Misdemeanor Attorneys Northwest Arkansas
Defending Clients Who are Facing Misdemeanor Charges in Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers and Springdale, and all of NWA
If you are facing a misdemeanor charge, a conviction can lead to a jail sentence of 1 year and a fine of up to $2,500. If you are worried about how to handle your case, Attorney Doug Norwood and his criminal defense team know what to do. For more than 30 years, over 35,000 people charged with crimes in NWA have trusted Norwood & Norwood, P.A. to fight for them to get the best possible result. We have had tens of thousands of misdemeanor charges dismissed for our clients.
These results are why we have hundreds of 5-star reviews on Google and AVVO and have been voted Best of NWA Criminal Lawyer by the NWA Democrat-Gazette.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for allegedly committing a misdemeanor offense, you need to hire an experienced Northwest Arkansas misdemeanor lawyer to fight to help avoid a conviction, which can result in serious penalties. With almost 100 years of combined experience, Norwood & Norwood, P.A. can protect your rights, reputation, and future. We will use our knowledge and resources to help you seek to avoid jail time, get your misdemeanor charges dismissed, or keep your record clean.
Why Hire Norwood & Norwood, P.A. For Your Misdemeanor Case
Northwest Arkansas misdemeanor attorneys have already helped our clients get tens of thousands of misdemeanor charges:
- Dismissed,
- Reduced to lesser crimes,
- Found not guilty, or
- Kept off their records
Small sample of some of our misdemeanor case results:
- DISMISSED: SHOPLIFTING (State v J.S.)
- NOT GUILTY: DWI – BAC .19 (State v J.S.)
- DISMISSED: POSSESSION - PILLS (State v J.B.)
- DISMISSED: POSSESSION - MARIJUANA (State v J.W.)
- DISMISSED: DOMESTIC BATTER 3RD DEGREE (State v J.M.)
- DISMISSED: DISORDERLY CONDUCT (State v K.L.)
Check out more DWI/DUI results below or by clicking here.
Are you facing a misdemeanor charge? Contact us at (479) 235-4600 to schedule a free office visit today and speak with our Northwest Arkansas misdemeanor lawyers.
Should I Plead Guilty For a Misdemeanor?
We advise everyone charged with a misdemeanor to plead “not guilty” to their charges. Pleading “guilty” may result in the judge sentencing you to whatever the judge wants, within the minimum and maximum sentence. Being charged with any misdemeanor crime is always a big deal. For many, the judge can put you in jail for up to 1 year.
Please don’t ever think that if you plead guilty to the judge that you won’t leave the courtroom in handcuffs. We have seen that happen way too often to people who don’t have an experienced Northwest Arkansas misdemeanor attorney! Most of our clients do not go to jail.
Some people worry that if they plead “not guilty” when they feel they are guilty, it could hurt them later. Please, do not worry. The criminal justice system is designed for you to assert your innocence. Most judges probably prefer for people to plead “not guilty.”
When clients plead not guilty, this opens up several avenues for us to pursue. First, it allows us to examine all of the evidence to see whether the prosecutor has enough to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Northwest Arkansas misdemeanor attorneys also check to see if the police made any mistakes. We have had thousands of charges dismissed by finding police mistakes and problems with the evidence, even when our client is technically guilty.
Second, the system is designed for us to negotiate with the prosecutor to seek the best possible result for you. The prosecutor negotiates so that the state is spared the time and expense of a trial.
When you schedule a free visit, Northwest Arkansas misdemeanor lawyers will let you know about our reasonable fee and affordable payment plans with a low down payment (Visa/MasterCard/Discover accepted).
We will also discuss ways we will fight toward:
- Getting your entire case dismissed
- Keeping you out of jail
- Reducing your fines
- Keeping your gun rights
- Keeping you from getting a criminal conviction record
- Obtaining a favorable outcome
- Keeping you from going to court
- Arranging for payments of fines and court cost
We have offices in Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers, and Springdale and serve clients throughout Northwest Arkansas. Our Northwest Arkansas misdemeanor attorneys have handled thousands of misdemeanor cases and understand what it takes to seek the most favorable results in your case. Check out the most recent case results we achieved for our clients!
