Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Rhode Island

Domestic violence has been a focus of Rhode Island legislators in recent years with the passing of the Domestic Violence Prevention Act.  Punishments have been significantly strengthened and prosecutors are taking domestic violence cases extremely seriously (and rightfully so).  This may be in part to the unfortunate frequency that we see domestic violence in the news, such as with Chris Brown and Rihanna, Oscar Pistorius, and most recently Ray Rice.  But what is “domestic violence” in Rhode Island and why do you need a Rhode Island domestic violence defense attorney?

In Rhode Island, domestic violence isn’t a crime standing alone.  Domestic violence is a term used for the enhancement of penalties for the underlying crimes when such crimes occur between household members.  Offenses that may qualify as “domestic” crimes include assault, disorderly conduct, cyberstalking, and trespassing.  After an arrest for domestic violence, Rhode Island judges will impose a no contact order between the defendant and the alleged victim.  Violation of a domestic no contact order is itself a separate crime and grounds for (another) arrest.  For any domestic violence conviction, RI requires the defendant to participate in batterer’s intervention, a 20 week program, at the defendant’s expense.

When faced with a charge domestic violence it is essential that a defendant be represented by an experienced Rhode Island criminal defense attorney.  Judges do not take these crimes lightly and defendants often face considerable jail time for such charges.  The attorneys at Robert E. Craven & Associates regularly defend domestic violence charges and are willing to meet with you today for a free consultation.