Rogers, AR Criminal Defense Lawyer

    Speak to An Attorney Regarding Your Case

    No one wants to be put in a situation where they are charged with a crime. However, criminal charges are filed every day, often against people who are completely innocent of the crime of which they have been accused. If you find yourself charged with a crime, you need to take swift and decisive action to protect your rights and keep yourself from facing potentially severe penalties.

    At Gunn Kieklak Dennis LLP, our skilled Rogers, AR criminal defense lawyers know how to fight for you. We will investigate the facts of your case and make sure that the police and prosecutors do everything by the book. We will use our experience to navigate this troubling situation for you and bring it to a positive resolution. If you are facing criminal charges, call us today at (479) 439-9840.

    Misdemeanors and Felonies in Rogers, AR

    In Arkansas, all criminal charges are separated into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies but still bring with them serious penalties and the prospect of having a conviction on your criminal record for the rest of your life. Some crimes, like public intoxication, are always charged as misdemeanors.

    Other types of crimes can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the severity of the conduct, the amount of money involved, past criminal record, and other factors. For example, DUI can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on whether or not you have any past DUI convictions.

    Felonies are crimes that are considered the most serious by Arkansas. Certain severe crimes, like murder and rape, are always charged as felonies. These crimes come with harsh punishments including long jail sentences and even, in some cases, the potential for the death penalty.

    Charges We Can Defend You Against in Rogers, AR

    At Gunn Kieklak Dennis LLP, our skilled, experience Rogers AR criminal defense lawyers have seen it all. When prosecutors see that we are representing you, they know you are serious about defending yourself against the charges filed. Types of crimes we have successfully defended include the following:

    • Murder
    • Manslaughter
    • Sex Crimes
    • DUI
    • Theft
    • Robbery
    • Assault
    • Arson
    • Drug Crimes

    How Criminal Case Procedure Works in Rogers, AR

    The criminal process in Arkansas can often move slowly and take a long time to play out. There are multiple stages of the process that will occur before your case goes to trial (if it comes to that). Below, we give a brief description of each stage.

    Investigation and Arrest

    Prior to making an arrest, police often conduct an investigation into a crime that has occurred. During the investigation, the police many contact you and ask you to come in for an interview. They may tell you that you are not considered a suspect and that they just want to talk to you. However, you should never talk to the police without an attorney, even at this stage.

    An arrest typically occurs when a warrant is issued, but sometimes the police can arrest you without a warrant if the crime is committed in their presence or they have reasonable grounds to believe you have committed a felony or some types of misdemeanors. Once you have been arrested, you should exercise your right to remain silent and not answer any of the officers’ questions without your attorney present.

    Arraignment

    At the arraignment, a judge will read the charges against you and inform you of your rights in the criminal process. Then you will be asked to plead guilty or not guilty. It is always smart to plead not guilty at this point so that your attorney has time to make requests for evidence and assess how strong the other side’s case is.

    Pretrial Release Inquiry

    If you are being held in jail, a pretrial release inquiry will occur where a judge decides whether you must remain in jail while the charges are pending, or if you can be released either with or without bail. A skilled criminal defense attorney like those at Gunn Kieklak Dennis LLP can help you present evidence that you should be released without bail or that your bail should be something reasonable that you can afford.

    Plea Bargaining and Omnibus Hearing

    Your lawyer will negotiate with the prosecutor to try to get you a deal where the charges will be dropped or you will be allowed to plead to something less severe. An omnibus hearing may be held where the judge will rule on motions and ensure that both sides are complying with discovery requests and providing the other side with all the evidence required by law.

    Trial

    If a deal cannot be negotiated to your liking, you have the right to take your case to trial. A trial can either be before a jury or before a judge, depending on what you and your lawyer prefer. During the trial, the prosecutor and your defense lawyer will each have a chance to argue their case and present their side of the story. At the end of the trial, a verdict of guilty or not guilty will be rendered, except in the case of a non-unanimous jury, where a mistrial will be declared.

    Sentencing Hearing

    If you are found guilty, your case will proceed to a sentencing hearing. At this hearing a judge will rule on what type of punishment you will receive for your crime. For many crimes the judge has great discretion over how severe the penalties are. A seasoned Rogers, AR criminal defense lawyer can help you convince the judge that you deserve lesser penalties.

    Get in Touch with Our Rogers, AR Criminal Defense Lawyers for a Consultation

    It can be terrifying to be charged with a crime, and no one should have to face this process alone. At Gunn Kieklak Dennis LLP, our experienced Rogers AR, criminal defense lawyers will be with you every step of the way as we fight to get your charges dropped or reduced. Call us today at (479) 439-9840 for a confidential consultation.