Law Blog

Why Assault Charges Arise from Simple Situations

Posted in General on February 7, 2020

There are several potential sentences due to the complex and confusing definitions of an assault in the state of Rhode Island. In fact, most assault charges originate from simple situations but can lead to serious criminal charges. And, I’m sure having a criminal record or jail time on your back is not something you want. Assault, implying violence, doesn’t have to… read more

DUI’s Explained – Learn everything you need to know about DUI’s

Posted in DUI on December 30, 2019

Substance-impaired driving is illegal and dangerous, and Rhode Island takes drunk driving very seriously. No matter the substance that has caused your impairment, the consequences of a DUI conviction can be extreme. But before we get started, you need to know the difference between DWI, DUI, OWI and OUI.

Have you been pulled over and ticketed for violating a Rhode Island traffic law?

Posted in DUI on October 29, 2019

Have you been pulled over and ticketed for violating a Rhode Island traffic law? Stefanie Murphy can help resolve these matters in a favorable way. If you have violated any of the following traffic laws, keep reading to see how Stefanie Murphy can help. Speeding Turn signal violation Traffic device violation Reckless driving Presence of alcohol Failure to wear seat belt Driving… read more

What to do When You’re Pulled Over By Police

Posted in General on April 15, 2019

When you’re pulled over by police, it’s natural for your mind to start racing. You’re panicked for a variety of reasons and it’s almost impossible to think quickly and clearly about your rights and what you should expect. Depending on your past experiences with police officers, you may also be very afraid for your safety… read more

What to Do When You’re Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence

Posted in General on April 15, 2019

Have you been falsely accused of domestic violence? You have options! Read on to learn everything you need to know about defending yourself. False accusations of domestic violence have been making headlines now more than ever before. In fact, these claims are happening so often that concerned citizens have even submitted a formal petition to… read more

How Do I Vacate a No-Contact Order in Rhode Island?

Posted in General on March 19, 2019

“My spouse was arrested and charged with a domestic assault in Rhode Island. As a result of being arrested, there is a no contact order that prevents my spouse from contacting me. The police made a mistake and my spouse should not have been arrested. How do I get the no contact order removed?” This… read more

$500 UBER Gift Card St. Paddy’s Day Giveaway

Posted in DUI,General on March 13, 2019

Help Get Out the Word to Prevent DUIs in Rhode Island As a Rhode Island DUI lawyer, I have been working on DUI cases for nearly 15 years and have seen first hand how drastically they can affect someone’s life. The fines can be as much at $2000 or more and the drivers’ license… read more

Making My Own Path: A Woman in Private Criminal Defense

Posted in General on March 8, 2019

Here is a recent article I wrote that discusses my struggle with balancing professional and private life. https://ms-jd.org/blog/article/making-my-own-path-a-woman-in-private-criminal-defense

Rhode Island DUI Trial Process

Posted in DUI on February 12, 2019

Every DUI starts with an arrest. The police or justice of the peace will provide the motorist with papers that contain the court dates. If you were charged with refusal or traffic offenses, you will have a separate court date for those offenses. Rhode Island Arraignment or Re-Arraignment In regard to a DUI charge, your… read more

What is a Hardship License?

Posted in DUI on February 12, 2019

For the last couple years, Rhode Island (in some situations) allows a motorist who is charged with a refusal to submit to a chemical test or a motorist who pleas to a DUI to ask the Court for a hardship license. When Can I Request a Hardship License? In regard to a refusal charge, at… read more

What Happens If You Refuse a Breathalyzer Test?

Posted in DUI on December 11, 2018

If you refuse the Breathalyzer test, it will most likely result in the suspension of your license after the refusal arraignment but prior to any hearing of your case. The truth of the matter is that a refusal case is difficult to win. Before you refuse a Breathalyzer test, learn more about your circumstances and… read more

What Happens During a Field Sobriety Test?

Posted in DUI on December 11, 2018

Many times when a person is pulled over and the officer is trying to determine whether a motorist is under the influence of alcohol or drugs the officer will conduct field sobriety tests. Although there are three standardized field sobriety tests that are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration manual (NHTSA Manual), there… read more

Should You Take a Breathalyzer Test?

Posted in DUI on December 11, 2018

When you are stopped by a police officer in Rhode Island for suspected drunk driving, you may be asked to take a Breathalyzer test. Should you refuse? The natural right to be free from self-incrimination would insist that “yes”, you should refuse. But Rhode Island is an “implied consent” state, meaning that one is assumed… read more

Five Ways to Beat a DUI Refusal or OUI

Posted in DUI on September 6, 2018

As a Rhode Island DUI attorney, I am frequently asked about ways to beat a DUI. While there is a lot of information regarding this topic, I have chosen the top five ways to beat a DUI refusal or OUI: 1. Don’t Provide Additional Information At the time of the stop, do not provide any… read more

New expungement law can help many

Posted in General on September 27, 2017

In the past, many defendants have been denied an expungement because they are not a first time offender. Even if the prior offenses were 20 or 30 years old, under the old law, the Court would deny the expungement. New 2017 legislation changes all of that!!! Now under the expungement laws- RIGL 12-1.3.-1, 12-1.3-2… read more

Fatal Stabbing in Taunton; Assailant Shot & Killed