Defend Your Rights Against Sexual Assault Accusations With A Little Rock Defense Lawyer

Last updated on May 13, 2026

Few criminal accusations carry the same immediate damage as rape allegations or claims involving sexual misconduct. In many cases, people start judging before hearing the full story. Without legal intervention, your job, your family life and your reputation can all be affected within hours of an arrest or investigation. 

At Wesley Rhodes, Attorney at Law, our sexual assault defense attorney knows that people accused of sexual offenses often feel isolated and scared. We provide a safe place for you to speak openly about your situation without judgment. Our firm focuses only on criminal law throughout Arkansas, with a strong presence in Little Rock.

Sexual Assault Charges In Arkansas 

The legal system uses these specific degrees to categorize sexual contact and the circumstances surrounding it: 

• First- and second-degree sexual assault: These charges often involve allegations of sexual contact through forcible compulsion or situations where the other person could not legally consent.
• Third- and fourth-degree sexual assault: These allegations may involve teachers, guardians or other positions of authority.

Our sexual assault defense lawyer examines every detail carefully to determine whether your rights were violated or evidence was improperly collected.

Rape Allegations In Arkansas Carry Severe Consequences

Under Arkansas law, rape involves sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity through forcible compulsion or with a person incapable of consent. A conviction under A.C.A. § 5-14-103 is considered a Class Y felony, which is the most serious felony level aside from capital murder. 

Arkansas law also sets the legal age of consent at 16 years old. Cases involving younger individuals often depend on the age gap between the parties involved. For instance, if the accused is over 20 and the alleged victim is under 16, prosecutors may pursue a Class Y felony charge. 

These cases often involve legal details that people do not fully understand, such as:

• Age gap considerations: Arkansas law looks closely at the difference in age between the parties and may use that difference to increase the severity of the charge.
• Romeo and Juliet provisions: Certain close-in-age situations involving teenagers may allow reduced penalties or different charging decisions.

Our proven courtroom experience enables us to argue the case in your favor. 

Let Us Help

Wesley Rhodes, Attorney at Law, remains committed to being your safe harbor where you can tell your side of the story without fear of judgment. Contact us for a free consultation via 501-301-4591 or the online contact form.