First Degree Murder Defense
Class Y FelonyArk. Code Ann. § 5-10-10210 – 40 Years or Life
Overview
Understanding the Charge
A person commits first-degree murder in Arkansas in one of three ways: a purposeful killing, a felony murder under circumstances showing extreme indifference to human life, or knowingly causing the death of a child 14 or younger. Unlike capital murder, it does not require the heightened aggravating circumstances of § 5-10-101.
What the State Must Prove
- Purposeful killing — acting with the conscious objective to cause another person's death
- Felony murder — causing death (alone or through an accomplice) while committing, attempting, or fleeing from a felony, under circumstances of extreme indifference to human life
- Knowingly causing the death of a child 14 years old or younger
Penalties On Conviction
Class
Class Y Felony
Range
10 to 40 years, or Life
Fines
Up to $15,000
How We Defend First Degree Murder Cases
Lack of Purpose
Without proof of purpose to kill, the charge reduces to second-degree murder or manslaughter.
Justification
Self-defense, defense of others, or defense of premises under Arkansas law.
Extreme Emotional Disturbance
Reduces what would otherwise be murder to manslaughter under § 5-10-104.
Suppression of Statements
Coerced or un-Mirandized confessions can be excluded entirely.
Why Experience Matters
First-degree murder cases turn on the defendant's mental state at the moment of the offense. We work with forensic psychiatrists, accident reconstructionists, and ballistics experts to challenge the State's theory of intent and to push the case toward a lesser charge — or acquittal.
Call 501-555-0199Free Consultation
Charged With First Degree Murder in Arkansas?
Every hour matters. Our staff is ready to take your call and coordinate a free, confidential case review with a defense attorney.