Ultimate Guide to Arkansas Criminal Defense — How We Get Great Results At Every Stage

Have you been accused, arrested, or investigated? Wondering how long you have to sit in jail? You need to talk with a Little Rock criminal defense lawyer immediately. Call Kale Ludwig at 501-868-7500.

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Ludwig Law Firm

4/16/20266 min read

When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

The short answer: you can hire a criminal defense attorney before charges are even filed. This is called “pre-charge” defense, which could happen during the investigation phase.

Investigation

If you’re asking:

“How do you know if a police report was filed against you?”

“I think criminal charges are being pressed on me—should I get a lawyer?”

You’re already in the investigation phase, and you definitely need a lawyer.

At this stage, law enforcement may:

Be gathering evidence

Interview witnesses

Preparing a warrant

Building a case without your knowledge

As your counsel, we could facilitate conversations with the detective and any other parties involved, helping you gather facts critical to your case. Then, if charges are brought against you, you'd already have a strong foundation with us as your counsel, and we could continue to defend you all the way up to a trial, if things came to that.

Bottom line: If you think you’re being investigated, don’t wait. Early legal strategy can change everything.

When you’re facing criminal charges in Arkansas, it helps to understand how you can win your case. While we are excellent trial lawyers, our attorneys can also help during the investigation, directly after an arrest, and in pretrial appearances. This article outlines the most asked questions that we see from potential clients, and how we would approach the answer for each one.

This guide walks you through each stage—from investigation to trial and beyond. Ready to start fighting for your best days ahead? Read on!

In most cases, a judge sets bond after arrest. You typically do not have to pay the full amount (a bondsman may charge a percentage). But, once bond is posted, release can take several hours depending on the facility. For more information, see our blog on How Bail and Bonds Work in Arkansas Criminal Cases.

How Long Can You Be Held?

How long to see a judge after being arrested?

How long can they hold you in jail without charging you?

In Arkansas, you must typically be brought before a judge within a reasonable time—often within 48–72 hours.

Jail Time Concerns

Many people search for:

Class A felony jail time

Class D felony jail time

Possession with intent to distribute jail time

Aggravated assault Arkansas jail time

How long will you go to jail for stealing a car?

Jail time varies widely based on the charge, prior history, and facts of the case.

Other high-stress situations include bench warrants for missing court, probation revocation in Arkansas, and other parole violations.

In these situations, a lawyer may be able to:

Help clear a warrant without jail

Negotiate surrender terms

Reduce or avoid additional jail time

Plea and Arraignment

After arrest, your case moves to the plea and arraignment hearing. What is a plea and arraignment hearing in Arkansas, you ask? This is your first formal court appearance, where charges are read, and you enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).

If you’re wondering:

“What happens if I plead guilty to a misdemeanor or felony charge?”

First, stop right there. We strongly recommend against doing this. Do not plead guilty.

By pleading guilty, you may be sentenced immediately, effectively giving up your right to fight the case.

Instead, plead NOT guilty initially. It preserves our ability to negotiate, challenge evidence, and build a defense for your case.

Pretrial Phase (Negotiation and Strategy)

If you plead not guilty, your case enters the pretrial phase. This is where the real legal work happens.

What Your Lawyer Does

At this stage, a criminal defense attorney will:

Review all evidence

Identify constitutional violations

File motions to suppress evidence

Negotiate a plea deal in Little Rock courts

Request bond reductions

Prepare for trial if necessary

Key Concepts

Pretrial diversion: Programs that may allow charges to be dismissed if you meet certain conditions

Suppression of evidence: Challenging illegally obtained evidence

Continuances: Delays to allow more preparation

This phase is where Ludwig Law Firm can work to reduce charges, find opportunities to dismiss your case, and put together favorable plea agreements in partnership with the prosecutor on your case.

Trial (Bench or Jury)

If your case is not resolved in pretrial, it proceeds to trial. As top trial lawyers in Little Rock, Arkansas, Kale Ludwig and Harry Warden are the best option to help gear you up for a trial.

Types of Trials

In the Arkansas legal system, there are two types of trials:

Bench trial, where a Judge decides the outcome.

Jury trial, where a Jury decides guilt or innocence.

What Happens at Trial

The prosecution presents evidence

Witnesses testify

Your defense attorney challenges the case

A verdict is reached

Not every lawyer is a trial lawyer.
And not every case should go to trial.

But the best outcomes often come from lawyers who prepare every case as if it will.

Examples of Great Results from Ludwig Law Firm

Every case is different—but strong defense strategy leads to real results.

Case Dismissals

When evidence is weak, improperly obtained, or legally flawed, charges can be dismissed entirely.

Favorable Plea Deals

In many cases, we negotiate:

Reduced charges

Lower penalties

Avoidance of jail time

Parole or Conditional Release

For clients already facing incarceration, we work toward:

Early release

Reduced time served

Structured alternatives

The Bottom Line: What You Do Next Matters

Whether you are under investigation, facing a warrant, trying to get someone out of jail, or preparing for court, you need expert counsel to guide you. Every stage of a criminal case comes with decisions that can change the outcome. When additional trial strength is needed, we partner with Harry Warden, a Little Rock criminal defense lawyer. Together, Ludwig and Warden Law Firms deliver the full spectrum of defense: thoughtful guidance and bold trial advocacy.

If you have questions about your situation, the best next step is simple: Talk to a criminal defense lawyer who can give you real answers about your case.

Remember, you don’t need any lawyer. You need a lawyer who Simply Wins.

📞 Call Ludwig Law Firm today at 501-868-7500.
🌐 Visit us at ludwiglawfirm.com
📍 Proudly serving clients in Little Rock, Arkansas.

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.

Arrest and Booking Phase

If you've been arrested on a warrant (even if the officer didn’t witness the crime), or arrested based on probable cause (such as reckless driving or alleged drug possession), hiring an attorney immediately should be your first priority.

Common Questions About Arrest and Jail

People frequently ask:

Do you get arrested for a misdemeanor?

Can you go to jail for a misdemeanor or shoplifting?

Do first-time misdemeanor offenders go to jail?

The reality is: yes, you can be arrested and jailed for both misdemeanors and felonies in Arkansas. You need a criminal defense lawyer to mitigate that risk.