Misdemeanor Penalties in Northwest Arkansas
In Arkansas, misdemeanors are designated as Class A, B, C, or unclassified. Although a misdemeanor offense is not as serious as a felony, a conviction may still result in up to 1 year in jail and expensive fines. Additionally, it may lead to a criminal record that can cause severe harm to your personal life and professional reputation.
The following is a breakdown of Arkansas misdemeanor penalties:
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Class A misdemeanor: These are considered the most serious misdemeanor offenses. As such, they
carry the steepest punishments.
The conviction penalties include:
- Up to 1 year in jail and/or
- A maximum fine of $2,500
An example of a Class A misdemeanor is first-degree promoting prostitution.
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Class B misdemeanor: This classification is considered less severe than Class A misdemeanors.
Upon a conviction, a defendant may be sentenced to:
- Up to 90 days and/or
- A maximum fine of $1,000
Various crimes are included in this group, such as public display of obscenity.
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Class C misdemeanor: Crimes in this category are considered the least serious misdemeanors;
however, that does not mean they are not serious offenses.
A conviction may result in:
- Up to 30 days and/or
- A maximum fine of $500
Third-degree assault is an example of a Class C misdemeanor.
- Unclassified misdemeanor: Unclassified misdemeanors are those listed in the Arkansas Criminal Code that has conviction penalties stated explicitly in the statute.
For instance, sexual exploitation is an unclassified misdemeanor with penalties including:
- Up to 90 days in jail and/or
- Up to $2,000 in fines
Common misdemeanor offenses include:
- Assault: Generally, assault occurs when a person attempts to cause harm to another individual. Arkansas has four separate assault statutes, three of which list the offense as a misdemeanor.
A person can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor if they make someone else fear imminent injury (the crime is referred to as third-degree assault).
If a person recklessly does something that can result in physical injury to another, they could be charged with second-degree assault, which is a Class B misdemeanor.
First-degree assault is charged when a person either recklessly does something that puts another individual at substantial risk of serious injury or death. The offense is also committed when a person chokes or suffocates someone else. First-degree assault is a Class A misdemeanor.
- Public intoxication: A person may be accused of this offense if they are under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol in public and, being in such a state, they put the lives of themselves or others at risk or they annoy anyone near them.
The first time someone commits the crime, they are charged with a Class C misdemeanor. However, upon a third or subsequent offense within 5 years, they will be hit with an unclassified misdemeanor charge and face the penalties enumerated in the statute.
- Indecent exposure: Anyone who exposes their genitals either in a public place or in a way that will cause alarm may be charged with indecent exposure. The crime is a Class A misdemeanor.
- Possession of marijuana: In Arkansas, marijuana is a Schedule VI controlled substance. Possession of fewer than 4 ounces is a Class A misdemeanor.
- Disorderly conduct: A person may be charged with disorderly conduct if they engage in any act that disturbs others. For instance, making loud noises or using obscene language are considered offenses under the law. Disorderly conduct is a Class C misdemeanor.
- Prostitution: Any person who engages in or agrees to engage in sexual conduct in exchange for anything of value may be charged with prostitution. A first offense is a Class B misdemeanor, and a second or subsequent offense is a Class A misdemeanor.
Can a Misdemeanor Be Expunged/Sealed in Arkansas?
Expungement is the process of getting an arrest or conviction removed from a criminal record. In Arkansas, this is known as “record sealing.” It does not destroy the information entirely. Instead, record sealing clears it, making it inaccessible to the public. Only in limited circumstances may law enforcement agencies or courts allow access to the information.
In Arkansas, a person can generally petition for an expungement/sealing of misdemeanor information immediately after completing their sentence and paying all fines. However, if the individual was convicted of certain offenses, such as indecent exposure or battery, they must wait 5 years after completing their sentence to request to have their record cleared.
Contact Our Misdemeanor Attorney Today
When you schedule a free office visit, we can thoroughly review your case and determine your available legal options. Our team, which consists of former prosecutors, who have a comprehensive understanding of both sides of the courtroom, will help you through the complexities of the criminal justice system and work toward either obtaining a not-guilty verdict, getting your entire case thrown out, or getting your charges/penalties reduced.
Norwood & Norwood, P.A. has defended more than 35,000 cases since our law firm opened in 1988. Let our Northwest Arkansas misdemeanor attorneys fight for you throughout the legal process and help you avoid serious penalties.
