The State Laws of Arkansas
Arkansas Abortion Laws:
• A legal abortion occurs in Arkansas when the protection and preservation of the life of the mother carrying a fetus. An abortion will be regarded as legal if it is needed to save the life of the mother. The procedure, in this situation, may only be performed, after accredited and sanctioned medical review – only licensed medical professionals are permitted to review and perform abortions within Arkansas
• An abortion is classified as illegal when the procedure is undertaken when the well-being of the mother is not at risk. Moreover, an illegal abortion takes place when a fetus is terminated without care or acceptance for traditional medical procedural protocol. Public funds may be used to pay for an abortion only in the case(s) of incest and/or sexual assault.
• The penalty for an unlawful abortion in Arkansas is a fine to $1,000 and imprisonment from 1 to 5 years.
Arkansas Marijuana Laws
Within the state of Arkansas, possession of Marijuana along with growing or distributing marijuana is regarded as a punishable, criminal offense. The following punishments are associated with Marijuana use/distribution in the state:
• Marijuana law in Arkansas is found in Code Section 5-64-101, et seq
• Possession: 1st offense: Class A misdemeanor; 2nd offense: Class D Felony; 3rd offense: Class C felony
• Sale: Delivery or intent to sell is a Class C felony, 4-30 years, depending on the amount sold, and/or fine of $25,000 to $100,000; increased penalty within 1000 feet of school zone.
• Trafficking: 1 oz. possession of marijuana creates rebuttable presumption or intent to deliver.
Arkansas DWI and DUI Laws
• Arkansas practices zero tolerance laws; this framework is applied to any driver below the legal drinking age of 21 who is found to be operating a motor vehicle while under the influence. The Arkansas Zero Tolerance Blood Alcohol Content Level (BAC) is currently set at .02%--any young driver with a BAc over this level will be found guilty of DWI/DUI
• The BAC limit for individuals over the age of 21 is .08%
• After being convicted of DUI/DWI, an individuals is subject to loss of driving privileges ;penalties will greatly increase with subsequent offenses
Arkansas Gun Laws
• Arkansas gun laws are found in Code Section 5-73-103, 104
• Illegal arms in Arkansas: Machine guns, sawed-off shotguns or rifles, any firearm specially mad or adapted for silent discharge, any firearm that has the serial mark removed or altered
• There is no waiting period to purchase and subsequently receive a gun in Arkansas.
• Who may not own guns in Arkansas: Convicted felons, adjudicated mentally ill individuals, committed involuntarily to any mental institution, and any incarcerated person.
Arkansas Employment and Labor Laws
• Within the state of Arkansas, the minimum wage is 5 dollars and 15 cents awarded per hour of labor
Arkansas Divorce Laws
• A divorce must be filed following proof that a spouse has resided in the state for at least 60 days; in the event that an individual –or individuals – were married in Arkansas and lived there on a continuous basis, a time constraint for filing does not exist
• ‘No Fault’ divorce does exist on the grounds of irreconcilable differences
Arkansas Death Penalty Laws
• Capital punishment in Arkansas is authorized via a lethal injection or the electric chair.
• Capital punishment may be administered for charges of homicide or treason.
Arkansas Gambling Laws
• Gambling laws are labeled in Code Section 5-66-101 et seq.; 23-110
• Horse Racing/Off-track (for pari-mutuel wagers only) is legal in Arkansas
• Franchised greyhound racing is legal
• Gambling houses and devices are banned in Arkansas.
