and the defendant is sentenced to state prison for either a "low", "middle" or "high" term. State prison is usually reserved for cases of more serious charges - those involving weapons, violence, drug sales, sex offenses, serious injury or death - and for defendants with prior felony convictions.
In all cases where a trial was held and the defendant found guilty of some charge, an appeal may be taken. An appeal is not a second trial of the case. The appellate courts generally will not re-weigh the evidence. Rather, an appeal contends that some error of the law occurred during trial, which requires that the case be remanded for a new trial or a different sentence. If a guilty plea was entered, the defendant may only appeal the sentence, try to withdraw the guilty plea, or appeal the denial of a suppression motion, if one was made and denied prior to the entry of the plea. Appeals generally go first to the Arkansas Court of Appeals - except for death penalty cases (which go directly to the Arkansas Supreme Court). If denied, a petition for review can then be filed in the State Supreme Court. From there, a defendant may seek review in the federal courts by filing a petition for writ of habeas corpus in the federal district court. An appeal may then be taken to the circuit court of appeals, followed by a petition for certiorari to the United States Supreme Court. Overall, in criminal appeals, less then ten percent are granted in whole or in part.
If a defendant is granted probation and successfully completes it, in many cases the charges can then be reduced to a misdemeanor, or "expunged" from their record.
** The above is very basic information regarding divorce and related issues, but is not a substitute for proper representation by an attorney. Contact the Benson Law Firm if you have more specific questions regarding felonys, misdemeanors, or any other legal matter.
