Little Rock Mental Health Diversion Programs
If you or a loved one was arrested in Little Rock during a mental health crisis, Arkansas law may allow the case to be diverted into treatment instead of traditional prosecution. Little Rock cases are generally handled in Pulaski County courts — this guide explains how diversion works there, who qualifies, and what happens after.
Arkansas law that applies in Little Rock
Ark. Code § 16-10-139 — Specialty court programs.
- Ark. Code § 16-93-301 et seq. (first offender deferral)
Citations pending attorney review.
How a Little Rock case moves into diversion
- 1. Arrest & booking. After a Little Rock arrest, the case is filed with Pulaski County prosecutors. Jail mental health staff may flag a condition at intake.
- 2. Defense request. Your attorney gathers treatment records and asks the court or prosecutor for diversion or mental health court referral.
- 3. Evaluation & plan. A clinician confirms the diagnosis and proposes a treatment plan for the court to review.
- 4. Supervision. You follow the plan with regular check-ins with the Pulaski County court or program staff.
- 5. Dismissal. Successful completion can lead to dismissed charges and possible record sealing.
Who may qualify in Little Rock
Courts commonly consider a diagnosed condition such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, or major depression; whether it contributed to the alleged offense; whether treatment is likely to help; and public safety. Veterans may also be eligible for veterans treatment court where available. For the full Arkansas breakdown, see the Arkansas diversion guide.
Little Rock diversion FAQs
Does Little Rock have a mental health diversion program?
Criminal cases from Little Rock are typically heard in Pulaski County courts, where diversion is governed by Ark. Code § 16-10-139 (Specialty court programs) and local court and prosecutor policy. Availability depends on the charge and program capacity — a local defense attorney can confirm current options.
Where are Little Rock criminal cases heard?
Most Little Rock arrests are prosecuted in the Pulaski County criminal courts. Some minor offenses may go through municipal court. Mental health court dockets, where available, are usually run at the county level.
Who qualifies for mental health diversion in Little Rock?
Courts commonly look for a diagnosed mental health condition (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, major depression, and others) that played a role in the offense, a treatment plan likely to help, and no unreasonable public safety risk. Some serious or violent charges may be excluded under Arkansas law.
Can felony charges in Little Rock be diverted?
It depends on Arkansas law and the specific charge. Some Arkansas programs accept certain felonies; others are limited to misdemeanors. A Little Rock diversion lawyer can review whether your charge is eligible.
What happens if I complete diversion in Little Rock?
Successful completion of a Arkansas diversion program often leads to dismissal of the charges, and may open the door to sealing or expungement of the arrest record.
How do I find a mental health diversion lawyer in Little Rock?
Look for a criminal defense attorney who regularly practices in Pulaski County courts and has handled diversion or mental health court cases. You can request a match through this site at no cost.