Arkansas Toughens Sentencing for Violent Felons in 2025

Starting in 2025, Arkansas has enacted tougher sentencing laws for individuals convicted of violent felonies. Under the new provisions of the Protect Arkansas Act (Act 659), offenders convicted of serious crimes such as rape and capital murder will serve 100% of their sentences. Other violent crimes, including aggravated robbery, human trafficking, and serious sexual offenses against children, will also fall under stricter sentencing guidelines.

The act introduces a second category of offenders who must serve at least 85% of their sentences, including those convicted of second-degree murder, first-degree sexual assault, and manslaughter.

Inmates seeking early release will no longer automatically earn “good time” credits. They must now complete rehabilitation programs, anger management, or skills training to be considered for parole. Additionally, any crimes committed in prison will lead to consecutive sentences, further extending time behind bars.

The law, which passed in 2023, aims to make sentencing more transparent and restore confidence in the state’s criminal justice system.