The Juvenile Justice Intake Process in Little Rock

Once a juvenile is arrested in Little Rock or elsewhere in Pulaski County, they’re transported to a juvenile intake center, such as the Pulaski County Juvenile Detention Center. There, they go through a process that includes:

• Identification and fingerprinting

• Basic screening for health and safety issues

• Review by intake officers or juvenile probation officers

• A decision on whether to release the child or detain them pending a hearing

Arkansas law (Ark. Code § 9-27-336) requires that a detention hearing be held within 72 hours—not including weekends or holidays. A judge will determine whether the child stays detained or is released to a guardian.

Juvenile detention in Arkansas is not designed to punish children the same way adult jail punishes adults. Instead, it aims to provide structure, discipline, and access to rehabilitative services. However, that doesn’t mean it’s an easy experience. Children held in juvenile detention centers—like those in Pulaski County or neighboring counties—live in highly regulated environments. They're supervised at all times, subject to daily routines, and often separated from family with limited visitation.

Juveniles may be detained for a wide range of offenses, from truancy or shoplifting to more serious charges like assault or weapons possession. No matter the reason, it’s a frightening process—for the child and for the parents.

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How Long Do You Stay in Juvenile Detention?

Detention can be short-term (a few days) or extended (weeks to months), depending on:

• The nature of the offense

• Prior juvenile history

• Risk of flight or reoffending

• Availability of alternatives

Unlike adult sentences, juvenile detention is not always fixed. Judges in Arkansas have flexibility when deciding outcomes, which makes strong legal representation critical.

Learn more about how to protect your child by visiting our criminal defense page or our home page to schedule a consultation.

What Programs Exist in Juvenile Detention Centers?

Most juvenile detention centers in Arkansas offer programs focused on:

• Education (meeting state curriculum requirements)

• Anger management and behavioral therapy

• Substance abuse counseling

• Mental health screening and services

• Religious programming (optional)

These services are intended to support the juvenile’s rehabilitation and reentry into the community—but access and quality vary depending on the facility.

What Does a Day in Juvenile Detention Look Like?

These centers are secure and highly structured. Youths are rarely left unsupervised, and rules are strictly enforced. A typical day for a juvenile in detention includes the following.

You Don’t Have Time to Wait

Juvenile detention is traumatic. Your child needs a defense team that responds fast and fights for better outcomes. Call 501-838-4043 or visit ludwiglawfirm.com for immediate help.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Reading this blog or interacting with Ludwig Law Firm through this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every legal case is different, and you should not act or rely on any information in this blog without first consulting with a licensed attorney about your specific situation. For legal guidance tailored to your needs, please contact Ludwig Law Firm directly.

Alternatives to Juvenile Detention in Arkansas

Arkansas courts often consider alternatives to detention, especially for first-time or non-violent offenses. Alternatives include:

• Electronic monitoring

• In-home detention or supervision

• Community service

• Court-ordered counseling or behavioral programs

• Diversion programs that avoid formal adjudication

Having a lawyer who knows how to advocate for these alternatives can make a life-changing difference.

We often collaborate with trial-ready firms like Warden Law Firm to ensure that every child gets both careful advocacy and aggressive defense. Together, we offer the full spectrum of juvenile and adult criminal defense in Arkansas. To learn more about our criminal defense practice, visit our criminal defense page.