Contact Norwood & Norwood, P.A. today to get started on your defense with our misdemeanor lawyer in Northwest Arkansas. We have offices in Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers, and Springdale.
Recent Case Results
Over 25,000 Cases Won and Dismissed
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DWI - BAC .17 Not Guilty
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Possession - Marijuana Dismissed
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Possession - Pills Dismissed
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Domestic Battery 3rd Degree Dismissed
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Drive on Suspended DL Dismissed
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Domestic Battery 3rd Degree Dismissed
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Shoplifting Kept Off Record
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DWI – BAC .15 Not Guilty
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Disorderly Conduct Dismissed
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Shoplifting Dismissed
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Shoplifting Dismissed
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DWI – BAC .10% Not Guilty
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DWI – BAC .08% Not Guilty
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DWI – BAC .17 Not Guilty
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Possession - Marijuana Dismissed
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Possession - Marijuana Dismissed
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Possession - Marijuana Dismissed
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Possession - Pills Dismissed
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Possession - Pills Dismissed
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Possession - Marijuana Dismissed
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Possession - Marijuana Dismissed
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Possession - Marijuana Dismissed
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Possession - Pills Dismissed
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Shoplifting Dismissed
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DWI2 – BAC .04 Not Guilty
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DWI – ACV Not Guilty
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Possession - Pills Dismissed
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DWI – BAC .10% Not Guilty
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Driving On Suspended DL Kept Off Record
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Reckless Driving Dismissed
Opinions that Matter
Hundreds of 5 Star Reviews⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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“FELONY CASE DISMISSED! I was charged with Possession of a Firearm, Theft by Receiving and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia....The attorneys were able to prove my case to the Prosecutor and as a result all 3 charges were DISMISSED!!!!”
- Jack -
“CHARGED WITH A DWI AND THEY GOT IT DROPPED! I was initially charged with a DWI and they got it dropped! Norwood & Norwood was great, they acted with great honesty and integrity.”
- Mike -
“I WOULD GIVE 10 STARS IF I COULD!!!! I met with Doug and he Made me feel much better about my drug charge. I am so glad I hired him. Norwood got my DRUG CHARGE DISMISSED and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
- Maria -
“Drug Crime DISMISSED! From the moment I walked in I could tell I made the right decision. After picking up a drug charge Norwood helped me with my case allowing the charge to be dropped and expounged! Best Lawyer group in NWA.”
- Ricky -
“Norwood got my Domestic Battery DISMISSED. I have never been so happy. I was so scared I was shaking because I thought I was going to jail. When I heard my attorneys got my charge dismissed, no money, no court I was overjoyed.”
- Taylor -
“I was charged with assault on a police officer, public intoxication, and resisting arrest. They worked extremely hard on my case, kept on top of everything, explained everything, kept me informed of what all was going on.”
- Ann -
“After a brief and admittedly shameful argument in front of my children between my wife and me, I was arrested and charged with a litany of trumped up charges by the local police. Thank god for Doug Norwood and his staff!”
- Anonymous -
“I lawfully defended myself with a firearm, but the local authorities decided it was unlawful. Mr. Norwood and his team successfully defended me and all the charges were dropped.”
- Timothy -
“Wonderful Attorney! Norwood won my DWI. I am very excited because I can get the blow machine out of my car and I won’t have anything on my record.”
- Sam -
“I hired Doug Norwood to defend me on criminal mischief charges and possession of instrument of crime charges. He was fabulous and got all charges dismissed.”
- Al -
“Felony Charges Dropped! Norwood & Norwood are excellent lawyers. I was facing felony drug charges and they were able to get the charges dropped.”
- Jeff -
“Drug Charges Dismissed! Thanks to the hard work of all the Norwood Norwood family. Everything from the fee to the friendliness and the result were fabulous.”
- Herman -
“I would recommend them to anyone who is facing felony charges. My charges were amended to a misdemeanor and ultimately dismissed.”
- Jose -
“Felony charge dropped! Norwood & Norwood is a great law firm. I was facing a serious felony and Angela Hyde got my charges reduced to a misdemeanor with no jail time, no public service, with minimal fees at a reasonable price.”
- A.R.B. -
“Felony charge reduced to misdemeanor, no jail! I didn't see any prison or jail time and ended up with only a misdemeanor offense. I am 100% satisfied with Norwood and Norwood and would recommend them to anyone.”
