1. Ludwig Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 43+ years trial experience and statewide Arkansas coverage
Practice Areas: DWI/DUI, drug crimes, violent felonies, white-collar crimes, federal crimes, appeals
Background: Arkansas criminal defense attorney Kale Ludwig defends Arkansans against all criminal charges from DWIs to federal cases with over 43 years of trial experience and a record of winning tough cases. With more than four decades in Arkansas courts, the attorneys have faced nearly every type of criminal case. They know the prosecutors, the judges, and the result-driven strategies. The firm is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, and routinely appears in Pulaski County courts and across Arkansas. They also defend federal investigations and indictments in the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas. The firm shows their work: investigation first, motion practice early, leverage through trial-ready preparation. Prosecutors deal differently when they know you can pick a jury. They build trial files from day one so dismissals, reductions, and favorable pleas become realistic. Illegal stops, bad searches, and coerced statements are challenged with quick motions to suppress weak evidence.
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas (serves Pulaski County and statewide)
Contact: (501) 838-4043 | https://ludwiglawfirm.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. James Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense with multilingual team and diverse case experience since 1994
Practice Areas: Homicide, violent crimes, robbery, drug crimes, DWI, sex crimes, weapons charges, white collar crimes, RICO, juvenile crimes, death penalty cases, appeals
Background: James Law Firm is a criminal defense firm located in Little Rock, Arkansas and serves clients throughout the state. Practice areas encompass homicide and other violent crimes, robbery, drug crimes, DWI, sex crimes, weapons charges, white collar crimes including organized crime/RICO, juvenile crimes, death penalty cases, and other felonies and misdemeanors, as well as appeals. Founded in 1994 by William O. “Bill” James, Jr., the firm is comprised of dedicated and diverse professionals with extensive legal experience and multilingual skills. They work as a team, giving clients the benefit from each attorney’s specific background. Among them, the lawyers are admitted to practice in multiple jurisdictions. The firm has been recognized for providing quality representation and has extensive experience in both state and federal courts.
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Contact: Available through Justia directory | https://www.justia.com/lawyers/criminal-law/arkansas/little-rock
Consultation: Free consultation available with video conferencing
3. The Cannon Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 20+ years experience in state and federal courts
Practice Areas: Drug crimes, DWI, violent crimes, assault, domestic violence, federal crimes
Background: The Cannon Law Firm has been handling state and federal criminal law cases for more than 20 years. When you work with David Cannon, you’ll have legal and personal support every step of the way. The firm works with drug, DWI, and violent crime cases. When you have been accused of a crime, an attorney is your last line of defense. David R. Cannon is a criminal law attorney in Arkansas who understands the ins and outs of the criminal justice system. He has real-world insight into how police and prosecutors build their case and the experience needed to successfully negotiate with opposing counsel for a reduction or dismissal of the charges. David believes that his role as a lawyer is to vigorously defend your interests against the prosecution’s interest in securing a conviction. The presumption of innocence requires that the prosecution produce evidence of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. David makes it a priority to force the prosecution to live up to its burden of proof.
Location: North Little Rock, Arkansas (serves statewide)
Contact: (501) 978-5353 or (501) 708-2459 | https://davidrcannon.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
4. Wesley Rhodes, Attorney at Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 24/7 support and focus on Pulaski, Saline, and Faulkner Counties
Practice Areas: Violent crimes, DUI/DWI, drug crimes, theft, domestic violence, post-conviction relief
Background: One brush with the law can leave your freedom, reputation and livelihood hanging in the balance. The quality of your legal defense is critical. At Wesley Rhodes, Attorney at Law, the team offers around-the-clock support and the proven courtroom experience required to fight for your outcome in and out of court. At Wesley Rhodes, Attorney at Law, the firm understands that being charged with a crime can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. The founder, attorney Wesley Rhodes, has been practicing law since 2016 and has been providing clients with the skill, knowledge and resources needed when facing criminal charges in Conway County or Saline County. Attorney Rhodes understands that Arkansas’ legal system can be complex and difficult to navigate, leaving individuals feeling confused and unsure of their rights. Before recommending a strategy, he will conduct a thorough analysis of the facts of your case to ensure that your rights were not violated during your arrest, interrogation and other interactions with law enforcement.
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas (serves Pulaski, Saline, Faulkner, and Conway Counties)
Contact: (501) 301-4591 | https://www.rhodescriminallaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
5. Epperson Panasiuk Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutor experience and personalized attention
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes, federal crimes
Background: At Epperson Panasiuk Law in Little Rock, Arkansas, the firm can protect your rights and provide experienced legal representation. Pamela Epperson Panasiuk started the law firm because she loves to help people find a resolution to their legal problems while protecting and defending their rights. Every client receives personalized attention and service, because going the extra mile means doing what others simply aren’t willing to do. Pamela is dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you through this difficult time. She gets to know her clients and puts their needs first. She asks all of her clients what their goals are and will explore all options to find resolution in their criminal cases. Pamela will go the extra mile for you. Through determination and perseverance, she has earned her reputation as a tenacious protector of her clients’ rights and interests. As a former prosecutor, she knows how the other side thinks. Every case is important at Epperson Panasiuk Law.
