Does the state have mandatory minimum sentences? Yes. Click here to read the list, compiled by the Arkansas Sentencing Commission.
Does the state have a sentencing commission? Yes, the Arkansas Sentencing Commission.
Does the state have sentencing guidelines? Yes, the Arkansas Sentencing Guidelines. Offense Seriousness Rankings are available here and Sentencing Grids are available here. The complete sentencing "Benchbook" (in pdf) is available here.
If yes, are the sentencing guidelines voluntary/advisory or mandatory? Voluntary/advisory.
Does the state have drug courts? Yes. Click here to learn more.
Does the state have one or more safety valve/exceptions? No. To learn more about safety valves, read our factsheet, Safety Valves in a Nutshell.
Legislation
SB 750, The Public Safety Improvement Act (signed into law by Gov. Beebe on March 23, 2011)
Reports
From the Pew Center on the States:
Consensus Report of the Arkansas Working Group on Sentencing and Corrections (2011)
Arkansas: Improving Public Safety and Containing Corrections Costs (2010)
Helpful links
Governor Mike Beebe
Arkansas Department of Corrections
Arkansas Parole Board
Arkansas Executive Clemency (pardons and commutations): Handled by Parole Board. Applications available at Governor's website (scroll down).
Arkansas General Assembly (state legislature)
Arkansas Court System
Arkansas Drug Courts
Want help finding a lawyer in this state? Click here or contact the local association of criminal defense lawyers. You can learn more about how to work with an attorney by reading our answers to frequently asked questions.
Want to search this state’s laws? Click here
Want to find out how a bill becomes a law in this state? Click here
Want to find your state legislative representatives? Click here
Want to work on changing the laws in your state? Learn how through our Citizen Action Kit!
Sentencing/Criminal Justice Reform Groups in the State
ACLU of Arkansas
DISCLAIMER: FAMM does not endorse or support and is not affiliated with any of the attorneys, organizations, or sites listed on this page. FAMM cannot guarantee that the laws listed on its website or the content appearing on any of the links listed on this page are accurate or fully up-to-date. Laws change often, and before taking any action in reliance on the information presented on FAMM’s website or on the sites linked to on this page, you should always verify that the information is still accurate or talk with an attorney. If you feel you need legal advice, you should seek the help of an attorney in your state. FAMM cannot provide legal advice, representation, research, or referrals.