What Is Attorney-Client Privilege in Arkansas?

Under Arkansas law and Rule 502 of the Arkansas Rules of Evidence, anything you share privately with your lawyer in the course of seeking legal advice is confidential and protected. This includes:

• Written communication

• Verbal discussions

• Texts and emails with your attorney

The only major exceptions involve plans to commit future crimes or fraud. Telling your lawyer what already happened is not the same as confessing to a new crime.

What You Should Tell Your Lawyer

Be honest about:

• What actually happened (even if it’s bad)

• Any prior arrests or convictions

• Who else was there or involved

• What evidence may exist (texts, video, witnesses)

• Anything you’ve said to police or posted on social media

Your lawyer is not there to judge you. They’re there to defend you—with every available legal strategy. But they can’t do that if you’re holding back.

What You Don’t Need to Share

• Your lawyer doesn’t need every emotional detail unless it’s legally relevant

• You don’t need to talk about past events completely unrelated to the case

• If you feel unsure, just ask: “Is this something you need to know?”

It’s always better to ask than to assume something is unimportant.

If you’re still feeling overwhelmed by starting the conversation, check out our guide on how to talk to a criminal defense lawyer. Or, call us directly – we promise to listen with empathy in the initial free consultation.

Can Honesty Hurt You?

Sometimes, clients worry that telling the full truth will limit the lawyer’s ability to defend them. That’s not how it works. Your lawyer can still:

• Challenge the admissibility of evidence

• Suppress illegal searches

• Argue for lesser charges

• Focus on sentencing alternatives or mitigation

If we know the full story, we can build a smarter, stronger defense.

Need a Team That Knows When to Listen and When to Fight?

We prep every case like it’s going to trial. We also often team up with Warden Law Firm, a bold and responsive team known for their courtroom firepower. When a client needs both finesse and firepower, a Ludwig and Warden partnership is the best option. Together, we give clients the full spectrum of criminal defense in Arkansas.

Summary

If you’re wondering how much to tell your criminal defense lawyer, here’s the short answer: everything that matters. From the moment you hire an attorney, your communications are protected by the attorney-client privilege—meaning your lawyer can’t legally share what you tell them in confidence.

At Ludwig Law Firm, we want our clients to feel safe, informed, and protected. The more you tell us, the better we can defend you—and the fewer surprises we’ll face in court.

If You're Holding Back, You're at Risk

Your lawyer can’t protect what they don’t know. Call 501-838-4043 or visit ludwiglawfirm.com to schedule a confidential consultation and get the defense you deserve.

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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.