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Criminal Defense Lawyer · Little Rock, AR/Updated June 13, 2026

The 10 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Little Rock, AR

Finding the right criminal defense lawyer is crucial. With over 1,600 reviews, our rankings help you make an informed decision.

Editorially independent14 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceThompson Law Firm PLLC
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 14 Little Rock-metro criminal defense lawyer businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.

In Little Rock, having a skilled criminal defense lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. With 14 providers evaluated, the competition features a mix of established firms and smaller practices, but Thompson Law Firm PLLC leads the pack with an impressive 4.9-star rating from 440 reviews.

This list was created through a thorough evaluation of local criminal defense lawyers, focusing on their ratings and review counts. We believe that a lawyer's review record is a key indicator of their performance and client satisfaction.

14criminal defense lawyers evaluated in Little Rock
4.79average rating across the field
1.9Kcustomer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does criminal defense lawyer cost in Little Rock? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
★ Editor's Choice
96Score

Thompson Law Firm PLLC

★★★★★4.9(440 reviews)

Thompson Law Firm PLLC holds an impressive 4.9 rating from 440 reviews.

Read full review
Best Value
95Score

Victory Criminal Defense

★★★★★5.0(136 reviews)

With a perfect 5-star rating from 136 reviews, Victory Criminal Defense is noted for its personalized legal strategies and strong courtroom presence.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
94Score

Morledge Law Firm

★★★★★4.8(252 reviews)

Morledge Law Firm has earned a 4.8 rating based on 252 reviews.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
Thompson Law Firm PLLC
Thompson Law Firm PLLC
Editor's Choice
96Score
4.9★★★★★
440Serious criminal cases, especially DWI and drug offenses
2
95Score
5.0★★★★★
136Misdemeanor cases and personalized legal representation
3
Morledge Law Firm
Morledge Law Firm
Most Reviewed
94Score
4.8★★★★★
252Drug-related criminal defense
4
89Score
4.8★★★★★
229Clients needing strong communication and negotiation
5
88Score
4.8★★★★★
183DWI defense and first-time offenders
6
88Score
4.8★★★★★
172Individualized attention in legal matters
7
84Score
4.9★★★★★
84Complex legal issues and strong advocacy
8
84Score
4.9★★★★★
60Straightforward guidance in legal matters
9
84Score
4.9★★★★★
60DWI and drug defense cases
10
82Score
4.9★★★★★
52Clients seeking personal attention
Methodology

How we evaluated all 14 criminal defense lawyers.

To rank the best criminal defense lawyers in Little Rock, we assessed each firm based on their online ratings and the volume of reviews they received. No one pays for placement in our rankings, ensuring that our list is both unbiased and reliable.

We refresh our evaluations monthly, taking into account new reviews and any changes in ratings. This approach keeps our recommendations current and relevant, helping you find the best legal representation.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

Thompson Law Firm PLLC

★★★★★4.9(440 reviews)
96Score

Thompson Law Firm PLLC holds an impressive 4.9 rating from 440 reviews. Clients frequently commend their detailed case approach and strong communication skills. This firm excels in defending clients facing serious charges, particularly in DWI and drug-related cases. However, their high demand may lead to longer wait times for consultations.

Pros

  • Highly rated for communication
  • Thorough case strategies
  • Experienced in serious charges

Cons

  • High demand may delay consultations
  • Limited office hours
Best forSerious criminal cases, especially DWI and drug offenses
Service areaLittle Rock and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$200 to $500 per hour
2
Best Value

Victory Criminal Defense

★★★★★5.0(136 reviews)
95Score

With a perfect 5-star rating from 136 reviews, Victory Criminal Defense is noted for its personalized legal strategies and strong courtroom presence. Clients appreciate the firm’s focus on achieving favorable outcomes, especially in misdemeanor cases. However, their smaller size may limit availability during peak times. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is misdemeanor cases and personalized legal representation. It serves Little Rock and nearby regions, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited availability during busy times and smaller firm size.

