Assault comes in various types and forms, but in any of its manifestations, it is a serious charge that can land you in jail. This is when talking to an experienced Rhode Island assault attorney can help your case.
Many people are confused about the crime of “assault.” The word itself connotes violence. However, you can be accused and convicted of assault without ever touching your accuser. You might think you showed restraint during a confrontation by not striking the person, only to find yourself facing charges for assault. If the victim felt threatened, that’s all it takes to constitute assault.
Battery charges, distinct from assault, involve some form of unwanted physical contact. The contact does not have to be a beating or have caused a serious injury to meet the definition; a threatening poke or a shove is all it takes to find yourself facing charges. If you are facing assault charges, contact Rhode Island assault lawyer Stefanie Murphy immediately.
If you have been accused of assault or battery, you are undoubtedly stressed and concerned for your future. No one wants to go to prison or go through life with a criminal record. Having the right Rhode Island assault lawyer can make all the difference. Super Lawyers “Rising Star” Stefanie A. Murphy has the experience, knowledge, and skill to help you achieve the best possible outcome in the circumstances. Bring Rhode Island assault attorney Stefanie A. Murphy on board immediately if you’ve been arrested.
In a few cases, Stefanie can prevent prosecutors from filing charges at all. In many cases, Stefanie will negotiate to have the charges reduced or dropped entirely. When it is in your best interest, she will take your case before a jury for a full acquittal. Call the Criminal Law Offices of Marin & Murphy right away for the aggressive, focused and committed defense you deserve in Providence and throughout Rhode Island. The initial consultation is free and payment plans are available to fit your budget.
The most basic assault or battery charge is simple assault or simple battery. In these cases, it’s likely that no one was hurt, but the contact or threatened contact was enough to raise concern in the accused of his or her safety. In Rhode Island, simple assault and simple battery are misdemeanors that can land you in jail for up to a year with up to $1,000 in fines.
Different Types of Felony Assault & Battery Crimes
If you are accused of threatening someone with something that appeared to be a gun in Rhode Island, contact a Rhode Island assault lawyer. Even if it was a toy and even if there was no firearm actually involved, you could be sentenced to up to three years in prison if no one was injured. You could face up to ten years if a serious bodily injury occurred.
Enhanced Penalties for Aggravated Assault or Battery
Rhode Island law specifies certain classes of people who have a protected status, meaning that assault or battery on them may result in enhanced penalties of up to three years in prison, a fine of up to $1,500, or both. These include:
Assault or battery on a person age 60 or older can result in a sentence of up to five years in prison, with up to $1,000 in charges. Due to these severe penalties, is vital to contact an experienced Rhode Island assault lawyer if you are facing assault charges.
Although each case is very fact specific, individuals have a variety of defenses if one is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. Some of the defenses are:
Defense of Another
Under the law, you have a right to protect yourself along with the right to protect others. You do not need to sit there and watch a person get assaulted and not act to help that person. Attorney Stefanie Murphy will speak to you and determine, based on the facts in your case, if this is a good defense for you.
Self-Defense
It is likely that you would do anything for a family member or friend if they were being attacked in your presence. Safe to say, you’d probably do your utmost to defend yourself if you were in a similar predicament. Under the law you have a right to protect yourself. What you might view as self-defense could be seen differently from the eyes of the law and/or lawyers or jury members having to determine your fate.
Stop for a moment to think about how you can avoid a serious assault charge or charges, ones that could lead to lengthy jail time:
Mutual Fight
Many times the events that actually happened are part of a mutual fight. The police rush to judgment and decide to charge one of the two parties when really they should have charged both parties or no one.
There are many other defenses such as that there was no dangerous weapon, that there was no bodily injury, that the allegations are made up because the person making the allegations wants to get back at you.
A weapon or substance that can kill or cause serious bodily injury (i.e. guns, knives, fire, acid, etc.). Even shoes, keys, and a car can all fight under the definition of a dangerous weapon.
A physical injury that causes physical pain, illness, or any impairment of physical condition.
A physical injury that creates a substantial risk of death, causes loss of function to any body part or organ, and/or causes permanent bodily disfigurement.
The formation of Marin & Murphy signifies a strengthened alliance dedicated to providing exceptional legal services. Clients can expect a collaborative approach that combines deep legal expertise with a steadfast commitment to achieving favorable outcomes.
We take the time to make sure you understand all your legal issues, risks and consequences, that starts at your free evaluation.
Stefanie Murphy's experience as a prosecutor allows her to build strong cases knowing the procedures and strategies of how the authorities will prosecute your case.
We provide 5 star individualize care for every one of our clients and cases, while protecting your freedom and legal rights.
At Marin & Murphy, we believe every client deserves a powerful defense and an unwavering advocate. Our team is built on decades of courtroom experience, led by skilled trial attorneys who don’t back down. Whether you’re facing a DUI, drug charge, or serious criminal allegation, we bring a relentless, strategic approach to every case—fighting for your rights, your future, and the outcome you deserve. When the stakes are high, we’re in your corner
At Marin, Barrett, and Murphy, we believe every client deserves a powerful defense and an unwavering advocate. Our team is built on decades of courtroom experience, led by skilled trial attorneys who don’t back down. Whether you’re facing a DUI, drug charge, or serious criminal allegation, we bring a relentless, strategic approach to every case—fighting for your rights, your future, and the outcome you deserve. When the stakes are high, we’re in your corner
