Understanding your rights is essential to building a strong foundation for your defense, should you be charged with a crime. One of the most fundamental rights we have as citizens of the United States is the right to remain silent. While most people can recite the Miranda warning off the top of t...
In Rhode Island, there are several drug laws that may impact the citizens of the state. Understanding possession, constructive possession, and possession with intent to sell drugs is perhaps more complicated than the average person thinks. Possession of Drugs Possession of drugs is probably the...
In Rhode Island, it is illegal to drive while under the influence of drugs or liquor, pursuant to Rhode Island Statute §31 – 27 – 2. There are several ways one might be guilty of DUI. Understanding the three ways one can commit the crime of driving under the influence may make the offense less li...
In Rhode Island, domestic violence charges come with short-term consequences, and domestic violence convictions come with long-term consequences. One immediate consequence of domestic violence crimes in Rhode Island is the issuance of a No Contact Order. Understanding domestic violence charges an...
Drivers license suspensions are a tool for penalizing, enforcing and deterring criminal behavior and traffic violations. In many instances, an initial license suspension, such as one for a six-month period, can lead to a series of events that will result in an individual not having a license for...
Back in Colonial times, the British would sometime exercise “general warrants” where they searched houses in the U.S. These intrusive searches were viewed as unlawful and were one factor that contributed to the Revolutionary War efforts. In the U.S. Constitution, this protection was addressed in ...
The Rhode Island legislature is again looking to tighten the already restrictive state laws regarding firearms. This involves using “bump stocks,” which attach to semi-automatic firearms that can increase the firing rate close to that of fully automatic weapons. The rifles standard stock is repl...
While Rhode Islands neighbor to the north prepares for recreational sales, our state has been unable to gain traction to do the same. Until -- maybe -- now. Voters in Massachusetts, our northern neighbor, passed their measure on the issue in November 2017. On October 25, 2017, just before Massa...
As a former assistant public defender with the Rhode Island Public Defenders Office, I can state unequivocally that the Office goes above and beyond for its clients and the public at large with limited resources at their disposal. But theres only so much you can do when the Public Defenders Of...
Drivers operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% are guilty of DUI. Although, the state does not permit “sobriety checkpoints”, law enforcement is preparing for aggressive enforcement in 2018. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates show 30% ...
Certain categories of criminal activity are referred to as “white collar” crimes. They tend to use technology, deceit, or false documentation as tools rather than fear or violence in committing offenses such as financially-related crimes, acts of corruption, or bribery. The widespread adoption of...
The National Institute of Drug Abuse explains opioids are a class composed of both legal and illegal drugs. Common legal prescription pain relief opioids include oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), morphine and others. In the last 30 years, a synthetic opioid named fentanyl, used in ane...
A jury in a criminal action in Providence has found 49-year-old Jon Casella guilty of multiple counts involved with the distribution of methamphetamines, as well as a charge of illegal possession of a firearm. The Rhode Island man faces a prison sentence of at least five years after he sold drugs...
As of October 30, 2017, in Rhode Island, if you are convicted of domestic violence, you stand to lose more than time in jail, you could lose your Second Amendment right. The Protect Rhode Island Families Act was recently passed by the General Assembly and was signed into law by Governor Raimondo....
Getting a DUI is always a scary experience. Its a serious offense that will leave you facing various hefty penalties, including expensive fines and even time in jail. However, one consequence for being charged with a DUI that many forget about right off the bat is what these charges will do to y...
With many states across the country making the decision to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes, theres been an increase in the number of people using the substance and carrying it on their person. Whats important to note is that every state has different laws for marijuana possession a...
Being charged with a DUI is a scary situation for anyone to be in, whether its your first offense or youve been in the situation before. There are likely a million thoughts running through your mind after the traffic stop, such as what you should do next and what your options are. Thats unders...
No matter what kind of criminal charges youre facing, you are going to be up against some pretty hefty consequences. These types of crimes can leave you with exorbitant fines and even time spent in jail. Not to mention, a criminal charge will show up on your public record, potentially making it ...
By now, youve probably heard about someone “pleading insanity” in a criminal defense case, but have you ever wondered what that actually means? With most states in the country having at least one version of an insanity defense, it often becomes even more confusing to figure out how it all works....
If youre facing a misdemeanor charge, youre likely wondering if it would be worthwhile for you to hire a criminal defense lawyer to represent you or not. Many people make the decision to handle misdemeanor offenses without hiring an experienced attorney to be by their side, instead attempting t...
Rhode Island State Police have more than doubled the number of citations written for texting while driving, and a recent Traffic Tribunal ruling stated you dont have to be sending or receiving a text to violate that law. The states “text messaging” statute does not mention other potentially d...
Theres no doubt that being arrested for any kind of crime can be a very scary situation. Most likely, you arent sure whats going to happen next or what you should even do at a time like this. The good news is, you dont have to panic or feel intimidated by being in the police station, surround...
Youve likely heard of both a DUI and a DWI, but do you know the difference between the two? “DUI” is an acronym that stands for driving under the influence. “DWI” stands for driving while intoxicated or impaired. Many states use both of these terms and in some cases, a DWI will strictly refer to...
When you are arrested and charged with a crime, the details of the case are put online for all the world to see. A quick search online by anyone (e.g. family, friends, co-workers) will reveal any crime you have been charged with, as your public record is free for anyone to view. Having that infor...
As a college student, you have a pretty full schedule ahead of you. Youre attending classes, studying, and possibly working off-campus so you can make enough money to put a dent in those student loans. As many college students do, you probably attend a few parties during the semester and ultimat...
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