Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
Rhode Island Criminal Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Car Accidents for Rhode Island on
Q: Is there a good chance that I can qualify for accelerated rehabilitation it being my first offense?

Also being charged for driving to endanger resulting in serious bodily injury. It is not what happened but its what I'm being told.

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Dec 21, 2022

"what I'm being told ..." Hopefully, you are being guided, informed, and represented by a licensed attorney who is helping you topprepare and defend the case. Part of that advice will likley include NOT making ANY statements in public (forum like this) to preserve your constitutional... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Rhode Island on
Q: A officer came to my house and took my pistol and my permit for further investigation how can i get it back from them

There where no arrest or charges the reason they came to my house because someone was following me and pull up in my window at 10pm and he had something in his hands i keep driving we ended up in a dead end street i felt threat and i warning shot 3 time to the air the person call the cops on me and... Read more »

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Dec 7, 2022

As a criminal defendant, your fifth amendment right to remain silent is very important. This includes public boards like this. I would highly recommend that you consult with a licensed attorney in your area confidentially, to discuss your rights responsibilities and explore possible defenses to the... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Rhode Island on
Q: I got a summons for obstructing police duty do I need a lawyer for my summons date
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Nov 2, 2022

An attorney is your best choice for helping advocate while navigating the procedural path of defending a criminal charge. If you qualify, and cannot afford an attorney, the court may appoint a public defender to assist you.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Rhode Island on
Q: I was arrested for taking my wife's phone when she threatened to call the police. They asked me in my home if I took her

Phone and I said yes. They put me in handcuffs and took me to the station without ever reading me my rights. Is my statement I made in my house admissible in court?

Thomas Briody
Thomas Briody
answered on Jul 24, 2022

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... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Rhode Island on
Q: I have a no contact order against me by my wife. If I change my FB profile picture to us and two kids is it a violation?
Thomas Briody
Thomas Briody
answered on Jul 23, 2022

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.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Rhode Island on
Q: What do you call planting drugs on someone

I saw a video once on Facebook where a woman calls the cops on a kid who's selling lemon aid because he doesn't have a permit and when nothing happens she takes a bag of drugs from some random person she finds asleep in like a park and plant's it in the kids back pack because she... Read more »

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Nov 7, 2022

This is not a hypothetical movie-time question page offering advice on Facebook videos. Watch the video again and if you still can't answer the question write on that person's Facebook wall.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Rhode Island on
Q: I saw a video recently where a woman Illegally Adopted a kid

then she tried to basically sell him when she decided she didn't want him, what would that be classified as?

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Nov 7, 2022

https://www.imdb.com/search/keyword/?keywords=baby-selling

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Rhode Island on
Q: Can I get charged for a felony by helping a detective retrieve a stolen firearm
Thomas Briody
Thomas Briody
answered on May 18, 2022

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.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes and Gov & Administrative Law for Rhode Island on
Q: i was wondering if a non violent felon can own a non-lethal weapon in the state of rhode island? the felony charges were

15 years ago.

Thomas Briody
Thomas Briody
answered on Mar 2, 2022

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... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Rhode Island on
Q: If I haven’t been formally charged I believe I am innocent and Can prove it can I file for a review and how
Thomas Briody
Thomas Briody
answered on Feb 23, 2022

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... Read more »

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Rhode Island on
Q: I was arrested in Rhode Island with a tiny small amount of cocaine(0.1 gram) but charged with 10g or less. What to do?

I was not qualify for public defender. What should I do?? Can I represent myself ?? Should I plead guilty or not ? If so, what am I looking at ? My first offense.

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 20, 2022

Invest in your freedom, liberty, and record by retaining a capable criminal defense attorney to help you evaluate your options, and formulate your best defense, in confidence. they will also help to discern if you qualify to participate in the diversion program.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: I rescued 6 wk old blind bulldog. I pay all the vet bills,heartwarm grooming ect. Reg to me. How do I get her back
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Dec 6, 2021

It is unclear from whom or what you wish to get your rescue pet back from. If the pet was stolen from you, you may try contacting the police. If an owner with superior title has taken the pet, you may have to file a civil case. Make arrangements to meet with your local attorney to discuss all of... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Rhode Island on
Q: What do I do if a 16 year old is summoned to a family court but is outta state to attend the court what happens
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jul 20, 2021

Family court is being held remotely now = online. Speak with your attorney to find the login credentials and avoid offending the court.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Criminal Law, Federal Crimes and Traffic Tickets for Rhode Island on
Q: If I live in CT & got a ticket in Rhode island. I would like to fight it in court. Do RI or CT laws apply 2 me in court

I have been driving 2 years, I have a clean record, great credit.

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jun 23, 2021

Traffic ticket issued in Rhode Island so you are under the jurisdiction and law of Rhode Island. It is recommended that you contact a Rhode Island traffic ticket attorney to discuss your matter and options----depending on the circumstances, you might be able to hire the RI attorney and he might be... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes and Small Claims for Rhode Island on
Q: Which official could I discuss filing a charge of theft, embezzlement against a Rhode Island resident with?

My mother died in 2006 and left $100,000 for my children. The money was put into two individual money market accounts managed by my half brother (a Rhode Island resident). We have those documents. In 2014 my son received a $25,000 disbursement along with a text chain which confirms in... Read more »

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 21, 2021

This message will likely be deleted due to the inclusion of proper names, consult with a private attorney to bring a civil action in the appropriate court. They will also be able to advise you on any potential criminal charges after you present all of your evidence in a private and confidential... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Can a 48a dismissal be re opened? is it legal?

I had a case simple assault/domestic case that was dismissed (48a) at trial. somehow it was later reopened months later and I was arrested again on the same exact charge. I took it to trial and was found not guilty. I also tried to remove it from my record and it still shows.

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Mar 31, 2021

Talk to your attorney in private to explore your options. Your attorney will know all of the appropriate steps to ensure the expungement/seal process is completed properly.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury, Products Liability and Legal Malpractice for Rhode Island on
Q: I have a GPS monitor on. It has caused permanent damage to my ankle. Can I sue for damages?

I'm on Interstate Parole. I had a violation and had to go back and serve 90 days. Upon release and arrival back to Rhode Island, a GPS monitor was attached. The first time I had a monitor, it was for 90 days. I did not get any marks then.

However, it has been six months since I... Read more »

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Feb 23, 2021

I'm not hearing you had medical treatement. Until you get it there is no record showing you have anything caused by the monitor. Once you have that you can ask to have it switched to the other ankle or made so that you can work a sock in between the brace and your ankle.

You should...
Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Is it excessive force if the police cause me to get stitches
Thomas Briody
Thomas Briody
answered on Oct 27, 2020

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

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Rhode Island on
Q: How does my boyfriend get the charges dropped?

Long story short my boyfriends grandmother was harassing and yelling at him to pick up two small stones of concrete. He told her to stop giving an attitude or he was not going to do so. She continued to follow him around the yard, as he opened my car door she then pulled my door back, pushed him... Read more »

Thomas Briody
Thomas Briody
answered on Sep 30, 2020

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... Read more »

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes and Real Estate Law for Rhode Island on
Q: If a person has been nominated to be executor of will, steals estate from beneficiary is it criminal.

A prior will has been submitted with different executor. The other nominee has already stolen all property and is trying to sell a house under beneficiary's nose and keep everything. Is this a crime or it it a civil issue?

Thomas Briody
Thomas Briody
answered on Sep 28, 2020

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... Read more »

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.