Facing criminal charges for gang crime in Arkansas can feel overwhelming and hopeless. Navigating the criminal justice system is confusing, which is why it’s pertinent to reach out to a Little Rock gang crime lawyer as soon as you’re able. Whether you’re dealing with a simple misdemeanor or a felony charge, it’s important to understand your rights and legal options.
Lemley Law Partners is committed to providing quality legal counsel and representation that helps our clients overcome their legal battles and work toward the fairest possible solution. Our Little Rock gang crime lawyers have experience handling complex criminal cases of all types, and we’re ready to hear your story.
Under Arkansas law 5-74-202, a criminal gang is defined as a group of three or more people who commit two or more criminal offenses that are in connection with one another. These crimes include any crimes of violence, which are any acts where a person knowingly causes or threatens to cause the physical injury or death of another person.
They also include crimes of pecuniary gain, which are crimes where the offender receives or is supposed to receive some sort of benefit, like income, money, property, or anything else of value.
Although it’s difficult to determine exactly what percentage of crime is related to gang activities, you can obtain information about gang crime trends by looking at the overall crime rates for the types of activities in which gangs are usually involved. These activities can include drug crimes, property disputes, violent crimes, and more.
Common criminal activities that gangs are known to engage in include:
Arkansas is no stranger to gang-related activities. In fact, HBO released a documentary highlighting the presence of gang violence between the Crips and the Bloods throughout the mid-90s. The landscape of crime has evolved over the past three decades or so, but gang-related crime is still a prominent part of it.
If you are facing common criminal charges in Little Rock or charges related to gang activity, a Little Rock gang crime lawyer can guide you through your legal options so you can seek the lightest possible sentencing.
It’s challenging to measure gang crime specifically because so many incidents end up falling under the larger umbrella of crime in the area. There were a total of 3,408 violent crimes and 10,655 property crimes reported in Little Rock in 2024.
So far, in 2025, monthly crime reports are down when compared to the previous year. In 2024, the number of crimes reported in the first four months of the year was as follows:
By contrast, the number of reports for these months in 2025 looks like this:
Arkansas was ranked the fourth most dangerous state in the country based on its crime rates for both property crimes and violent crimes. The state ranks 48th for crime and corrections and reports a higher crime rate and incarceration rate than the national average.
Gang activity is recognized as a factor in overall crime in Little Rock, although it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what percentage of gang-related crimes contributes to the overall crime rate in the city.
The crime rate in Little Rock is around 6.815 per 1,000 residents in a given year, with the city ranking in the 9th percentile for safety. This means it’s considered to be less safe than 91 percent of other cities.
If you’re dealing with a gang-related charge in Arkansas, a Little Rock gang crime lawyer can ensure your rights are protected and that you’re treated fairly throughout your case.
A: Crime continues to evolve over time, and gang-related crime is no different. In recent years, one of the most commonly reported gang crimes in Little Rock was drug-related offenses. Specifically, the city is known for higher distribution levels of crack cocaine and methamphetamine.
Another commonly reported gang-related crime is homicides. Data shows that guns are used in the majority of homicides in Arkansas. Many other violent crimes and property crimes can be attributed to gangs as well.
A: A Little Rock gang crime lawyer can help you build a strong case and navigate the complex legal process with ease. If you’re facing charges related to criminal gang activities in Arkansas, it can be beneficial to work with someone who has a deep understanding of the criminal justice system. Arkansas is known for prosecuting crimes aggressively, especially when it comes to gangs.
A: The cost of working with a Little Rock gang crime lawyer depends on the details of your charges and the experience level of the attorney you want to hire. Criminal defense lawyers in Arkansas typically charge a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a combination of the two. Some may also require a retainer fee.
A: Multiple data sources and studies indicate that gang-related activities make up for a large proportion of violent offenses committed, especially among adolescents. The percentage of gang violence versus unregulated violent crimes is difficult to track. That said, you can deduce that an area with a high crime rate, like Little Rock, may have a notable gang presence.
At Lemley Law Partners, we are committed to guiding our clients through their cases and helping them secure the fairest possible outcomes. If you’re ready to discuss your case with a Little Rock gang crime lawyer, get in touch with our office to set up a consultation today.