Theft of Property in Arkansas: Charge Levels, Penalties, and Defenses
Theft of property charges can range from minor misdemeanors to major felonies in Arkansas. Understanding how value, circumstances, and intent affect your case is crucial.
Here’s what you need to know.
1. What Counts as Theft of Property?
The State must prove you knowingly:
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took someone’s property,
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exercised unauthorized control over it, or
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deceived someone to obtain it.
Intent is a key element, and misunderstandings are common.
2. Value Determines the Charge Level
Arkansas theft charges break down like this:
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under $1,000 → misdemeanor
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$1,000–$5,000 → Class D felony
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$5,000–$25,000 → Class C felony
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$25,000+ → Class B felony
These levels matter for sentencing and negotiation.
3. Civil Disputes Are Not Theft
Contract disagreements, unpaid bills, or business misunderstandings are not theft. The State must prove criminal intent — not just a failure to perform.
4. Common Defenses
Strong defenses may involve:
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lack of intent
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mistaken identity
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ownership disputes
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documentation showing legitimate agreements
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video or witness issues
These cases often improve dramatically once the real story is told.
5. Restitution Can Play a Major Role
In theft cases, restitution agreements often help resolve the case without a conviction — especially for first-time offenders.
Bottom Line
Theft charges in Arkansas are not always what they seem. Many cases are misunderstandings, civil disputes, or overcharges. If you’re accused of theft, call my office for a detailed review.
This blog post is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship with Wesley Rhodes, Attorney at Law. If you need legal advice about your specific situation, you should consult with a qualified criminal defense attorney.