- Bill -
“Felony terroristic threatening charges dismissed! I was charged with a felony against my wife who was pregnant. My attorney was able to get get the no contact order amended so that I could be with my wife when my daughter was born.”
- Jamie -
“Felony Dismissed! Norwood and Norwood by far surpassed any expectations. They have always been thorough in their duties and on point with ensuring I was notified and informed of all aspects throughout.”
- Lee -
“Felony case reduced to misdemeanor with no jail time served! I had an initial assault charge reduced to harassment, and I didn't have to serve any jail time. The attorneys at Norwood and Norwood worked very hard to ensure the best outcome for me.”
- Jackson -
“Norwood got my felony charge dismissed. I am so happy because that saved my job and my future and I was so stressed out I could barely breath and am now so happy I am dancing for joy. Thank you thank you thank you”
- Paul -
“I was in serious trouble and could have gone to prison. I didn't have to do any jail and they even got me a misdemeanor rather than a felony. I would absolutely recommend this firm.”
- Pat -
“Did a really great job with my up coming case fighting a felony charge dropped to a misdemeanor.”
- Nathan -
“Felony case - Great Attorney! Throughout the entire process facing this felony charge, i was given peace and a sense of security while the Norwood team took the steps necessary for the best possible outcome.”
- Jennifer -
“Felony Sex Assault Dismissed! My attorneys believed me from the beginning and were willing to take my case all the way to a jury trial and we WON!!”
- Robin -
“Felony Revoke Dismissed! I thought that I was in jail for 2 years on the revoke. Luckily I found this firm and they were able to work with the Prosecutor to get them to completely dismiss the revoke.”
- Rambo -
“Best lawyers hands down! I hired Norwood & Norwood not too long ago to help me fight a drug charge against me that I knew could carry long term effects. Norwood ended up clearing me of my charges and they were able to keep my record clean!”
- Carol -
“Got my drug charges DISMISSED! I was charged with a drug charge and I was on parole so I was super scared that I was going to go to prison. Norwood got the drug charges dismissed and I am so grateful.”
- Tony -
“WOW! Great results! I hired Norwood on 2 cases and was super happy. He was able to get the most serious charge dismissed all together and then the other charge was kept off my record and I didn’t even have to go to court.”
- Larry -
“WOW! Great results. I hired Norwood on 2 cases and was super happy. He was able to get the most serious charge dismissed all together and then the other charge was kept off my record and I didn’t even have to go to court.”
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“My 6 year-old daughter was with me at the time so he ticketed me for reckless driving, improper passing on the shoulder and endangering the welfare of a minor. Norwood was able to get the charges for endangering dismissed.”
- Asron -
“They kept me out of jail! The prosecutor wanted me to do 10 days in jail and Doug Norwood and his staff of lawyers kept me out of jail two separate times. They are great at their jobs and easy to work with.”
- Caitlin -
“Awesome! The best! I have used his services a few times and he is simply the best. He has all kinds of awards and is known for some historical cases won in court. If you want the best ask for Doug.”
- Lance -
“Public Intoxication Dismissed! Was charged with public intoxication and I was very worried about my record. I am going to school to be an engineer and did not want to ruin my goals. This firm has helped me in the past and did a great job.”
- Alex -
“No JAIL on 35th driving on suspended license! I've used Norwood and Norwood multiple times before and they've always done a good job for me so I hired Norwood to help me. Just like before, they kept me out of jail and made the process easy and efficient.”
- Bruno -
“Got my public intox DISMISSED! I was very worried that it would affect my job and my life. He got it dismissed! I am so thankful and would highly recommend him and his firm. The fee was very reasonable and I couldn’t be happier.”
- Scott -
“Life saver! I was charged with no interlock device and driving on a suspended license. Got one dismissed and no jail, no public service, no court! I couldn’t be happier.”
- Chris -
“Norwood is a great attorney! I have used Doug Norwood for three different cases over the years. He has always done an outstanding job. His fees and payment plans have always been wonderful and he and his entire staff treated me with friendliness and kindne”
- Ed -
“Saved my life! I had a great experience and an amazing result with the Team at Norwood and Norwood. They were always compassionate, honest and professional. They were also excellent communicators, always keeping me informed of the process and next steps.”
- John
