Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Providence

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Providence, Rhode Island?

  The local authorities at Providence provided (401) 272-3121 as the non-emergency contact number of the police station in case of a non-urgent incident.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Providence, Rhode Island?

  A person can inquire and request a copy of a police report at the records office of Providence by dialing (401) 243-6416. Requests may take up to ten business days before availability. Access to the Public Records Act requires a fee of $0.15 per copied page.

• What are the consequences of a domestic violence charge in Providence?

  A convicted person with domestic violence charges in Providence is penalized with a prison sentence, domestic violence counseling, probation conditions, payment of fees and fines, and no contact order with the victim. If a person committed a second offense misdemeanor domestic violence charge, he serves a minimum of ten days up to one year of mandatory jail time. A third-offense violator faces a minimum of one year to ten years imprisonment.

• Is domestic violence considered a felony in Providence?

  Under the Rhode Island General Laws and domestic violence prevention act, the first simple act of domestic assault is a misdemeanor. If a person in Providence commits domestic assault more than twice, it becomes a felony penalized for jail time of at least one to ten years. There is also domestic assault with the intent to commit a felony, which faces between one to twenty years in prison, and felony domestic assault, which either results in no injury, bodily injury, or serious bodily injury.

• Does Providence require a sex offender registry?

  Under the Rhode Island Sexual Offender Registration and Community Notification Act, some criminal convictions require a person who resides in Providence to register as a sex offender in the area. The statute obligates the registered sex offender to verify their basic information and residential address quarterly by either calling (401) 243-6301, going to the Public Safety Complex at 325 Washington Street, Providence, RI, or emailing (sor@providenceri.gov).

• What are the prevalent defenses used against domestic violence charges in Providence?

  The most commonly used defenses against domestic violence charges in Providence are false accusation, self-defense, suppressed evidence, defense of others, uncooperative victims, and direct contradiction. There is also the lack of a "domestic" relationship, defined in the Rhode Island General Laws 12-29-2(b), as only definite relations can advance to a domestic offense. Charges are only allowed for spouses, engaged couples, substantive "dating" relationships, married, blood-relative, or individuals who have at least lived together for three years.

• Does Providence have a statute of limitation for domestic violence charges?

  Generally, bringing up a domestic violence charge alone in Providence has no ordained time, but the inherent nature of the crime determines the statute of limitation. In the Rhode Island general laws § 12-12-17, a criminal offense has three years unless the law promulgated a longer statute of limitation. However, domestic violence relating to homicide is an exemption.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.