Pros

  • Personalized legal strategies
  • Strong courtroom presence
  • Affordable rates for quality service

Cons

  • Limited availability during busy times
  • Smaller firm size
Best forMisdemeanor cases and personalized legal representation
Service areaLittle Rock and nearby regions
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
3
Most Reviewed

Morledge Law Firm

★★★★★4.8(252 reviews)
94Score

Morledge Law Firm has earned a 4.8 rating based on 252 reviews. Clients appreciate their thorough preparation and extensive legal knowledge. This firm is particularly strong in representing clients facing drug-related charges. On the downside, some clients report high case loads affecting personal attention. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is drug-related criminal defense. It serves Little Rock and surrounding areas, with $200 to $450 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are high case loads may reduce personal attention and potential for longer response times.

Pros

  • Thorough preparation
  • Extensive legal knowledge
  • Strong focus on drug cases

Cons

  • High case loads may reduce personal attention
  • Potential for longer response times
Best forDrug-related criminal defense
Service areaLittle Rock and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$200 to $450 per hour
4

Tellez Law Firm PLLC

★★★★★4.8(229 reviews)
89Score

Tellez Law Firm PLLC holds a 4.8 rating from 229 reviews. Clients often highlight their dedication to client needs and effective negotiation skills. They are well-suited for clients looking for a firm that prioritizes communication. However, some reviews mention slower response times during busy periods. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients needing strong communication and negotiation. It serves Little Rock and nearby areas, with $175 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are slower response times during busy periods and limited staff.

Pros

  • Dedicated to client needs
  • Effective negotiation skills
  • Strong communication

Cons

  • Slower response times during busy periods
  • Limited staff
Best forClients needing strong communication and negotiation
Service areaLittle Rock and nearby areas
Typical pricing$175 to $400 per hour
5

Lemley DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyers

★★★★★4.8(183 reviews)
88Score

Lemley DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyers has a solid 4.8 rating from 183 reviews. Clients appreciate their expertise in DWI cases and the firm’s proactive approach to defense strategies. They are particularly effective for first-time offenders. However, some clients express concerns about high fees for certain services. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is dWI defense and first-time offenders. It serves Little Rock and surrounding areas, with $200 to $450 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are high fees for certain services and limited availability of attorneys.

Pros

  • Expertise in DWI cases
  • Proactive defense strategies
  • Effective for first-time offenders

Cons

  • High fees for certain services
  • Limited availability of attorneys
Best forDWI defense and first-time offenders
Service areaLittle Rock and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$200 to $450 per hour
6

Chosen Law Group PLLC

★★★★★4.8(172 reviews)
88Score

Chosen Law Group PLLC has a 4.8 rating with 172 reviews. Clients praise their personalized service and thorough case evaluations. This firm is ideal for those seeking individualized attention in their legal matters. However, their smaller size may limit their resources for larger cases. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is individualized attention in legal matters. It serves Little Rock and nearby regions, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited resources for larger cases and fewer attorneys on staff.

Pros

  • Personalized service
  • Thorough case evaluations
  • Individualized attention

Cons

  • Limited resources for larger cases
  • Fewer attorneys on staff
Best forIndividualized attention in legal matters
Service areaLittle Rock and nearby regions
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
7

Warden Law Firm

★★★★★4.9(84 reviews)
84Score

Warden Law Firm has a 4.9 rating from 84 reviews. Clients often highlight their strong advocacy and commitment to their cases. They are particularly effective in handling complex legal issues. However, their smaller client base may result in less visibility within the community. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is complex legal issues and strong advocacy. It serves Little Rock and surrounding areas, with $200 to $500 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller client base and limited community visibility.

