If you’ve been charged with a crime in Arkansas, you may be confused about how the charge was filed. Many people expect to hear about a “grand jury indictment,” because that’s how criminal cases are portrayed on TV or described in national articles.
In Arkansas, however, most criminal charges are not brought by a grand jury. Instead, they are usually filed through a document called a criminal information.
Understanding what a criminal information is — and what it does not mean — can help you better understand where your case actually stands.
Arkansas Criminal Charges Are Usually Filed by Information, Not Indictment
Unlike some states and the federal system, Arkansas generally allows prosecutors to file criminal charges directly, without presenting the case to a grand jury first.
That charging document is called an information.
A criminal information is a formal accusation signed by a prosecuting attorney that alleges:
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the offense being charged,
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the statute allegedly violated, and
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the basic facts the state claims support the charge.
Once an information is filed, the criminal case officially exists — even though no jury has reviewed the evidence and no witness has testified at that stage.
Why Arkansas Uses Informations Instead of Grand Juries
Arkansas law permits prosecutors to initiate criminal cases by information as a matter of efficiency and practicality. Grand juries still exist in Arkansas, but they are rarely used and typically reserved for unusual or sensitive matters.
For everyday felony and misdemeanor cases, charging by information is the norm.
This does not mean:
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a judge has decided you are guilty,
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the evidence has been tested,
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or the state has proven its case.
It means only that the prosecutor believes there is probable cause to move the case into court.
What Happens After an Information Is Filed
Once an information is filed, several things may happen next, depending on the case:
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A judge may issue an arrest warrant or a summons
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Bond conditions may be set or reviewed
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A first court appearance will be scheduled
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Deadlines for discovery and motions begin to run
Importantly, many defendants first learn they’ve been charged after the information is filed — not before.
Common Misunderstandings About Being Charged by Information in Arkansas
“I’ve been charged, so the evidence must be strong.”
Not necessarily. An information reflects the prosecutor’s allegations, not tested proof. At the time charges are filed, the defense has not cross-examined witnesses, challenged searches, or reviewed the full evidence. Many cases change significantly once that process begins.
“A judge reviewed everything and approved the charge.”
In most cases, a judge does not evaluate the full merits of the case before an information is filed. The prosecutor initiates the charge. Judicial review comes later, through motions, hearings, and trial.
“I didn’t get a chance to tell my side before charges were filed.”
That is common. Charging decisions are typically made without input from the accused. The criminal process is structured so that your opportunity to challenge the case comes after charges are filed, not before.
“If there was no grand jury, my rights were violated.”
Arkansas law allows charges to be brought by information. The absence of a grand jury does not eliminate your constitutional protections. Your rights are enforced through motions, evidentiary hearings, and trial — not through the charging method itself.
“Nothing important happens early in the case.”
In reality, the early stages of a criminal case are often the most important. Bond decisions, discovery deadlines, and suppression issues can shape the entire outcome long before a case ever approaches trial.
A Calm Word About Timing
Being charged by information does not mean the case is over — it means the process is just beginning. At this stage, what matters most is understanding the posture of the case, not reacting to the accusation itself.
If you’ve learned that charges have been filed, it’s important to understand what happens next, what deadlines apply, and where meaningful decisions are actually made.
Taking time to get accurate information early can make a real difference in how a case unfolds.
Bottom Line
Being charged by information in Arkansas does not mean the case has been proven. It means the state has formally alleged an offense and the criminal process has begun.
What happens next is not automatic. Outcomes are shaped by early procedural decisions, the evidence the state can actually support, and how the case is handled from the start.
If you’ve learned that charges have been filed, the most important step is understanding the process you are now in — not reacting to the accusation itself. Clear information, early attention to deadlines, and careful evaluation of the state’s evidence matter long before a case ever reaches trial.
If charges have been filed and you have questions about timing, bond, or next steps, you can contact my office to talk through the process.
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.