AR HB1467

Amends Arkansas Code § 5-54-120 to define "pending charge" as a charge resulting from an arrest or filing of a criminal information or indictment that has not been resolved by acquittal, conviction, dismissal, or nolle prosequi.

Establishes failure to appear penalties based on the type of underlying charge: Class C felony for pending felony charges, Class D felony for probation/suspended sentence violations, Class A misdemeanor for Class A misdemeanor charges, and Class B misdemeanor for Class B and C misdemeanor charges.

Specifies that unclassified misdemeanor failure to appear charges carry the same penalty as the underlying unclassified misdemeanor, and Class C misdemeanor for violations.

Excludes from the statute orders to appear imposed as conditions of suspension or probation under § 5-4-303.

Bill approved March 18, 2015.