Assault Attorney in Bentonville

Facing Assault Charges? Get a Local Defense

If you have been accused of assault in Bentonville, you may be feeling anxious, uncertain, and overwhelmed by what comes next. Facing any criminal allegation can disrupt your life, but assault charges especially can threaten your job, your reputation, and your relationships.

You may be searching for an assault attorney Bentonville residents trust because you need real answers about your options and about what will happen to you in our local courts. You deserve more than a distant law firm or an impersonal process. You deserve to work directly with a lawyer who is familiar with Bentonville, knows the prosecutors, and can tailor a defense to your case from the very beginning.

Over the past 15 years, I have stood beside clients in Benton County criminal courts. With experience as a former Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, I understand both sides of assault cases. This perspective shapes every decision I make for my clients. When you call my office, you speak directly with the attorney who will personally defend you.

Call (479) 777-0640 or reach out online today to schedule your confidential consultation. Choose the assault attorney in Bentonville who will immediately initiate your defense strategy—We offer affordable fees and payment plans.

Understanding Assault Laws in Arkansas

In Arkansas, the legal definition of Assault centers primarily on the threat of force or the creation of danger, rather than the actual physical injury (which is classified as Battery). It is critical to understand the precise statute under which you are charged, as the classification and resulting penalties vary significantly. All definitions are found under Arkansas Code Annotated (A.C.A.) Title 5, Chapter 13.

Assault crimes in Arkansas can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies, depending on the facts, allegations, and evidence. Arkansas recognizes several types of assault charges, such as third-degree assault (a misdemeanor), first-degree assault, and aggravated assault, each carrying distinct penalties. Domestic assault carries special rules and, in some cases, protective orders.

The key feature of an Assault charge is the mental state and the victim’s resulting fear or the defendant’s reckless creation of danger.

Degrees of Assault Under Arkansas Law

• Assault in the First Degree (A.C.A. § 5-13-204): A person commits this if they demonstrate an attempt to inflict serious injury or display a weapon to another person. This charge typically moves closer to a felony depending on the intent and whether a weapon was involved.
• Assault in the Second Degree (A.C.A. § 5-13-205): Involves intentionally engaging in conduct that creates a substantial danger of death or serious physical injury to another person. This is often an action that is extremely reckless, such as firing a weapon in the air in a residential area.
• Assault in the Third Degree (A.C.A. § 5-13-207): Involves merely recklessly engaging in conduct that creates a reasonable apprehension of death or physical injury in another person. This is generally the least severe charge.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Assault Convictions in Arkansas

Although an Assault charge in Arkansas may not involve physical contact, a conviction for a violent offense is severely punishing, both legally and socially. The consequences extend far beyond the direct sentencing.

Direct Legal Penalties

The potential direct penalties vary based on the classification your Bentonville assault defense lawyer is fighting:

• Assault in the First Degree (Class D Felony, if deadly weapon used): Up to 6 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections and a fine up to $10,000.
• Assault in the First Degree (Class A Misdemeanor): Up to one (1) year in jail and a fine up to $2,500.
• Assault in the Second Degree (Class B Misdemeanor): Up to ninety (90) days in jail and a fine up to $1,000.
• Assault in the Third Degree (Class C Misdemeanor): Up to thirty (30) days in jail and a fine up to $500.

Even a misdemeanor conviction means probation, mandatory fines, court costs, and often court-mandated anger management or counseling. I am committed to fighting for your freedom to prevent these outcomes.

Lasting Consequences of a Violent Crime Record

A permanent criminal record, especially for a crime involving violence or threats, casts a long shadow over your future. My firm helps you understand the full scope of these collateral consequences:

• Impairment of Employment: Employers are often hesitant to hire individuals with a conviction for a violent crime, severely limiting job opportunities, especially in fields requiring public trust or state licensing.
• Loss of Firearm Rights: A felony conviction for Assault will result in a permanent loss of your Second Amendment rights in Arkansas.
• Housing Discrimination: Landlords frequently conduct background checks that result in denial of housing applications for those with violent crime convictions.
• Immigration Status: For non-citizens, an assault conviction, even a misdemeanor, can be classified as a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT), leading to deportation or inadmissibility.

The fight against an Assault conviction is a fight for your entire life, making the necessity of an experienced assault attorney in Bentonville absolutely paramount.

How I Build a Strategic Defense for Assault Cases

Acting early is the key to protecting your future if you are facing assault charges. My first step is to listen carefully to your version of events and gather every detail available—from police records to witness accounts and any potential video evidence. This allows me to identify both the strengths and potential weak points of the prosecution’s case.

Process Overview for Building Your Defense

I take the following approach to defend you strategically:

• Analyze how Bentonville prosecutors usually pursue cases like yours and evaluate their likely evidence and witness lists.
• Review all procedural steps taken by law enforcement for mistakes or oversights that could weaken the state’s position.
• Explore possible defenses based on Arkansas law, such as self-defense or insufficient evidence.
• Look for opportunities—such as negotiation or pre-trial motions—to seek a dismissal, reduction of charges, or a path that minimizes long-term harm.

Throughout, you will receive candid updates and have input in every decision. Many of my clients have seen charges dismissed or reduced and, in some cases, avoided a damaging criminal record completely. My experience working in Benton County’s legal system shapes every strategy I recommend.

What Sets My Defense Apart in Bentonville

My background as a former Deputy Prosecuting Attorney gives me a first-hand understanding of how assault charges are handled and prosecuted in Bentonville and throughout Northwest Arkansas. I use this knowledge to anticipate the prosecution’s approach, spot weaknesses in their case, and craft a defense that fits the particular facts of your situation.

I do not rely on generic solutions. I treat every client as an individual, ensuring that you get personal attention, honest answers, and a plan that responds to your unique circumstances. Open, prompt communication is part of my commitment—so you will never be left wondering about the status of your case or the next step.

The advantages you gain include these important points:

• My selection to Super Lawyers (2024–2025) and recurring inclusion among Rising Stars from 2017–2021.
• Over a decade of proven results in Bentonville courtrooms for clients accused of various assault offenses.
• Direct access to me, not an assistant or paralegal, from consultation through resolution.

What To Expect When You Call

Taking the first step is often the hardest. From the start, I offer a free, completely confidential consultation. You can share your story, ask any questions, and receive an honest assessment before making any decisions. There is no obligation—just an opportunity to learn about your options.

When you contact my office, you speak directly with me. I will listen, review any available documents, and provide a detailed roadmap for next steps. You will leave knowing where your case stands and what you can expect.

My client-focused approach includes these benefits:

• A clear fee structure with no hidden costs, and payment plans designed to help you manage financial stress.
• Direct communication—your questions are answered promptly by your attorney, not by staff.
• A commitment that you never feel ignored or left in the dark throughout your case.

Get the Help You Need—Start Your Defense Now

Assault charges in Bentonville carry serious risks, but you do not have to face them alone. When you reach out to my office, you get local knowledge, a proven record, and a commitment to providing honest, personal representation.

Call Cody W. Dowden, Attorney at Law at (479) 777-0640 or fill out our online form today for your free and confidential consultation. Your future is worth defending.