Domestic abuse is defined under Arkansas law as physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, or assault between family or household members; or any sexual conduct between family or household members, whether minors or adults which constitutes a crime under the laws of the State of Arkansas.  Prior to 1991, persons who were victims of a misdemeanor domestic abuse incident were required to have charges filed through the City Attorney’s Office before a prosecution could be initiated.  However, in 1991, the Arkansas General Assembly passed the Arkansas Domestic Abuse Act.  Under the Act, if a police officer has probable cause to believe that a misdemeanor crime of domestic abuse has been committed, an arrest can be made within twelve hours for misdemeanor domestic abuse involving physical injury and within four hours if there is no injury. 

Most of the domestic abuse incidents in Russellville involve misdemeanor violence among intimates.  The most common crimes charged in domestic abuse incidents in Russellville are domestic battering in the third (3rd) degree and assault of a family or household member in the third (3rd) degree.  In such cases, the City Attorney’s Office, recognizing the nature of the cycle of violence, will not allow victims to simply drop charges.  In most cases, prosecution is continued even against the wishes of the victim because the City Attorney’s Office recognizes domestic abuse is a crime against the State, and there are often times other victims in the family or household.

Upon a plea of guilty to a misdemeanor domestic abuse incident, the Russellville City Attorney’s Office will usually recommend as part of the sentence, completion of a family counseling or anger management program.  If the defendant fails to complete the program, a jail sentence will usually be imposed.  The goal of the Russellville City Attorney’s Office regarding domestic abuse prosecution strategy is to deter any future violence by the offender against the victim, or any other past, present, or future family or household members.

If you are currently a victim in a domestic case, and desire further information, contact Trey Smith, City Attorney, at (479) 967-3186, or contact the Victim Coordinator at the Pope County Prosecutor’s Office, whose phone number is (479) 968-8600.

For further general information about domestic abuse cases, contact the City Attorney’s Office, at (479) 967-3186.