Domestic Violence Attorney, Domestic Violence Lawyer, Criminal Attorney, RI, Rhode Island

Domestic Assault and Battery

In an effort to combat domestic violence, Rhode Island state laws governing the warrantless arrest powers of the police in domestic violence cases have been greatly expanded over the past thirty years. Rhode Island has empowered the police to make warrantless arrests in cases of suspected domestic violence, spousal abuse, and domestic assault, which means you may have been arrested or could be facing charges for which you shouldn’t. Therefore, it is crucial that you get a qualified Rhode Island Domestic Violence Attorney on your case and on your side immediately.

Call the Law Offices of John MacDonald NOW at 401-421-1440 or CONTACT US VIA EMAIL and Aggressive Legal Services will be able to tell you what we can do to protect and defend your rights today.

Rhode Island Domestic Violence Act states under section § 12-29-3 Law enforcement officers – Duties and immunity.

“(a) The primary duty of law enforcement officers when responding to a domestic violence
situation is to enforce the laws allegedly violated and to protect the victim.”

Not only does this mean that a larger number of arrests are made but the consequences for those suffering for a warrantless domestic violence arrest can be more severe then deserved. You will face domestic violence charges and likely a protective order. Prosecutors can be very aggressive in filing domestic violence charges due to the intensely political nature of the charges, and publicity that goes along with it. Domestic assault & violence charges have powerful advocacy and lobbying groups that challenge politicians in these cases.

Therefore, it is crucial that you get a qualified Rhode Island Domestic Violence Attorney on your case and on your side immediately. This will minimize the risks and damage you are facing and may be able to avoid domestic violence charges as well as potentially stop the filing of restraining orders, no contact orders, and other protective orders.

RECENT CASE RESULTS:

• On June 9, 2010, Attorney John MacDonald successfully negotiated the dismissal of his client’s domestic assault charge in Newport County District Court.

Call the Law Offices of John MacDonald NOW at 401-421-1440 or CONTACT US VIA EMAIL and Aggressive Legal Services will be able to tell you what we can do to protect you as your Rhode Island Domestic Violence Attorneys.

Rhode Island also is passing legislation to make Domestic Violence laws even tougher. New crimes would be classified as acts of domestic violence under legislation passed by the Senate. The bill would make crimes such as arson, burglary and the damage to or obstruction of a telephone a domestic violence offense. Victims of those crimes would be able to get a "no contact'' order and other protection provided by the Domestic Violence Prevention Act.

 The people that is encompassed by Domestic Violence laws has also expanded. For a crime to be designated as a domestic violence offense, the victim and the defendant must be “family or household members”, which includes:

• husband/wife/spouses or former spouses
• adult persons related by blood or marriage
• adult persons who are presently living together (roommates) or have lived together within the past 3 years
• people who have a child in common
• people who are or have been engaged, or in a significant dating relationship within the past year as determined by the court, based on length and type of relationship, time/duration of relationship, and frequency of interaction between the two individuals

This wide definition of relationships often makes a warrantless arrest possible and could begin a nightmare for family members and those charged.

Call the Law Offices of John MacDonald NOW at 401-421-1440 or CONTACT US VIA EMAIL and Aggressive Legal Services will be able to tell you what we can do to protect and defend your rights.

Crimes and Charges Included in the Rhode Island's Domestic Violence Statutes include:

• Assault & Battery
• Kidnapping
• Child SnatchingSexual assault
• False imprisonment
• Harassment
• Stalking
• Disorderly Conduct
• Trespass
• Vandalism
• Homicide/Murder
• Violations of a Protective Order / Restraining Order / No Contact Order RONCO)
• Arson (proposed)
• Burglary (proposed)
• Damage to or obstruction of a telephone (proposed)
• Assault - RI Laws & Penalties

In addition to charges under the specific criminal acts above such as domestic assault, if you are found guilty of domestic violence in Rhode Island you will face other automatic penalties:

• First Offense:  you will be required to attend a batterer's intervention program, and face additional assessment fees.
• Second Offense: domestic violence conviction carries with it a minimum of 10 days in jail, and a maximum of up to 1 year.
• Third Offense: domestic violence conviction carries with it a minimum of 1-10 years in prison.

THE SOONER YOU ENGAGE AN ATTORNEY
THE BETTER YOUR CHANCES TO AVOID THESE PENALTIES!

Call the Law Offices of John MacDonald NOW at 401-421-1440 or CONTACT US VIA EMAIL and Aggressive Legal Services will be able to tell you what we can do to protect and defend your rights as your RI Domestic Violence Defense lawyers.

Results achieved by the attorneys of Aggressive Legal Services:

• Domestic Assault: Not guilty after jury trial.
• First Degree Sexual Assault: Not guilty after jury trial.

The Law Firm of John E. MacDonald, Esquire is ready to give YOUR domestic violence case the attention it deserves. Please CONTACT US today for a FREE consultation.