TO REQUIRE ONLY A COURT TO FIX PUNISHMENT IF A DEFENDANT IS CHARGED WITH A FELONY OR MISDEMEANOR; AND TO REQUIRE ONLY A JUDGE TO SENTENCE A DEFENDANT FOR A CHARGE THAT RESULTS IN A CONVICTION.

Senate Bill 630 would change who is responsible for determining punishment in felony and misdemeanor cases in Arkansas. This bill specifies that if a defendant is found guilty by a jury, the court (a judge), rather than the jury, would fix the punishment. It also clarifies that after a guilty plea, the court would be solely responsible for imposing the sentence. These changes would affect individuals charged with non-capital felony or misdemeanor offenses and the state's sentencing procedures.