Common Criminal Charges in Little Rock, AR & How to Fight Them?

With popular sites like the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Little Rock affords a high quality of life for locals. A careless night of late-night drinking or a misunderstanding about a physical altercation can land area residents with a potentially serious criminal charge. By understanding common criminal charges in Little Rock, AR and how to fight them, you can better position yourself for a strong defense.

Theft and Property Crimes

Theft-related charges, including burglary, shoplifting, forgery, armed robbery, or vehicle theft, are common in Pulaski County. There were 10,629 property crimes in the city in 2024, and 2025 saw a 20% drop in property dispute crimes compared to the first quarter of the year prior. Prosecutors have to prove that you intended to commit a property crime like theft and followed through with the criminal act. A strong defense could be based on challenging video evidence or witness credibility.

Assault and Battery

Assault and battery are two types of crimes that involve the use of violence. Little Rock saw 3,429 violent crimes in 2024. These types of crimes are not always premeditated and often result from fights, domestic incidents, or heated arguments.

Assault and battery can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of the acts and what types of harm the victim suffered. Defense strategies could include proving that you were acting in self-defense. If the victim was engaging in threatening or hostile acts, that could weaken the prosecution’s case.

Questioning the evidence used by the prosecution can also help your case. If the eyewitness testimony used against you is inconsistent or the surveillance footage is not clear, the prosecution may not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed a crime.

DWI Offenses

Given the high volume of traffic in Little Rock, it comes as no surprise that driving while intoxicated (DWI) is commonly prosecuted in our state’s capital. A DWI conviction can lead to the loss of driving privileges, fines, and even serious jail time.

Fighting these charges requires a careful and strategic approach. One defense could be to argue that the traffic stop was unlawful. Police must have reasonable suspicion to pull someone over. They cannot detain a driver simply because it is late or they are leaving a dangerous neighborhood.

Another defense strategy of an attorney in Little Rock, AR, could involve scrutinizing the evidence used against you, such as the reliability of the breathalyzer.

Drug Possession and Distribution

Drug charges in Little Rock can range from simple possession to felony-level trafficking. The penalties tied to any charge are based on the type and quantity of drug seized. Defendants can also face enhanced penalties if there are aggravated factors tied to their case, such as the use of a firearm when selling drugs.

Defense strategies may include challenging the search that led to the seizure, disputing who possessed the drugs, or showing that constitutional rights were violated during the arrest. If law enforcement failed to obtain a valid warrant or mishandled the evidence, the case could be dismissed before trial.

Embezzlement

Though non-violent in nature, white-collar crimes can lead to serious consequences that could include fines, jail time, and loss of professional credibility. White-collar crimes often appear to be normal business transactions, such as transferring money through multiple accounts or collecting money from investors.

When the person entrusted with handling funds misappropriates those monies, they can be charged with embezzlement. One effective legal strategy for a defendant could be to argue that they did not act with criminal intent. When a business deal goes bad, that does not always mean that a crime was committed.

FAQs

Q: What’s the Most Common Criminal Charge?

A: In Little Rock, Arkansas, common criminal charges include drug possession, DUI, theft, and assault. Misdemeanor offenses, such as shoplifting or disorderly conduct, are frequently prosecuted in court. Felony charges, including drug trafficking or aggravated assault, carry harsher penalties, including extended prison sentences. The severity of the charge depends on factors like prior offenses, intent, and circumstances.

Q: What Charges Are Considered Violent in Arkansas?

A: Violent crimes in Arkansas included offenses that involve physical harm or threats of harm. Common violent crimes include aggravated assault, robbery, domestic battery, manslaughter, and murder. Weapons-related offenses and certain sexual crimes also fall under this category. Arkansas domestic violence law imposes strict penalties for violent crimes, often resulting in long prison sentences. Defenses may include self-defense, lack of intent, or insufficient evidence.

Q: What Is the Minimum Sentence for a Felony in Arkansas?

A: The minimum sentence for a felony in Arkansas varies by classification. Class D felonies, the lowest felony level, carry a minimum sentence of up to six years in prison. More serious felonies, such as Class Y offenses, have mandatory minimums of ten years or more. Some felonies, like capital murder, may result in life imprisonment or the death penalty. Sometimes, sentences can be reduced through plea agreements or alternative sentencing.

Q: What Is the Highest Misdemeanor in Arkansas?

A: A Class A misdemeanor is considered to be the most severe misdemeanor offense in Arkansas. They carry penalties of up to one year in jail and heavy fines. Common Class A misdemeanors include third-degree domestic battery, DUI, and certain drug possession offenses.

While misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, multiple convictions or aggravating factors can increase penalties. Defense strategies often focus on challenging evidence, negotiating lesser charges, or securing probation.

Arrested in Little Rock? Contact Our Office Today

Being arrested in Little Rock or Pulaski County can have serious consequences for your future. Whether you were detained and arrested near River Market District, War Memorial Park, or anywhere else in the city, the criminal justice system can be intimidating, and the consequences of a conviction could jeopardize your freedom and future prospects.

At Lemley Law Partners, we provide aggressive and strategic defense for individuals facing criminal charges in Pulaski County District Court and Pulaski County Circuit Court. From DUI and drug offenses to violent crimes and white-collar cases, we fight to protect your rights. Don’t delay preparing your defense. Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation and begin building your defense.