{"id":371708,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:27","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/arkansas-law\/arkansas-stalking-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-07-20T09:52:42","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T14:52:42","slug":"arkansas-stalking-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/arkansas-law\/arkansas-stalking-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Arkansas Stalking Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Arkansas Stalking Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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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
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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\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Arkansas<\/span> stalking<\/span> laws<\/span> criminalize a pattern of behavior that causes another person to reasonably fear for their safety. Stalking is classified into three degrees, ranging from third-degree<\/span> stalking (a Class A<\/span> misdemeanor<\/span> with up to one year in jail) to first-degree<\/span> stalking (a Class B felony<\/span> with five to 20 years in prison). The severity of charges depends on factors like making threats, violating protective orders, or using deadly weapons<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Every state has stalking statutes that define the crime and outline the penalties for engaging in stalking behavior<\/span>. In general, states define stalking as a pattern of malicious behavior meant to cause apprehension or fear in another person.<\/p>\n

In this article, we’ll explain Arkansas<\/span>‘s stalking laws<\/span>, including the penalties for this crime. Many stalking cases involve domestic violence<\/span><\/u><\/a> and other family-related disputes. Following your ex-spouse to work or church repeatedly would qualify as stalking<\/a>, as would sending intimidating messages on social media<\/span>.<\/p>\n

If you’re facing criminal charges for stalking, consider meeting with a criminal defense lawyer<\/u><\/a>. A stalking conviction can come with serious consequences, and your future may depend on what happens in the courtroom.<\/p>\n

How Arkansas<\/span> Defines Stalking<\/h2>\n

Arkansas<\/span> Code<\/span><\/a> defines basic stalking (stalking in the third degree<\/span>) as knowingly engaging in a \u201ccourse of conduct<\/span>\u201d that would place a reasonable person in the victim’s position<\/span> under emotional distress<\/span> and in fear for either their safety or someone else’s. This indicates a pattern of behavior, rather than a single event. Third-degree<\/span> stalking is a Class A<\/span> misdemeanor<\/span>.<\/p>\n

The severity of the charges increases when other factors are at play. For second-degree<\/span> stalking (a Class C Felony<\/span>), a person must purposely engage in a course of conduct<\/span> that harasses<\/u><\/a> another person, and make a terroristic<\/span> threat<\/a> with the intent of causing imminent fear of death or serious bodily injury<\/span> to the person, or the person’s immediate <\/span>family<\/span> member<\/span>.<\/p>\n

First-degree<\/span> stalking (a Class B Felony<\/span>) is defined as second-degree<\/span> stalking with additional aggravating circumstances, such as:<\/p>\n