Legal Defenses to Criminal Charges in Rhode Island
Just because you've been charged doesn't mean you're guilty. At Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys, we defend people across Rhode Island using every available legal defense. Whether it's proving you didn't do it—or showing that your rights were violated—we fight to get your charges reduced or dismissed entirely.
Below are the top defenses to criminal charges in Rhode Island. Each one links to a deeper legal strategy. If you're facing felony or misdemeanor charges, understanding your possible defenses could be the key to winning your case.
✅ Actual Innocence
You didn't commit the crime.
We investigate from the ground up: alibis, surveillance video, phone records, witness statements. If you are innocent, we'll help the jury see it—clearly and powerfully.
🛡 Self-Defense
You have the right to protect yourself.
Rhode Island law allows you to use reasonable force to defend yourself or others. If you were attacked—or reasonably believed you were in danger—self-defense may be a complete defense.
📜 Fourth Amendment / Illegal Search or Seizure
Evidence obtained illegally can't be used against you.
If the police searched your home, car, or phone without a valid warrant or probable cause, we can challenge the evidence under the Fourth Amendment. A bad search = suppressed evidence = weaker case.
🙋 Consent
No crime was committed if the alleged victim consented.
In sex crime and assault cases, consent is often the difference between guilt and innocence. We investigate text messages, witness accounts, and context to prove your side of the story.
👁 Wrongful Identification
Mistaken identity is a leading cause of wrongful convictions.
We challenge unreliable eyewitnesses, poor lighting, suggestive lineups, and police pressure tactics. If you were misidentified, we'll prove it.
🧾 False Allegations
Sometimes people lie. And we expose those lies.
Whether it's to get custody, gain leverage in a divorce, or retaliate, false allegations can destroy lives. We uncover the motives and inconsistencies that reveal the truth.
❌ Mistake
Accidents happen. That doesn't make them crimes.
If you acted without criminal intent—or made an honest mistake—you may have a valid legal defense. This is especially powerful in property, drug, and theft cases.
🎙 False Confession / Miranda Violations
Your words can't be used against you if they were obtained illegally.
If police failed to read your rights—or pushed you to confess through intimidation—we move to suppress your statement. Many false confessions happen under pressure. We make sure that never leads to a conviction.
🎭 Motive to Lie
Why would someone make this up?
That's a question the jury needs answered. We look at bias, grudges, revenge, and external pressure. When someone lies to the police, we make sure the truth comes out in court.
🧠 Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
Mental illness can be a complete defense.
If you were legally insane at the time of the offense—unable to understand your actions or control your behavior—we work with forensic experts to present a full insanity defense under Rhode Island law.
🌍 Immigration-Safe Defense Strategies
Protect your freedom—and your future in the U.S.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, a criminal conviction can lead to deportation. We build defense strategies that consider immigration consequences, and when possible, negotiate outcomes that protect your legal status.
What Defense Applies to Your Case?
You may not know what your defense is yet. That's okay.
We'll figure it out—because we don't stop until we uncover every path to a not guilty verdict.
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📞 Get a Free Consultation
Call Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys at 401-854-7794 or contact us online to discuss your charges and build your defense.
We serve clients across Providence, Kent, Washington, and Newport Counties, and we fight to win.
