AR HB2225

Amends Arkansas Code § 16-93-303(a)(1)(A) to clarify eligibility for first-time offender probation for defendants who have not been previously convicted of a felony.

Allows judges to defer proceedings and place eligible defendants on probation for a period of not less than one year under court-determined terms and conditions, without making a finding of guilt.

Specifies that fines not exceeding $3,500 or court cost assessments do not negate probation benefits or constitute a conviction under this section.

Excludes serious felonies involving violence and felonies involving violence, as defined in § 5-4-501, from eligibility for record expungement under this provision.