AR HB1669

Domestic battering in the second degree is elevated from Class C felony to Class B felony if committed against a pregnant woman or if the person committed one or more domestic battering offenses within five years, or two or more battery offenses against family/household members within ten years.

Domestic battering in the third degree is elevated from Class A misdemeanor to Class D felony if committed against a pregnant woman or if the person committed one or more prior domestic battering or aggravated assault offenses within five years, or two or more battery offenses against family/household members within ten years.

Prior domestic violence convictions from Arkansas or equivalent laws of other states or foreign jurisdictions qualify as triggers for enhanced penalties under both second and third degree domestic battering charges.

The bill adds consideration of prior battery offenses against family or household members within a ten-year lookback period as grounds for felony enhancement in both second and third degree domestic battering cases.