Rhode Island Violent Crimes Lawyer

FBI statistics show that more than 2,500 violent crimes were committed in Rhode Island during 2015 resulting in over 800 arrests. Although those numbers are high – they are down considerably from the state’s highest points in 1990-1991 with well over 4,ooo recorded violent crimes.

Violent crime is frightening. Its randomness provokes fear and a feeling of helplessness: if it is random, how can you protect yourself? Public outcry and political reaction to it put considerable pressure on law enforcement to prevent violent crimes and to punish them severely when they do occur.

Sometimes that public pressure leads law enforcement to be overzealous in their desire to solve violent crimes and reassure the public. It’s the job of Rhode Island violent crimes attorney to protect your rights and make sure that this zeal doesn’t end up snaring innocent people.

Most Common Reasons for Arrest in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Violent Crimes Attorney

According to data provided by the Uniform Crime Reporting Program, property crime and violent crime are the most common reasons for arrest in Rhode Island.

Did You Know?

Penalties Are Severe

All violent crimes carry significant penalties upon conviction, but the severity varies considerably depending on the specific violent crime. At the extreme end is first degree murder, punishable by 20 years to life. Simple assault or battery charges, in comparison, calls for a maximum prison term of one year and up to $1,000 in fines. Many violent crimes carry sentences of 10 to 20 years and, as a general rule, the more violent, the more severe the sentence.

For violent crimes that also amount to domestic violence, the penalties are enhanced further. For violent crimes that fit the state’s hate crime law, the penalty can be increased an additional 1 to 5 years.

Violent Crime Defense in Rhode Island

Violent crime charges can be defended on many different grounds. The types of defense can generally be grouped into the following four categories:

It takes considerable time and experience to identify the defenses most likely to succeed. Any challenge to the accuracy of the facts alleged by the state requires significant investigation and interviewing of witnesses.

Call an Experienced Rhode Island Violent Crimes Attorney

If you have been accused of committing a violent crime in Rhode Island, get legal help. The sooner you get the advice of an experienced criminal defense lawyer, the better your chances of still being free when the case is over. Seemingly innocent statements that you make to the police, or even to a cellmate in the local jail, can come back to haunt you. Talk to an experienced defense lawyer before you talk to anyone else.

Violent crime cases are high stakes battles. On one side are the prosecutors, well equipped and with the power and resources of the state at their command. On the other side are you and your defense lawyer. The cases are complex, and many different factors can be considered to increase the potential penalties. Important questions and issues arise quickly and need to be quickly addressed.

Rhode Island criminal defense attorney Stefanie A. Murphy has years of successful experience handling a wide variety of violent crime cases in Rhode Island. She can protect your rights throughout the proceeding by, among other things:

Call the Law Offices of Stefanie A. Murphy today. There is no charge for your initial consultation.