Arkansas

Arkansas Legal Resources

Free legal information, aid organizations, and court resources for residents of Arkansas. Know your rights and find help.

Legal Aid Organizations

Legal Aid of Arkansas

Provides free civil legal services to low-income Arkansans in all 75 counties, covering housing, family law, and consumer issues.

Visit Website →

Center for Arkansas Legal Services (CALS)

Offers free legal representation and advice to low-income residents in central and southern Arkansas.

Visit Website →

Arkansas Access to Justice Commission

Works to improve access to the civil justice system for all Arkansans regardless of income.

Visit Website →

Center for Arkansas Legal Services

Provides free legal help to low-income residents statewide in civil matters including housing, family, and consumer issues.

Visit Website →

Legal Aid of Arkansas

Serves low-income residents in northern and western Arkansas with free civil legal services.

Visit Website →

Court System Overview

The Supreme Court of Arkansas is the state's highest court. The Court of Appeals handles most appeals. Circuit Courts serve as general jurisdiction trial courts. District Courts handle minor cases, traffic violations, and small claims.

Key State Laws & Protections

Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act

Governs rental relationships under ACA 18-17, including security deposit rules and eviction procedures.

Arkansas Civil Rights Act

Prohibits discrimination in employment and public accommodations based on race, religion, national origin, gender, and disability.

Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act

Consumer protection law prohibiting deceptive business practices under ACA 4-88.

Arkansas Minimum Wage Act

Sets state minimum wage requirements with provisions above the federal minimum for qualifying employers.

Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act

Governs rental relationships under ACA 18-17, including security deposit limits and landlord maintenance obligations.

Arkansas Civil Rights Act of 1993

Provides protections against discrimination in employment and public accommodations based on race, religion, national origin, gender, and disability.

Bar Association

Arkansas Bar Association
Visit Official Website →

Legal Aid Hotline

Need Immediate Legal Help? Call the Arkansas Legal Aid hotline at 1-800-950-5817 for free legal assistance.

Emergency Legal Resources

National Domestic Violence Hotline

24/7 confidential support

1-800-799-7233

Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline

Report child abuse or neglect

1-800-482-5964

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for crisis support

988

Recent Legal Updates (2025–2026)

Arkansas LEARNS Act Updates (2025)

Continued implementation of education reforms affecting school choice, teacher pay, and student scholarship programs.

Medical Marijuana Program Expansion (2025)

Updated regulations for the medical marijuana program, including additional qualifying conditions and dispensary licensing.

Related Guides

Know Your Rights Find a Lawyer Legal Aid Resources Court Preparation

Filing Deadlines (Statute of Limitations)

Personal Injury

Statute of Limitations: 3 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Contract Disputes

Statute of Limitations: 5 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Property Damage

Statute of Limitations: 3 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Medical Malpractice

Statute of Limitations: 2 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Fraud

Statute of Limitations: 5 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Court Filing Fees

Small Claims Court

Typical filing fee: $30-$65 (claims up to $5,000)

Small claims court is designed for individuals to resolve minor disputes quickly and affordably without an attorney.

Civil Court

Typical filing fee: $150-$300

Civil court handles larger disputes including personal injury, contract breaches, and property claims. Attorney representation is common.

Family Court

Typical filing fee: $100-$200

Family court handles divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence matters. Fee waivers are often available for low-income filers.

Free Legal Aid Organizations

Legal Aid of Arkansas

Statewide free civil legal services for low-income Arkansans in housing, family, consumer, and benefits matters.

Visit Website →

Center for Arkansas Legal Services (CALS)

Free legal help for low-income residents in central and southern Arkansas.

Visit Website →

Arkansas Volunteer Lawyers for the Elderly

Pro bono legal services for senior citizens across Arkansas.

Visit Website →

State Bar Resources

Arkansas Bar Association

Referral: Lawyer Referral Service: (501) 375-4606

Pro Bono: Arkansas Access to Justice Commission coordinates pro bono legal services statewide.

Visit State Bar Website →
Featured Attorney
Your Firm Name Here
Serving your state — all practice areas
★★★★★
Experienced attorneys ready to help with your legal situation. Free consultations available.
Get Free Consultation Sponsored — Place Your Ad Here

Frequently Asked Legal Questions in Arkansas

Arkansas has multiple legal aid organizations that provide free or low-cost legal help to income-eligible residents. You can also contact your local bar association for pro bono referrals, or visit our Legal Aid Finder to search by zip code.
In Arkansas, tenants generally have the right to a habitable dwelling, proper notice before eviction, the return of security deposits within a specified timeframe, and protection from housing discrimination. Specific rules vary — visit our Tenant Rights Checker for Arkansas-specific details.
Arkansas allows expungement or record sealing for many misdemeanor and some felony convictions, typically after a waiting period and no subsequent offenses. Eligibility depends on the charge type, sentence served, and time elapsed. Use our Expungement Eligibility Checker to see if you qualify.
Arkansas sets its own minimum wage, which may be higher than the federal minimum of $7.25/hr. Many cities within the state may have even higher local minimums. Use our Wage & Overtime Calculator to check the current Arkansas minimum wage and calculate your pay.
The statute of limitations in Arkansas sets the deadline to file a lawsuit after an injury or dispute. It varies by case type — personal injury, contracts, and criminal charges all have different limits. Use our Legal Deadline Calculator to find your specific deadline in Arkansas.