I doubt your public defender will still be assigned to this case. You could contact the public defender’s office and explain the situation. Or you could contact a private lawyer. There may be a warrant out for you. But it should not be difficult, if it’s a misdemeanor and you have had no... View More

The answer is most like yes, your statement is admissible. The police will argue that you were not in custody at the time you made the statement. Miranda warnings (rights, as you call them) are only required to be administered when you are not free to leave and the police question you. You need... View More

This is a very bad idea. It will be interpreted as an attempt to connect with her, in violation of the order. Maybe you could argue that is not your intent, but I highly doubt that a judge will believe you. Don’t do it.

Depends on the circumstances in which you “helped.” It’s not automatic, but gun offenses are treated harshly in Rhode Island. You need to speak directly and privately with an attorney.

Felons cannot possess a firearm. I am not sure what you mean by ‘non lethal.’ A baseball bat can be lethal, but there is no law against possessing one. Knives are also lethal, but you can possess one in most circumstances. Maybe you should consult a lawyer in private, and be more specific... View More

If you have not been charged, there is nothing to prove. The burden is always on the state to prove guilt. But that is not the end of the inquiry. If you think police are considering charging you, but believe you have evidence that will help convince them that charges are not warranted, you need... View More

In general you are correct. But an officer doesn’t have to furnish you with a reason when he/she/they ask for your ID. Whether the officer has an articulable suspicion is usually evaluated after the fact by a judge or jury. Nothing prevents you from asking why the officer wants ID. But use... View More

It might be. But it’s the details that matter. You need to speak to a lawyer. Call one.

Domestic charges are serious and potentially a felony depending on the grandmother’s age. Your boyfriend needs a lawyer. It may be possible to get the charges dropped, but there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer. Please contact and retain an attorney. Don’t try to do this alone. I hope... View More

This is a trusts and estates issue. It may be civil in nature, but if you are alleging theft, there may be a criminal element to it. You should find a civil litigator who has experience or knowledge about contesting a will or challenging the distribution of assets from an estate. From the way... View More

They know because of a complaint, or a text message, or an email, or because of a witness.... or many other reasons. There is no one answer. If you say there is a violation, that may be enough. If there is a voicemail, the police will want to listen to it. If you have a restraining order... View More

Well, there must be a reason for the denial. Did you ask? Have you had a BCI check run with the Department of Attorney General or a police department? I believe the governor has extended the waiting period for gun purchases. I suggest that you directly inquire why your request was denied. If... View More

You should call and meet with a lawyer. This is not something you should blindly inquire about online. You will want an experienced criminal lawyer.

You are right-- you need an attorney. I understand why you feel the way that you do. But the fact is you have been charged. The police are often trained to look at the people involved in a domestic dispute. When there is visible evidence of injury, the police are required to charge someone.... View More

The victim cannot dismiss a charge. The victim can communicate, however, that he/she does not wish to go forward. That may lead to a dismissal, depending on the facts. You should discuss this matter with a lawyer before you do anything in order to avoid any issues.

Don’t lie for him. The felony on his record is not your fault. It’s not your job to ‘get it off his record.’ You could benefit from some private legal consultation. Even if you are now on good terms, there is no real excuse for striking a woman, much less one who is 8 months pregnant.

Yes, in many cases you can be charged again after the original complaint was dismissed. As long as the statute of limitations has not run, the charges can be brought again. You should hire an experienced lawyer to respond and defend you. Good luck.

I am sorry for your situation. Domestic crimes are viewed very cautiously by judges and prosecutors. The penalties are more severe, usually requiring batterers intervention classes for six months. Domestic cases are also harder to seal or expunge, and the wait before expungement is longer. It... View More

You are smart to ask this question, and your boyfriend's attempt to "fix" the lease is, to be charitable, very foolish. Don't do it. If this case was charged as a domestic B and E, you should not even be in contact with your boyfriend unless and until the no contact order is... View More

Cooperate with the attorney. Public defenders do a terrific job, and should follow through with their own investigation. The Rhode Island public defender has its own investigators. You can also communicate to the Attorney General that you do not wish to go forward with any complaint against your... View More