Pros

  • Strong advocacy for clients
  • Commitment to cases
  • Effective in complex legal issues

Cons

  • Smaller client base
  • Limited community visibility
Best forComplex legal issues and strong advocacy
Service areaLittle Rock and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$200 to $500 per hour
8

Wesley Rhodes, Attorney at Law

★★★★★4.9(60 reviews)
84Score

Wesley Rhodes, Attorney at Law, maintains a 4.9 rating from 60 reviews. Clients appreciate his straightforward legal advice and availability. He is best for those needing clear guidance through their legal issues. However, some reviews mention a lack of extensive resources for larger cases. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is straightforward guidance in legal matters. It serves Little Rock and nearby areas, with $150 to $350 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are lack of extensive resources for larger cases and limited staff.

Pros

  • Straightforward legal advice
  • Available for consultations
  • Clear guidance

Cons

  • Lack of extensive resources for larger cases
  • Limited staff
Best forStraightforward guidance in legal matters
Service areaLittle Rock and nearby areas
Typical pricing$150 to $350 per hour
9

Denson DWI & Drug Defense, PLLC

★★★★★4.9(60 reviews)
84Score

Denson DWI & Drug Defense, PLLC has a 4.9 rating from 60 reviews. Clients often commend their thorough preparation and knowledge of DWI laws. They excel in handling DWI and drug defense cases. However, some clients express concerns about their higher fees compared to others in the area. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is dWI and drug defense cases. It serves Little Rock and surrounding areas, with $200 to $500 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are higher fees than some competitors and limited office hours.

Pros

  • Thorough preparation
  • Knowledge of DWI laws
  • Effective in DWI and drug defense

Cons

  • Higher fees than some competitors
  • Limited office hours
Best forDWI and drug defense cases
Service areaLittle Rock and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$200 to $500 per hour
10

Lassiter & Cassinelli

★★★★★4.9(52 reviews)
82Score

Lassiter & Cassinelli has a 4.9 rating from 52 reviews. Clients appreciate their attentive service and willingness to answer questions thoroughly. They are a solid choice for clients seeking personal attention in their cases. However, the smaller number of reviews may indicate less experience compared to larger firms. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients seeking personal attention. It serves Little Rock and nearby areas, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller number of reviews and less experience than larger firms.

Pros

  • Attentive service
  • Willingness to answer questions
  • Personal attention

Cons

  • Smaller number of reviews
  • Less experience than larger firms
Best forClients seeking personal attention
Service areaLittle Rock and nearby areas
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
Before you book

How to choose a criminal defense lawyer in Little Rock

Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer can be daunting. Here are some key factors to consider that can help you make a confident choice.

Review Ratings

Look for lawyers with high ratings and a substantial number of reviews. A consistent record of positive feedback often indicates reliable service.

Specialization

Consider lawyers who specialize in the type of case you have. Their specific experience can directly impact the defense strategy.

Client Testimonials

Read through client testimonials to gauge personal experiences. These insights can provide a clearer picture of what to expect.

What it costs

What criminal defense lawyers cost in Little Rock

The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Little Rock can vary widely based on experience, case complexity, and reputation. Here’s a general overview of what to expect.

Initial Consultation$100 to $300, depending on the lawyer's experience and the specifics of your case.
Hourly Rate$150 to $500 per hour; rates vary based on the lawyer's expertise and the nature of the charges.
Flat Fees$1,500 to $5,000 for straightforward cases, such as misdemeanors or first-time offenses.
Complex Cases$5,000 to $20,000 for more serious charges, like felonies, which require extensive legal work.

Frequently asked questions

How much does hiring a criminal defense lawyer cost in Little Rock?

Fees typically range from $150 to $400 per hour, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer's experience.

What should I look for in a criminal defense lawyer?

Focus on their experience in similar cases, client reviews, and their communication style to ensure they align with your needs.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most Little Rock residents: <strong>Thompson Law Firm PLLC</strong>

Thompson Law Firm PLLC ranks as the clear leader with a 4.9-star rating from 440 reviews, proving their reliability and client satisfaction. Following closely is Victory Criminal Defense at a perfect 5-star rating from 136 reviews, showcasing its strong performance despite fewer reviews. Finally, Morledge Law Firm maintains a solid 4.8-star rating from 252 reviews, making it a trustworthy option for those seeking experienced defense representation.