What to Do If You Are Arrested in Little Rock, AR?

Being arrested along Chenal Parkway, outside Park Plaza Mall, or elsewhere in Little Rock can be an unsettling experience. Knowing what to do if you are arrested in Little Rock can significantly influence the outcome of your criminal case. While every arrest comes with unique circumstances, these general guidelines and recommendations can help you make major mistakes that could complicate your charges.

Remain Calm and Comply with Law Enforcement

Crimes are a common occurrence in Little Rock. The city reported 3,429 violent crimes in 2024, and there were 10,629 property crimes, reflecting an increase in the crime rate in the same year. While you may think that you’ll never be charged with a crime, it can happen to anyone. Do not argue with the arresting officer or make sudden movements that could be interpreted as hostile. Comply with their instructions and remember your rights. By staying calm, you can avoid escalating the situation.

Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent

Following an arrest, anything you say can potentially be used against you. Do not answer questions tied to the alleged crime without an attorney present. You can remain calm and inform the office that you would like to speak to your attorney. Even if you believe you can explain the situation, your words could be misinterpreted and used against you. Police officers are trained to try and extract confessions or self-incriminating information from suspects.

Request an Attorney Immediately

​Whether you are taken in for questioning at the Little Rock Police Department’s 12th Street Station (3917 West 12th Street) or booked at the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility (3201 West Roosevelt Road), your first call should be to your attorney if you have one.

Do not discuss details of your case with anyone, including anyone in jail. Save those conversations for your lawyer. If you do not have an attorney, you can begin looking for one online or by asking friends and colleagues for referrals.

Try to find an attorney who understands your charges. If you were arrested for vandalism, look for an attorney who has experience defending clients facing charges of theft and property disputes crime, which is down 20% during the first quarter of 2025 compared to last year. If your charges involve criminal defense, felony defense, or a violent crime, it is essential to find a lawyer in Little Rock with experience handling those specific cases.

Take Time to Understand the Charges Against You

After your arrest, you should receive information about the charges you are facing. Your lawyer will also receive these updates from the courts. Understanding the severity of the offenses can help you make informed decisions about your next steps. Your lawyer can explain the criminal charge in detail and what potential penalties you could be facing.

Soon after you are released on bail, you’ll be required to attend hearings and adhere to the conditions of your bond. There may be requirements to meet with someone who works for the county on a regular basis, depending on the type of charge you are facing. Do not arrive late to hearings. Missing a roll call could lead to serious penalties.

Work With Your Attorney to Formulate an Effective Defense Strategy

Once you understand the charges against you and what’s expected in court, it’s time to focus on building a strong defense. Being open and honest with your legal counsel is crucial—they’re there to help, no matter what. Even if you’re unsure whether something you did was against the law, having a skilled defense team on your side can make all the difference.

Our attorneys have extensive experience handling a wide range of criminal cases, from DWI and drug offenses like drug trafficking and drug possession to violent crimes and white-collar charges. We fight to protect your rights, gather evidence, and negotiate the best possible outcome for your case.

FAQs

Q: Do I Have to Identify Myself to a Police Officer in Arkansas?

A: Arkansas does not have a general “stop and identify” law, meaning you are not required to provide identification unless you are operating a vehicle or lawfully detained for a crime. If an officer has reasonable suspicion that you committed or are about to commit a crime, refusing to identify yourself may lead to further investigation or arrest. Drivers must provide a license, registration, and proof of insurance when pulled over.

Q: What Should I Not Say When Arrested?

A: When arrested, avoid making statements that could be used against you. Do not argue, admit guilt, or try to explain your side of the story. Ideally, you should remain silent beyond providing basic identifying information and request an attorney immediately. Anything you say can be used in court, so avoid casual conversations with officers until you have legal representation.

Q: How Far Can a Cop Follow You in Arkansas?

A: There is no specific distance limit for how far a police officer can follow a vehicle in Arkansas. Officers can follow a driver as long as necessary to observe behavior or establish probable cause for a traffic stop. If a driver crosses city or county lines, jurisdictional rules may apply, but officers can still stop a driver if they witness a violation before the boundary is crossed.

Q: Can You Film Police in Arkansas?

A: Yes, Arkansas law allows individuals to film police officers in public places as long as they do not interfere with law enforcement duties. Recording encounters is protected under the First Amendment, but officers may restrict filming in certain situations for safety reasons. You should try to record from a reasonable distance and comply with lawful orders to avoid escalating the situation.

Schedule Your Little Rock Criminal Charge Consultation Today

Whether your arrest occurred along Markham Street, near the Outlets of Little Rock, or in another part of our city, the decisions you make from that moment on can potentially jeopardize your future and freedom. Beyond following the advice in this blog, you should quickly secure legal representation from a firm that understands how to successfully defend clients at Pulaski County District Court or Pulaski County Circuit Court.

At Lemley Law Partners, we offer aggressive and strategic defense for individuals accused of crimes throughout Little Rock and Pulaski County. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling a wide range of criminal cases, from DUI and drug offenses to violent crimes and white-collar charges. Contact Lemley Law Partners today to schedule a confidential consultation and begin building your defense.