Arkansas § 5-52-101 - Abuse of public trust.

Full text of Arkansas Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 5-52-101 — Abuse of public trust., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5-52-101. Abuse of public trust.

A person commits the offense of abuse of public trust if the person: Solicits, accepts, or agrees to accept on behalf of any person, political party, or other organization any benefit from another person upon an agreement or understanding that the other person will or may be appointed a public servant or designated or nominated as a candidate for public office; Offers, confers, or agrees to confer any benefit and the receipt of the benefit is prohibited by this section; Solicits, accepts, or agrees to accept any benefit as compensation or consideration for having given as a public servant, or as a person elected, appointed, or otherwise designated to become a public servant although not yet occupying that position, a decision, opinion, recommendation, or vote favorable to another person or for having otherwise exercised his or her discretion in favor of another person; or Offers, confers, or agrees to confer any benefit upon a public servant, or a person elected, appointed, or otherwise designated to become a public servant although not yet occupying that position, and the receipt of the benefit is prohibited by this section. It is not a defense to a prosecution under this section that the decision, opinion, recommendation, vote, or use of discretion, except for the benefit, was otherwise proper. Abuse of public trust is a: Class B felony if the value of the benefit is twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) or more; Class C felony if the value of the benefit is five thousand dollars ($5,000) or more but less than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000); Class D felony if the value of the benefit is five hundred dollars ($500) or more but less than five thousand dollars ($5,000); or Class A misdemeanor if the value of the benefit is less than five hundred dollars ($500) or the value of the benefit cannot be determined.

Source: official Arkansas text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas § 5-52-101

What does Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 5-52-101 cover?

Section 5-52-101 ("Abuse of public trust.") is part of the Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated, the codified statutory law of Arkansas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Arkansas § 5-52-101?

A common citation format is "Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 5-52-101" (Arkansas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Arkansas law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Arkansas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Arkansas attorney.

How does Arkansas § 5-52-101 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Arkansas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Arkansas.