{"id":371704,"date":"2016-04-11T01:21:00","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:21:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/arkansas-law\/arkansas-rape-and-sexual-assault-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-02-25T16:46:36","modified_gmt":"2025-02-25T21:46:36","slug":"arkansas-rape-and-sexual-assault-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/arkansas-law\/arkansas-rape-and-sexual-assault-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Arkansas Rape and Sexual Assault Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Arkansas Rape and Sexual Assault Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Sexual assault is any crime where a person subjects their victim to unwanted sexual activity. Some examples of sexual assault<\/a> include inappropriate touching, rape, attempted rape, and child molestation.<\/p>\r\n

State laws define which specific acts qualify as sexual assault<\/a>. Arkansas law breaks down the crime of sexual assault into four degrees: Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D felonies.<\/p>\r\n

Here, we’ll discuss the varying degrees of sexual assault in Arkansas, including the penalties<\/a> for each. We will also provide examples of each type of assault.<\/p>\r\n

If you’re facing sexual assault charges, you should consult an experienced criminal defense attorney in Arkansas<\/a>. They can answer any questions you have about your sexual assault case and work hard to provide the best possible outcome.<\/p>\r\n

Levels of Sexual Assault in Arkansas<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The Arkansas Criminal Code outlines the types of sexual assault, including the definitions and penalties<\/a> for these crimes. Below, we’ll briefly discuss these sex crimes and provide examples of each.<\/p>\r\n

First-Degree Sexual Assault: Class A felony<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

Engaging in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity with a minor constitutes first-degree sexual abuse. For example, it would be first-degree sexual assault<\/a> for a correction officer to engage in sexual relations with an inmate against their will.<\/p>\r\n

Second-Degree Sexual Assault: Class B felony<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

If someone engages in sexual contact with someone by forcible compulsion, they may be guilty of second-degree sexual assault<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Third-Degree Sexual Assault: Class C felony<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

A minor who engages in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity with someone under 14 years old may be guilty of a third-degree sexual assault<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Fourth-Degree Sexual Assault: Class D felony<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

It’s against the law to have sexual relations with a minor who is more than four years younger than you. This qualifies as fourth-degree sexual abuse<\/a>. Many refer to this crime as statutory rape<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Rape: Class Y Felony<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

Rape<\/a> happens when someone engages in sexual acts with a third party using force and without the person’s consent. This crime most closely resembles people’s general understanding of rape. An example of this would be a stranger holding a woman up at gunpoint in her home while having violent sexual intercourse with her.<\/p>\r\n

Note:<\/b> Arkansas law does not recognize spousal rape.<\/p>\r\n

How Do Arkansas’ Sexual Assault Laws Define Deviate Sexual Contact?<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

For most types of sexual assault, Arkansas law requires that the defendant engage in sexually deviant acts<\/a> with their victim.<\/p>\r\n

Specifically, one of the following conditions must exist to qualify as sexual assault in Arkansas:<\/p>\r\n