Capital Murder Defense
How We Fight
Under Arkansas law, capital murder is the state's most serious homicide offense. It applies to certain intentional killings and to deaths that occur during the commission of specified felonies.
When the Charge Applies
A person may be charged with capital murder if they:
Premeditated, Deliberate Killing
We prepare every case for trial from day one. Prosecutors know it — and it changes how they negotiate.
Killing a Protected Public Servant
Intentionally killing certain public servants while they are performing official duties.
Death of a Child 14 or Younger
Knowingly causing the death of a child age 14 or younger under circumstances showing extreme indifference to human life, where the defendant is at least 18.
Felony Murder
Committing one of the specified felonies (or attempting or fleeing from one) when a death occurs — caused by the defendant or an accomplice.
Commit murder for hire
Carrying out a killing for payment — or hiring someone else to do it.
Drive-By Shooting
Causing death by intentionally firing a weapon from a vehicle at a person, vehicle, or occupied structure.
Shorter Version
Arkansas capital murder generally covers:
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Planned, intentional killings;
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Murders of certain public officials acting in the line of duty;
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Murders committed for money;
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Deaths occurring during particularly serious felonies; and
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Certain especially aggravated killings, such as murders of young children or drive-by shootings.
Defendants 18 or Older at the Offense
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Death, or
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Life imprisonment without parole.
Defendants Under 18 at the Offense
Life imprisonment with the possibility of parole or post-release supervision after serving at least 30 years.
Felony Murder
The Specified Felonies
If a person commits — or attempts, or flees from — any of the following felonies and a death results, capital murder may be charged. The death may be caused by the defendant or by an accomplice.
Little Rock
North Little Rock
Vehicular piracy
Robbery
Aggravated robbery
Residential burglary
Aggravated residential burglary
Felony drug offenses
Terrorism
Arson
First-degree escape
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