With the Rhode Island legislature passing the Domestic Violence Prevention Act in 1988, Rhode Island domestic violence laws have become well known for their strict enforcement and long-term consequences.
Rhode Island and Massachusetts empower police to arrest without a warrant persons suspected of domestic violence, spousal abuse, domestic assault, and domestic disorderly conduct. A person arrested without a warrant in these cases is alleged to have violated a domestic violence law.
A Conviction on a Domestic Violence Charge Has Penalties Including:
- Long jail sentences
- Heavy fines and costs
- Loss of civil rights (including the right to own a firearm)
- Loss of employment
- A lifetime of social stigma and loss of your reputation
- Court ordered counseling
It is imperative that you hire a qualified domestic violence attorney to represent you immediately after your arrest.
Because police most often feel compelled to arrest the person they believe to be the primary aggressor, many times the arrest is made in error. A person arrested will likely be forced to leave his or her home and be the subject of a protective order. Violating a domestic violence protective order is a separate crime and carries with it a jail sentence.
If you have been arrested on a domestic violence charge in Rhode Island, you need an experienced and aggressive Rhode Island domestic violence attorney to defend your rights against a justice system that is heavily stacked in your accuser’s favor.
The Law Offices of John R. Grasso has a proven record of successful results defending various clients against even the most serious domestic violence charges.
Similar to sex crimes, domestic violence is a criminal charge that is notorious for a presumption of guilt and a rush to judgment.
Every person has a right to a skilled legal defense and a fair trial.
At the Law Offices of John R. Grasso, our aggressive criminal defense lawyers have are experienced in defending clients against domestic violence charges including:
Domestic violence includes, but is not limited to:
- Assault and Battery
- Kidnapping
- Child Snatching
- Sex Assault
- False Imprisonment
- Harassing Phone Calls or Text Messaging or Email
- Stalking
- Cyber-Stalking
- Disorderly Conduct
- Trespassing
- Vandalism
- Homicide
- Violating Protective Orders or Restraining Orders or No-Contact Orders
- Preventing Access to the Telephone
For a crime to be considered a domestic violence offense, the parties involved may be:
- husband/wife/spouses or former spouses
- adult persons related by blood or marriage
- adult persons living together (roommates) or have lived together within the past 3 years
- people who have children in common
- people who are engaged or have been engaged, or in a significant dating relationship
Why Should I Choose a Private Attorney Over A Public Defender?
While many public defenders are fantastic, skilled lawyers who represent their clients to the utmost capability, the fact of the matter is that public defenders are government employees and subject to overwhelming caseloads, budget cuts, and bureaucratic politics. Even though you may attempt to persuade your public defender to look at your case from a different angle, or look more closely into the facts of your situation, a public cannot afford to give you the close, personal attention of a private attorney
With a private criminal defense attorney, you are afforded the opportunity to consult with a lawyer who is able to give you their undivided attention. A private criminal defense attorney will likely have better resources at their disposal to respond to the many motions the District Attorney will file, and as a result will put you in a better position to face the minimum penalties possible.
At the Law Offices of John R. Grasso, we take pride in our ability to work closely with our clients to establish their strongest legal defense. We will work tirelessly on your behalf and advocate zealously to defend your freedom.
If you have been arrested and charged with a domestic violence crime, don’t let the justice system ruin your life. Call the Law Offices of John R. Grasso for a free consultation today.