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Contact: (501) 712-3740 | https://www.eppersonpanasiuklaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
Criminal Defense Laws in Arkansas
Felony Classifications
Arkansas classifies felonies into six categories:
Class Y Felony: Includes murder, rape, and kidnapping. Penalty is 10-40 years or life imprisonment.
Class A Felony: Includes manslaughter, aggravated robbery, and trafficking. Penalty is 6-30 years imprisonment and up to $15,000 fine.
Class B Felony: Includes residential burglary, second-degree sexual assault, and delivery of controlled substances. Penalty is 5-20 years imprisonment and up to $15,000 fine.
Class C Felony: Includes theft over $5,000, third-degree battery, and possession with intent to deliver. Penalty is 3-10 years imprisonment and up to $10,000 fine.
Class D Felony: Includes theft $5,000-$25,000, possession of controlled substances, and second-degree forgery. Penalty is 0-6 years imprisonment and up to $10,000 fine.
Unclassified Felony: Certain offenses with penalties set by specific statutes.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class A Misdemeanor: Includes DWI (first offense), theft under $1,000, and third-degree assault. Maximum 1 year in jail and $2,500 fine.
Class B Misdemeanor: Includes possession of drug paraphernalia and disorderly conduct. Maximum 90 days in jail and $1,000 fine.
Class C Misdemeanor: Includes public intoxication and loitering. Maximum 30 days in jail and $500 fine.
Expungement and Sealing
Arkansas allows sealing of certain criminal records:
Sealing Eligibility: Available for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies after waiting periods. Violent felonies and sex offenses are generally not eligible.
Waiting Periods: 60 days after dismissal or acquittal; 5 years after completion of sentence for most offenses.
Effect: Record is sealed from public view but remains accessible to law enforcement.
DWI Laws
Arkansas DWI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .02% under 21). First offense carries up to 1 year jail, $150-$1,000 fine, and 6-month license suspension. Second offense within 5 years carries 7 days to 1 year jail, $400-$3,000 fine, and 24-month license suspension. Third offense within 5 years carries 90 days to 1 year jail, $900-$5,000 fine, and 30-month license suspension. Fourth offense within 5 years is a Class D felony with 1-6 years prison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Little Rock?
Criminal cases in Little Rock are handled by multiple courts depending on the offense. Little Rock District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic violations within city limits. Pulaski County Circuit Court handles felony cases. The Sixth Judicial Circuit serves Pulaski and Perry Counties. Federal criminal cases are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas, located in Little Rock at the Richard Sheppard Arnold United States Courthouse. Having a Little Rock criminal defense attorney familiar with local judges and prosecutors in Pulaski County provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What are the penalties for drug possession in Arkansas?
Arkansas has different penalties depending on the drug and amount. Possession of a controlled substance (Schedule I or II, first offense) is a Class D felony with up to 6 years prison. Possession of marijuana (less than 4 oz, first offense) is a Class A misdemeanor with up to 1 year jail. Possession of marijuana (4 oz to 10 lbs) is a Class D felony. Possession with intent to deliver carries enhanced penalties. Arkansas has a medical marijuana program, but recreational use remains illegal. A Little Rock criminal defense attorney can evaluate defenses and negotiate for drug court or treatment alternatives.
What is Arkansas’s First Offender Act?
Arkansas has a First Offender Act (Ark. Code Ann. 16-93-303) that allows first-time drug offenders to receive probation instead of a conviction. If the defendant successfully completes probation, the court dismisses the charges and the defendant has no conviction on their record. The Act applies to certain drug possession offenses and requires the defendant to plead guilty or nolo contendere. Upon successful completion, the defendant can petition to have the record sealed. A Little Rock criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and negotiate for first offender treatment.
What happens if I am charged with DWI in Pulaski County?
A DWI charge in Pulaski County carries serious consequences. First offense is a Class A misdemeanor with up to 1 year jail, $150-$1,000 fine, 6-month license suspension, alcohol education program, and possible ignition interlock device. Second offense within 5 years carries 7 days to 1 year jail, $400-$3,000 fine, and 24-month license suspension. Third offense carries 90 days to 1 year jail and 30-month license suspension. Fourth offense is a Class D felony with 1-6 years prison. Arkansas has an implied consent law, and refusing a chemical test results in automatic license suspension. A Little Rock criminal defense attorney can challenge the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and chemical test results.
Can I get my Arkansas criminal record sealed?
Arkansas allows sealing of certain criminal records. Eligible records include dismissals, acquittals, and completed sentences for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies. Violent felonies, sex offenses, and DWI/DUI convictions are generally not eligible for sealing. Waiting periods apply: 60 days after dismissal or acquittal, 5 years after completion of sentence for most offenses. The effect of sealing is that the record is hidden from public view but remains accessible to law enforcement and certain employers. Recent legislation has expanded sealing eligibility in Arkansas. A Little Rock criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and file the appropriate petition.